# Gurdwara Nanaksar Sahib Madrid - History, Timings & Visitor Guide | GurdwaraSahib.in > Gurdwara Nanaksar Sahib, Madrid's only Sikh temple in Villaverde Alto, founded 2008. Free langar every Sunday. Open to all visitors. # Gurdwara Nanaksar Sahib Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Gurdwara Nanaksar Sahib, located at Calle Ciudad de Frías, 25 in the Villaverde Alto district of Madrid, Spain, is the principal Sikh place of worship in the Spanish capital and one of twelve gurdwaras serving Spain's estimated 26,000-strong Sikh community. Situated in an industrial quarter of southern Madrid, this community-built gurdwara has served as a spiritual home for Sikhs living in and around the city since its inauguration on August 8, 2008. The gurdwara belongs to the Nanaksar tradition, a deeply devotional movement within Sikhism founded by Sant Baba Nand Singh Ji in the early twentieth century in Punjab, India. Nanaksar gurdwaras are distinguished by their exceptionally reverent treatment of the Guru Granth Sahib — the eternal Sikh scripture — and a strict adherence to vegetarianism, meditation, and spiritual discipline. Unlike most gurdwaras, Nanaksar institutions do not fly the Nishan Sahib (the Sikh flag), reflecting the movement's commitment to being purely spiritual and non-political. Gurdwara Nanaksar Sahib Madrid serves the approximately 400 Sikhs who call the Spanish capital home, along with visitors, curious locals, and members of the wider Indian diaspora. Each Sunday, well over a hundred worshippers gather for the combined experience of ardas (communal prayer), kirtan (devotional singing), and the celebrated langar — the free community meal that is the cornerstone of Sikh hospitality. The langar at Villaverde has become an institution in the neighbourhood, drawing not only Sikhs but also members of the multicultural local community, including Bangladeshi, African, Chinese, and Spanish residents, all welcomed without distinction. The gurdwara occupies a modest two-storey building nestled among the warehouses of an industrial zone close to the Villaverde Alto metro station — a setting that underscores the grassroots, community-built nature of this Sikh institution in Europe. The ground floor houses the Guru Ka Langar hall and kitchen, as well as accommodation for the resident Granthi (scripture reader) and sewadar (volunteer). The upper floor is home to the Darbar Sahib, the main prayer hall where the Guru Granth Sahib is reverently enshrined. Despite its modest exterior, the gurdwara radiates a warmth and spiritual energy that have made it a cherished gathering place. The resident Granthi leads daily prayers (nitnem) each morning and evening. Special celebrations are held for all major Sikh festivals including Gurpurab (the birthday anniversaries of the Sikh Gurus), Baisakhi, and Diwali. Gurdwara Nanaksar Sahib is more than a place of worship — it is a community centre, a cultural anchor, and a living demonstration of the Sikh principles of seva (selfless service), simran (divine remembrance), and sangat (holy congregation). For Sikhs in Madrid, it represents an enduring connection to the faith and heritage of Punjab, thousands of miles from home. ## Significance Gurdwara Nanaksar Sahib holds profound religious and cultural significance for Madrid's Sikh community as the only Sikh gurdwara in the Spanish capital. As a Nanaksar-tradition institution, it upholds a particularly reverential and devotional approach to Sikh worship. The Guru Granth Sahib is treated with extraordinary reverence in keeping with Nanaksar customs — placed upon a full-sized bed and covered with specially gifted ceremonial coverings (ramalas), rather than a simple stand. This deep veneration of the sacred scripture is a hallmark of the Nanaksar lineage, which traces its spiritual roots to Sant Baba Nand Singh Ji's reported visions of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. For the Sikh diaspora in Madrid, the gurdwara provides an irreplaceable sense of spiritual continuity and cultural identity. Sunday services and the communal langar function as weekly anchor points that bind the community together, allowing devotees to practice their faith, teach their children Punjabi language and Sikh values, and maintain a living connection to Punjab's rich spiritual heritage. The gurdwara also embodies the Sikh principle of sarbat da bhala — welfare of all — by opening its langar to people of every background, faith, and nationality without charge. This act of universal service has made the gurdwara a respected institution in the wider Villaverde community. As one of twelve gurdwaras in Spain, Gurdwara Nanaksar Sahib Madrid plays a vital role in maintaining the spiritual and social fabric of the Spanish Sikh diaspora, connecting approximately 400 local members with the global Sikh panth of over 30 million people worldwide. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ### Gurudwara Singh Sabha Spain 8.1 km away Open daily for morning and evening praye... Gurudwara Singh Sabha is a Sikh place of worship situated in the historic Centro district of Madrid, Spain, in the culturally vibrant Embajadores neighborhood near the Lavapiés area. The gurdwara serves as the spiritual and social nucleus of the Sikh community in Madrid, welcoming devout Sikhs and curious visitors of all faiths and backgrounds in the tradition central to Sikhism. Its name reflects a proud institutional heritage: 'Singh Sabha' denotes the reformist movement within Sikhism that arose in Punjab in the nineteenth century to uphold and revitalize Sikh identity, faith, and education. Gurdwaras worldwide bearing this designation carry forward that legacy of authenticity and community service. As with all gurdwaras, the institution embodies the five functions prescribed by Sikh tradition: providing a space for congregational worship (sangat), the reading and recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib (the eternal Sikh scripture), the preparation and distribution of free communal meals (langar), the offering of hospitality to travelers, and facilitating community education. Gurudwara Singh Sabha delivers all of these services to the local Sikh diaspora and to members of the wider Madrid community without distinction of faith, nationality, or background. The Darbar Sahib, or main prayer hall, is the heart of the gurdwara. Here, the Guru Granth Sahib is installed with the utmost reverence on a raised platform (takht) beneath a decorated canopy (palki), and daily prayers (Nitnem) are recited each morning and evening. Regular Gurbani kirtan sessions — devotional singing of hymns from the scripture — are open to all who wish to attend. Akhand Path ceremonies, the continuous uninterrupted reading of the entire Guru Granth Sahib over approximately forty-eight hours, are performed on significant festivals and occasions. The gurdwara plays a vital role in preserving Punjabi and Sikh cultural heritage among the diaspora in Spain. Religious and cultural education programs are conducted for children of the community, ensuring younger generations maintain their connection to the Sikh faith, the Punjabi language, and Sikh traditions. The institution also acts as a first point of contact for newly arrived Sikh migrants to Madrid, offering guidance, community support, and practical assistance in adapting to life in Spain. Located in central Madrid, Gurudwara Singh Sabha is easily accessible by public transport, with Tirso de Molina Metro Station on Line 1 situated approximately 120 meters away. Its central location makes it particularly accessible to Madrid's diverse resident and visiting population, and the gurdwara regularly receives visitors who wish to learn about Sikhism and experience the inclusive tradition of langar firsthand. Community ## Detailed History The story of Gurdwara Nanaksar Sahib Madrid is inseparable from the broader story of Sikh migration to Spain. Sikhs first arrived in Spain in notable numbers during the 1980s, drawn by the country's relaxed immigration policies and economic expansion following its entry into the European Union in 1986. Throughout the 1990s, as Spain underwent a construction boom and experienced acute labour shortages, Sikh workers from the Punjab region of India settled across the country, finding employment in agriculture, construction, tourism, and manufacturing. Communities gradually took root in Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, Bilbao, and Madrid. For many years, the Sikhs of Madrid had no permanent gurdwara of their own. The community — which then numbered only a dozen families — observed Sikh practices in makeshift spaces and private homes, all while harbouring a collective dream of establishing a proper place of worship in the capital. This vision required significant financial commitment, and community leaders undertook determined fundraising efforts, persuading members of the broader Indian diaspora in Madrid to contribute towards the project. Their efforts came to fruition on August 8, 2008, when Gurdwara Nanaksar Sahib was formally inaugurated in a rented industrial premises in Villaverde Alto, Madrid. The name "Nanaksar" places this gurdwara within the spiritual lineage of Sant Baba Nand Singh Ji (c. 1869–1943), a revered Sikh mystic from Kaleran village near Jagraon, Punjab. Sant Nand Singh Ji founded the Nanaksar movement after experiencing profound spiritual visions of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, dedicating his life to intense meditation, service, and the veneration of the Guru Granth Sahib. In 1927, Sant Ishar Singh Ji joined him and eventually became his spiritual successor, helping expand the Nanaksar movement across Punjab and, in time, to the Sikh diaspora