# Indian Sikh Temple – Gurdwara in Metro Manila > Indian Sikh Temple is a Sikh gurdwara in Metro Manila, Philippines, offering daily prayers, free Langar meals, and cultural events open to all faiths. # Indian Sikh Temple Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Indian Sikh Temple, also known locally as the Gurdwara Sahib in Metro Manila, is a Sikh place of worship and community center situated in the eastern metropolitan region of Manila, Philippines. Identified by coordinates placing it near the Marikina–Pasig corridor, the gurdwara serves as the spiritual and cultural heartland for the Sikh diaspora community residing in and around Metro Manila. As with all gurdwaras worldwide, the institution is founded on the core Sikh principles of Seva (selfless service), Sangat (holy congregation), and Pangat (communal dining), all of which are practiced with deep commitment by the resident community. The gurdwara houses the Guru Granth Sahib, the eternal living Guru of the Sikhs, in the main prayer hall known as the Darbar Sahib. Daily prayers including Nitnem — the recitation of sacred hymns — are performed each morning and evening, offering a continuous spiritual anchor for worshippers. The institution also serves as a central hub for life ceremonies such as Anand Karaj (Sikh wedding), Naam Karan (naming ceremony), and Antam Sanskar (funeral rites), making it indispensable to the life cycle of Filipino-Sikhs and Indian expatriates alike. Beyond its religious function, Indian Sikh Temple operates as a community welfare center. It provides free meals through the Langar (community kitchen), which operates on the egalitarian principle that all persons, regardless of caste, creed, religion, or nationality, are welcome to sit and eat together. This practice is believed to have made a meaningful social impact on the local neighborhood, providing nourishment to those in need. The gurdwara also hosts Punjabi language classes, Kirtan (devotional music) sessions, and celebrations of major Sikh festivals including Gurpurab (anniversaries of the Sikh Gurus), Vaisakhi, and Diwali. These events serve to preserve Sikh heritage and culture among younger generations growing up far from Punjab, the traditional homeland of the Sikh faith. Visitors of all faiths are warmly welcomed into the gurdwara, provided they observe the basic etiquette of covering their heads and removing footwear before entering the premises. The gurdwara stands as a symbol of openness, universal brotherhood, and the enduring Sikh spirit of service in the heart of the Philippines. ## Significance The Indian Sikh Temple holds profound spiritual and cultural significance for the Sikh community of the Philippines. For Sikhs living far from Punjab, the gurdwara represents far more than a place of worship — it is a living connection to their ancestral faith, language, and identity. The recitation of Gurbani (Guru's word) within its walls and the daily practice of Ardas (communal prayer) sustain spiritual well-being and a sense of belonging for expatriates and their families. Culturally, the gurdwara is the primary venue for preserving Punjabi language and traditions in the Philippines. The annual celebration of Vaisakhi, commemorating the founding of the Khalsa in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, is the most significant community event of the year, drawing Sikhs from across Metro Manila and neighboring provinces. Gurpurabs — celebrations marking the birth and martyrdom anniversaries of the ten Sikh Gurus — are observed with great devotion, featuring all-night Akhand Paath (continuous scripture reading), Kirtan, and Langar. The gurdwara also plays an interfaith role, welcoming Filipino neighbors, local officials, and members of other religious communities to its events. This inclusive approach has helped build bridges of understanding and respect between the Sikh community and the predominantly Catholic Filipino society, embodying the Sikh teaching of recognizing the divine light in all human beings. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ### Gurdwara Kartarsar Sahib Philippines 10 m away Open daily; the gurdwara is reported to ... Gurdwara Kartarsar Sahib is a Sikh place of worship located at 77 B Santa Ana Street, Barangay San Roque, Marikina City, in the National Capital Region of the Philippines. Situated in one of Metro Manila's most accessible eastern cities, this community gurdwara serves as a vital spiritual and social hub for the Sikh diaspora in the greater Manila area. The gurdwara's name is deeply evocative: 'Kartar' is a Punjabi word meaning the Creator (God), while 'sar' refers to a sacred pool or reservoir, invoking imagery associated with the holy Kartarpur, the town in present-day Pakistan where Guru Nanak Dev Ji — the founder of Sikhism — established his first permanent community and spent the final decades of his life. By naming their gurdwara Kartarsar Sahib, the Sikh community of Marikina pays homage to that foundational spiritual heritage, drawing a symbolic connection between their far-flung diaspora lives and the very birthplace of the Sikh way of life. The Philippines is home to approximately 17 gurdwaras, scattered across the archipelago wherever Punjabi Sikh communities have put down roots. Gurdwara Kartarsar Sahib stands among these as a community-type gurdwara, meaning it functions not only as a house of worship but also as a gathering place for cultural events, community celebrations, religious education, and the universally celebrated langar — the free communal kitchen that welcomes all visitors regardless of faith, caste, gender, or economic background. This commitment to feeding everyone who enters is one of Sikhism's most distinctive and beloved traditions, and at Kartarsar Sahib it manifests as warm Punjabi cooking served to local Filipino neighbors and fellow members of the diaspora alike. The gurdwara sits in Barangay San Roque, a neighborhood in Marikina City that has evolved from a forested colonial settlement into a busy urban locality. The area is well-connected by public transport, lying close to the LRT-2 Marikina–Pasig Station and several jeepney and bus routes, making it accessible to Sikhs and curious visitors traveling from across Metro Manila. Marikina itself is famous as the 'Shoe Capital of the Philippines,' a city known for its artisan footwear heritage, outdoor parks, and riverside scenery along the Marikina River. Visitors to Gurdwara Kartarsar Sahib are welcomed with the traditional Sikh hospitality rooted in the concept of seva, or selfless service. The gurdwara is staffed by dedicated volunteers who maintain the premises, prepare langar, and ensure that the Guru Granth Sahib Ji — the eternal living scripture of the Sikhs — is treated with the highest reverence. Non-Sikh visitors and tourists are warmly received; all that is asked is that they cover their heads, remove their shoes, and observe the quiet sanctity of the darbar sahib. The gurdwara's active Facebook presence and community engagement make it one of the more visible Sikh institutions in the Metro Manila area, regularly celebrating major Gurpurabs (commemorations of the Sikh Gurus) and festivals such as Baisakhi and Diwali. Historical ### Khalsa Diwan Temple Manila, Metro Manila, Unknown 12 km away Khalsa Diwan Temple is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Manila, Metro Manila, Unknown. It is situated in Unknown. As with all gurdwaras, Khalsa Diwan Temple welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. The gurdwara serves as a place of worship where the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of the Sikhs) is kept with great reverence. The community gathers here for daily prayers (Nitnem), Kirtan (devotional singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib), and Katha (religious discourse). The gurdwara operates a Langar (community kitchen) where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, gender, economic status, or ethnicity. This practice, established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and formalized by Guru Angad Dev Ji, embodies the Sikh principles of equality, sharing, and selfless service (Seva). Community ### Khalsa Diwan Indian Sikh Temple India 12 km away Open daily; prasadam served 7:00 AM – 9:... The Khalsa Diwan Indian Sikh Temple, locally known as the Khalsa Dewan Gurdwara, stands as a beacon of Sikh faith and South Asian heritage in the heart of Manila, Philippines. Located at 1350 United Nations Avenue in the Paco district of Metro Manila, this gurdwara holds the distinction of being the oldest Sikh place of worship in the Philippines and one of the oldest in Southeast Asia. Established in 1929 by a dedicated group of Punjabi migrants who had made Manila their home, the temple has grown far beyond its humble origins to become the spiritual and cultural heart of Manila's Indian community. Managed by Khalsa Diwan Inc.—the largest and oldest Indian organization in the Philippines—the gurdwara serves not only the resident Sikh population but welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds. On any given day, devotees, tourists, and curious visitors stream through its doors, drawn by the promise of spiritual solace and the warmth of Sikh hospitality. The temple is particularly renowned for its langar, the community kitchen that operates from early morning to late evening, providing free vegetarian meals to all who visit—a tradition central to Sikh values of equality and selfless service known as seva. The temple is nestled amid Manila's bustling urban landscape, close to major landmarks such as Rizal Park, the National Museum of the Philippines, and the historic walled city of Intramuros. Its modest yet graceful structure is distinguished by a well-maintained entrance garden that draws admiring glances from passersby on UN Avenue. Hundreds of members of the Metro Manila Sikh community gather here each week for prayers, kirtan (devotional singing), and community events. Beyond its religious functions, the Khalsa Diwan Temple serves as a living museum of the Indian-Filipino experience. The congregation reflects the broader story of Indian migration to the Philippines—from the Punjabi labourers and traders who arrived in the early twentieth century to the well-established businessmen and professionals who form today's community. Sikhs in Manila have been traditionally involved in finance, trade, and moneylending (locally known as the 'five-six' lending system), and the temple has been the social anchor holding this community together through decades of economic and political change. Visitors from across the Philippines and international tourists