worldwide. Today, Nanaksar-affiliated gurdwaras can be found across India, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and continental Europe. Since its 2008 inauguration, the Madrid gurdwara has grown steadily. The Sikh community in the capital has expanded to approximately 400 members, including a number of Spanish converts to Sikhism. The gurdwara has become an established fixture of Villaverde's multicultural landscape and has attracted significant media attention, including a 2023 feature in the Spanish newspaper El Español describing it as "the gateway to India" in the neighbourhood. Throughout its existence, the institution has served not only the Sikh community but also residents of all backgrounds, embodying the timeless Sikh principle of universal brotherhood through its open-door langar and daily worship. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Main Prayer Hall) prayer_hall Located on the upper floor of the gurdwara building, the Darbar Sahib is the central sanctum where the Guru Granth Sahib is enshrined. In keeping with Nanaksar tradition, the holy scripture is placed on a full-sized ceremonial bed adorned with elaborate ramalas (coverings), signifying extraordinary reverence. ### Guru Ka Langar Hall langar_hall Situated on the ground floor, the Langar Hall is a spacious dining area where free vegetarian meals are prepared and served daily, with the largest congregation gathering every Sunday. The hall reflects the Sikh value of equality, with all visitors seated together regardless of background. ### Community Kitchen langar_hall Adjacent to the Langar Hall on the ground floor, the fully equipped community kitchen is operated by volunteer sewadars who prepare fresh vegetarian meals for the langar. It is the engine of the gurdwara's charitable food service. ### Granthi and Sewadar Accommodation prayer_hall The ground floor also provides residential accommodation for the resident Granthi (the scripture reader who leads daily prayers) and the sewadar (full-time volunteer), ensuring the gurdwara can maintain continuous daily services. ### Entrance and Shoe Room (Joota Ghar) entrance The entrance area includes a designated space for removing and storing shoes, as is customary in all gurdwaras. Head coverings are available for visitors who arrive without one, ensuring everyone can enter respectfully. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head covering required (scarves/bandanas available at the entrance); remove shoes before entering; modest and respectful clothing advised ### Photography Photography may be permitted in common areas; always seek permission before photographing the Darbar Sahib or the Guru Granth Sahib ### Etiquette Bow before the Guru Granth Sahib upon entering; sit cross-legged on the floor of the Darbar Sahib; do not turn your back to the Guru Granth Sahib; alcohol, tobacco, and meat are strictly prohibited on the premises; observe silence and reverence in the prayer hall ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) Over 100 devotees typically served each Sunday; capacity increases significantly during festivals and Gurpurabs Seating Capacity ## Architecture Gurdwara Nanaksar Sahib occupies a repurposed two-storey industrial building in the Villaverde Alto district of Madrid — a practical and community-driven approach to establishing a sacred space within a dense urban landscape. The building's exterior is functional rather than ornate, adapted to serve the spiritual and community needs of the congregation in the context of a European city. The ground floor comprises the Guru Ka Langar hall — a spacious dining area capable of accommodating the large Sunday congregations — along with a fully equipped community kitchen where volunteers prepare the daily vegetarian meals. Accommodation for the resident Granthi and sewadar is also provided on this level. The upper floor houses the Darbar Sahib, the central prayer hall where the Guru Granth Sahib is enthroned with exceptional honour. In keeping with Nanaksar tradition, the scripture rests on a full-sized ceremonial bed adorned with elaborate ramalas (ornamental coverings), a practice that distinguishes Nanaksar gurdwaras from others. The interior is decorated with traditional Sikh iconography including images of the Sikh Gurus and calligraphy from the Gurbani (sacred scriptures). Despite the absence of a traditional golden dome or ornate facade common to many larger gurdwaras in India, the space conveys a sincere and meditative atmosphere of devotion fully consistent with the Nanaksar tradition's emphasis on inner spirituality over outward display. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Main Prayer Hall) prayer_hall Located on the upper floor of the gurdwara building, the Darbar Sahib is the central sanctum where the Guru Granth Sahib is enshrined. In keeping with Nanaksar tradition, the holy scripture is placed on a full-sized ceremonial bed adorned with elaborate ramalas (coverings), signifying extraordinary reverence. ### Guru Ka Langar Hall langar_hall Situated on the ground floor, the Langar Hall is a spacious dining area where free vegetarian meals are prepared and served daily, with the largest congregation gathering every Sunday. The hall reflects the Sikh value of equality, with all visitors seated together regardless of background. ### Community Kitchen langar_hall Adjacent to the Langar Hall on the ground floor, the fully equipped community kitchen is operated by volunteer sewadars who prepare fresh vegetarian meals for the langar. It is the engine of the gurdwara's charitable food service. ### Granthi and Sewadar Accommodation prayer_hall The ground floor also provides residential accommodation for the resident Granthi (the scripture reader who leads daily prayers) and the sewadar (full-time volunteer), ensuring the gurdwara can maintain continuous daily services. ### Entrance and Shoe Room (Joota Ghar) entrance The entrance area includes a designated space for removing and storing shoes, as is customary in all gurdwaras. Head coverings are available for visitors who arrive without one, ensuring everyone can enter respectfully. ## Events & Celebrations ### gurpurab #### Guru Nanak Gurpurab Celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, typically in November. A two-day Akhand Path (continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib) precedes the main celebrations, followed by kirtan, ardas, and a large special langar open to all. ### festival #### Baisakhi Celebrated on April 13 or 14, Baisakhi commemorates the founding of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699. The gurdwara observes this festival with special prayers, kirtan, and an extended langar for the community. #### Diwali / Bandi Chhor Divas Observed in October or November, this festival marks the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from imprisonment in 1619. The gurdwara hosts special evening prayers, kirtan, and community celebrations. #### Hola Mohalla Observed the day after Holi, Hola Mohalla is a Sikh festival instituted by Guru Gobind Singh Ji featuring martial arts displays, music, and poetry. The gurdwara marks the occasion with special prayers and kirtan. ### weekly #### Weekly Sunday Congregation Every Sunday, more than a hundred Sikh devotees gather at the gurdwara for collective prayers, kirtan (devotional singing), and the community langar. This weekly gathering is the heartbeat of Madrid's Sikh community and is open to people of all backgrounds. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### visiting Gurdwara Nanaksar Sahib conducts daily prayers (nitnem) in the morning and evening. The main congregation takes place every Sunday when langar (free community meal) is also served. For exact prayer times, contact the gurdwara at +34 632 10 61 44 or email info@nanaksarmadrid.com. Yes. Langar is served every Sunday and on major Sikh festival days, attracting over 100 devotees. The langar is free and open to everyone regardless of religion, nationality, or background. Special langars with extended hours are prepared for Gurpurabs and other major celebrations. Yes, entry is completely free, as is the tradition for all gurdwaras worldwide. The langar (community meal) is also offered free of charge to all visitors. All visitors must cover their head before entering — scarves or bandanas are usually available at the entrance. Shoes must be removed before entering the premises. Modest and respectful clothing is advised. Alcohol, tobacco, and meat are prohibited on the gurdwara grounds. ### history Gurdwara Nanaksar Sahib was inaugurated on August 8, 2008, by Madrid's small but determined Sikh community. It is affiliated with the Nanaksar tradition, a devotional movement within Sikhism founded by Sant Baba Nand Singh Ji (c. 1869–1943) in Punjab, India. The gurdwara is the only Sikh place of worship in Madrid and has served the city's approximately 400 Sikhs ever since. The Nanaksar tradition is a devotional movement within Sikhism founded by Sant Baba Nand Singh Ji (c. 1869–1943) from Kaleran village near Jagraon, Punjab. It emphasises deep reverence for the Guru Granth Sahib (which is placed on a full-sized bed rather than a stand), strict vegetarianism, meditative devotion, and spiritual discipline. Nanaksar gurdwaras are also notable for not flying the Nishan Sahib flag, reflecting a non-political stance. ### transport The gurdwara is located at Calle Ciudad de Frías, 25 (Nave 6), 28021 Madrid (Villaverde Alto). By metro: take Line 3 (Yellow Line) to Villaverde Alto station. By car: take Highway A-42 (exit 9B) or M-45 (exit 7). From the airport, take Metro Line 8 to Nuevos Ministerios, transfer to Line 6, then Line 3 to Villaverde Alto. 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