regularly visit the temple, particularly for significant Sikh observances such as Guru Nanak Gurpurab, Baisakhi, and the Parkash Utsav of the Guru Granth Sahib. The temple's open-door policy, free meals, and spirit of inclusive hospitality make it one of the most unique and welcoming religious sites in all of Manila, offering a rare window into the vibrancy and resilience of one of the city's most enduring immigrant communities. Historical ### Guru Nanak Sar Sat Sai Baba Temple Dasmariñas, Cavite, Unknown 36 km away Guru Nanak Sar Sat Sai Baba Temple is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Dasmariñas, Cavite, Unknown. It is situated in Unknown. As with all gurdwaras, Guru Nanak Sar Sat Sai Baba Temple welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. The gurdwara serves as a place of worship where the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of the Sikhs) is kept with great reverence. The community gathers here for daily prayers (Nitnem), Kirtan (devotional singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib), and Katha (religious discourse). The gurdwara operates a Langar (community kitchen) where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, gender, economic status, or ethnicity. This practice, established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and formalized by Guru Angad Dev Ji, embodies the Sikh principles of equality, sharing, and selfless service (Seva). Community ## Detailed History The Sikh presence in the Philippines dates back several decades, with Indian merchants, traders, and professionals gradually establishing a small but cohesive community in Metro Manila during the mid-to-late twentieth century. The Indian Sikh Temple is believed to have been established by pioneering Sikh families who migrated primarily from Punjab, India, seeking new economic and professional opportunities in Southeast Asia. In the early years, the community is believed to have held prayer gatherings in private homes and rented spaces, with volunteer Granthis (scripture readers) leading worship. As the community grew in number and stability, efforts were made to establish a permanent gurdwara. Local Sikh leaders and community elders are believed to have spearheaded a collective fundraising effort, receiving contributions from Sikhs across the Philippines as well as from diaspora networks in India, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The gurdwara is believed to have been formally inaugurated sometime in the latter half of the twentieth century, with the installation of the Guru Granth Sahib marking the official consecration of the building as a house of the Guru. Since its founding, the institution has undergone several phases of renovation and expansion to accommodate a growing congregation and to improve facilities for the Langar kitchen and community halls. Over the years, the gurdwara has hosted visits from Sikh religious scholars, Ragis (kirtan performers), and prominent figures from Sikh religious organizations including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). These visits have strengthened the connection of the Manila Sikh community with the broader global Panth (Sikh nation). The gurdwara has also served as a relief center during natural disasters, distributing food and aid to affected communities in the region, reflecting the Sikh tradition of Sarbat da Bhala — welfare for all. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Main Prayer Hall) Prayer Hall The central sanctum of the gurdwara where the Guru Granth Sahib is enshrined on the Takht (throne). The hall is carpeted and free of chairs, with all worshippers seated on the floor as equals before the Guru. ### Langar Hall Community Dining Hall A large hall adjacent to the main prayer building where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors. Equipped with an industrial kitchen managed by volunteer Sewadars. ### Nishan Sahib Flagpole Religious Marker A tall flagpole displaying the triangular saffron Nishan Sahib (Sikh flag) bearing the Khanda symbol. Serves as a visible identifier of the gurdwara from the surrounding area. ### Shoe Storehouse and Ablution Area Service Facility A covered area at the entrance for removing and storing footwear, along with handwashing and foot-washing facilities, in keeping with the tradition of entering the gurdwara in a state of cleanliness. ### Community and Education Rooms Multipurpose Facility Rooms believed to be used for Punjabi language classes, religious education, community meetings, and accommodation for visiting Granthis and pilgrims. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code All visitors must cover their heads (scarves or head coverings are provided at the entrance). Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is recommended. ### Photography Generally permitted in community and Langar areas with permission; photography inside the Darbar Sahib (main prayer hall) may require specific consent. Always ask before photographing. ### Etiquette Remove footwear before entering. Wash hands before entering the Langar hall. Do not bring tobacco, alcohol, or non-vegetarian food onto the premises. Maintain a respectful and quiet demeanor in the prayer hall. ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) Believed to seat 100–200 persons per sitting, with multiple sittings during major events. Seating Capacity ## Architecture The Indian Sikh Temple is believed to feature an architectural style that blends traditional Sikh design elements with practical adaptations suited to the tropical climate of the Philippines. The building is believed to be topped with a recognizable dome — characteristic of gurdwara architecture — along with a flagpole bearing the Nishan Sahib, the triangular saffron-colored Sikh flag, which serves as a visible marker of the Sikh presence in the community. The interior is organized around the central Darbar Sahib (main prayer hall), where the Guru Granth Sahib is enshrined on a raised platform called the Takht, draped in rich embroidered cloth. The hall is typically carpeted in white and is free of chairs, as all worshippers sit on the floor as equals before the Guru. Adjacent to the main hall is the Langar hall, a large communal dining area equipped with an industrial kitchen capable of preparing meals for hundreds of visitors. The complex is believed to also include a sarovar (sacred pool) or ablution facilities, accommodation for visiting pilgrims and Granthis, and classrooms used for Punjabi and religious education. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Main Prayer Hall) Prayer Hall The central sanctum of the gurdwara where the Guru Granth Sahib is enshrined on the Takht (throne). The hall is carpeted and free of chairs, with all worshippers seated on the floor as equals before the Guru. ### Langar Hall Community Dining Hall A large hall adjacent to the main prayer building where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors. Equipped with an industrial kitchen managed by volunteer Sewadars. ### Nishan Sahib Flagpole Religious Marker A tall flagpole displaying the triangular saffron Nishan Sahib (Sikh flag) bearing the Khanda symbol. Serves as a visible identifier of the gurdwara from the surrounding area. ### Shoe Storehouse and Ablution Area Service Facility A covered area at the entrance for removing and storing footwear, along with handwashing and foot-washing facilities, in keeping with the tradition of entering the gurdwara in a state of cleanliness. ### Community and Education Rooms Multipurpose Facility Rooms believed to be used for Punjabi language classes, religious education, community meetings, and accommodation for visiting Granthis and pilgrims. ## Events & Celebrations ### Religious Festival #### Vaisakhi Celebrations The most significant Sikh festival, commemorating the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699. Celebrated with Akhand Paath, Nagar Kirtan procession, extended Langar, and cultural programs. The event draws Sikhs from across the Philippines. #### Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas Sikhs celebrate Diwali as Bandi Chhor Divas, commemorating the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from imprisonment. The gurdwara is illuminated with lights and special prayers and Langar are held. ### Religious Observance #### Gurpurab – Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Parkash Utsav The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, celebrated with overnight scripture reading (Akhand Paath), Kirtan, and a large community Langar open to all. ### Religious Ceremony #### Akhand Paath Continuous uninterrupted reading of the entire Guru Granth Sahib over approximately 48 hours. Held on major Gurpurabs and for community members observing personal milestones. ### Cultural / Educational #### Punjabi Language and Kirtan Classes Regular classes for children and youth in Punjabi language, Gurmukhi script, and Kirtan (Sikh devotional music). Aimed at preserving Sikh heritage among the diaspora community in the Philippines. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Visitor Information Yes. Like all gurdwaras worldwide, Indian Sikh Temple warmly welcomes visitors of all faiths, nationalities, and backgrounds. The only requirements are covering your head and removing footwear before entering. No. Entry to the gurdwara is completely free, and the Langar (community meal) is provided at no cost to all visitors as an act of Seva (selfless service). ### Langar Langar is the communal meal served in every gurdwara. It is always vegetarian and is open to every person regardless of religion, caste, or nationality. Everyone sits together on the floor as equals. ### Events The gurdwara celebrates Vaisakhi (April), Gurpurabs (birth and martyrdom anniversaries of the Sikh Gurus), Diwali, and Hola Mohalla. These events typically feature extended Kirtan, Akhand Paath, and special Langar. ### Worship Yes. Prayer services are open to all. Visitors are welcome to sit quietly in the Darbar Sahib and experience Kirtan (devotional music) and Gurbani recitation. ### Transport The gurdwara is accessible via C-5 Road or Marcos Highway. From EDSA, take Ortigas Avenue eastward. Ride-hailing services like Grab are the most convenient option for visitors unfamiliar with local routes. ### Community Yes. Seva (volunteer service) is a core Sikh practice and visitors are welcome to assist in the Langar kitchen, dining hall, or other areas. Simply speak to a Sewadar (volunteer) upon arrival. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Indian Sikh Temple Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. Suggest an Edit