# Sikh Temple Gurudwara Singh Sabha - History, Timings & Visitor Guide | GurdwaraSahib.in > Gurdwara Singh Sabha in Raszyn, Warsaw — the only Sikh temple in Eastern Europe. Visitor guide, history, langar timings & transport info. ![Sikh Temple Gurudwara Singh Sabha](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/thumb.php?f=Singh%20Saba%20Gurudwara%20in%20Poland%20-%20photo%201.jpg&w=1200) Historical regional # Sikh Temple Gurudwara Singh Sabha Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Sikh Temple Gurudwara Singh Sabha, officially known as Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, is the only Sikh place of worship in Eastern Europe, located at Ul. Na Skraju 56 in Raszyn, a quiet suburb on the southwestern edge of Warsaw, Poland. Situated near the coordinates 52.1620304, 20.9334099, this unassuming yet profoundly significant institution serves as the spiritual heart and community anchor for Poland's approximately 700 Sikhs, as well as the city's larger Sindhi population of around 1,200 individuals, many of whom share reverence for the Guru Granth Sahib and the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The gurdwara occupies a two-storey orange-painted house with a courtyard and an attached langar hall, a modest but welcoming structure that belies its enormous religious and humanitarian importance. Every Sunday, the temple draws approximately 400 visitors for congregational prayers, kirtan recitations, and the communal meal known as langar, which is served free of charge to all who enter, regardless of faith, nationality, or social background. The gurdwara is managed under the banner of the Singh Sabha organization, which is affiliated with the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) of India. Religious teachers and ragis (devotional singers) are regularly invited from India to lead spiritual sessions and maintain the high standard of Gurbani recitation. Beyond its daily religious functions, Gurdwara Singh Sabha has earned international recognition for its extraordinary humanitarian work. During the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, the temple opened its doors to over 300 refugees of multiple nationalities — including Indian, Pakistani, Nigerian, Nepali, and Ukrainian — providing food, shelter, and emotional support. Union Minister General V.K. Singh (retd.) personally visited the gurdwara in March 2022 to meet the 80 Indian students being sheltered there, underscoring the facility's role as a beacon of the Sikh principle of seva (selfless service). For Sikhs visiting Poland or Eastern Europe, this gurdwara is the definitive place of worship. For non-Sikh visitors curious about the faith, it offers a rare and genuine window into Sikh culture, spirituality, and the tradition of unconditional hospitality that defines every gurdwara around the world. ## Significance Gurdwara Singh Sabha in Warsaw carries a significance that far exceeds its modest physical footprint. As the sole Sikh shrine in Eastern Europe, it functions not merely as a place of prayer but as the cultural, social, and spiritual lifeline for Sikhs spread across Poland and the wider region. Sikhs from neighboring countries who have no gurdwara in their own nations make the journey to Warsaw to reconnect with their faith, participate in Ardas (communal prayer), and receive the blessings of the Guru Granth Sahib — the living scripture and eternal Guru of the Sikhs. The gurdwara embodies the core tenets of Sikhism as laid down by the ten Sikh Gurus, from Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469–1539) to Guru Gobind Singh Ji (1666–1708). The Guru Granth Sahib, installed with full reverence in the Darbar Sahib (main prayer hall), is treated as the living Guru, and all ceremonies — from Nitnem (daily prayers) to Akhand Path (continuous recitation of the scripture) — are conducted in accordance with the Sikh Rehat Maryada (code of conduct). The gurdwara also serves as a powerful unifying force, bringing together not only the Sikh community but also the approximately 1,200 Sindhi residents of Warsaw who follow the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Together, Sikhs and Sindhis celebrate major festivals such as Baisakhi and Guru Nanak Gurpurab, reinforcing bonds of shared devotion. The institution's response to the 2022 Ukraine crisis demonstrated Sikhism's universal humanitarian ethic — that a gurdwara's doors are open to all, irrespective of religion, nationality, or ethnicity. This principle of langar and seva has made the gurdwara a symbol of compassion recognized by the Polish government and international media alike. ## Detailed History The story of Gurdwara Singh Sabha in Warsaw is inseparable from the broader narrative of Indian migration to Poland. Indians began arriving in Poland in the late 1980s and early 1990s, drawn by the economic transformation that followed Poland's shift to a free-market economy in 1989. Among these immigrants were Sikh families, primarily businesspeople and traders, who gradually formed a small but cohesive community in Warsaw. In the years following their settlement, the Sikh community organized itself under the banner of the Singh Sabha organization. For approximately three years before receiving formal recognition, the community held religious ceremonies in a rented house in the Warsaw suburb of Raszyn. This informal arrangement, while functional, reflected the community's determination to preserve its religious identity far from its homeland in Punjab, India. A turning point came when Polish authorities granted official approval for the registration of the gurdwara as a formal religious institution — believed to be around the late 2000s, making it the first and, to date, only officially registered Sikh religious institution in Eastern Europe. J.J. Singh, the Chief Administrative Officer of Singh Sabha and one of the most prominent members of the Indian community in Poland (also serving as president of the Indo-Polish Chamber of Commerce and Industries), was instrumental in spearheading this recognition. Indian Ambassador Chandra Mohan Bhandari described the approval as 'a positive step to strengthen Indo-Polish relations.' The establishment of the gurdwara marked a milestone not just for Poland's Sikhs but for the entire region. Following formal recognition, the Singh Sabha began bringing religious teachers and devotional singers from India's Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) to lead ceremonies and train the local community. Polish authorities also granted Sikhs the right to wear turbans and carry kirpans (ceremonial daggers), respecting their religious identity under Polish law. In more recent years, the gurdwara has continued to evolve. Its finest hour arguably came during the February 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, when it opened its premises to over 300 displaced persons from multiple countries, cementing its reputation as a humanitarian institution that embodies the Sikh values of seva and sarbat da bhala (the well-being of all). ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Main Prayer Hall) prayer_hall The central sanctum of the gurdwara, located on the ground floor of the two-storey building, where the Guru Granth Sahib is enthroned under a Palki Sahib (ceremonial canopy). Visitors sit on carpeted floors for kirtan and prayers. This is the spiritual core of the institution and the focus of all congregational worship. ### Langar Hall langar_hall A dedicated hall attached to the main building where the communal free kitchen operates. Vegetarian meals are prepared and served here to all visitors after Sunday prayers and during festivals. During the 2022 Ukraine crisis, this space was extended to feed hundreds of refugees daily, exemplifying the Sikh principle of selfless service. ### Entrance Foyer and Shoe Storage entrance The entrance area where visitors remove their footwear before entering the sacred spaces, and where head coverings (scarves) are made available. This transitional space prepares visitors for the spiritual environment within and reflects the Sikh practice of humility and equality. ### Courtyard prayer_hall An open courtyard surrounding the main building that serves as a gathering space for larger community events, festivals, and overflow during major gurpurabs. During the Ukraine refugee crisis, the courtyard area was also used to accommodate displaced persons seeking shelter and food. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head covering is mandatory (scarves provided at entrance); shoes must be removed before entering the prayer hall; modest, clean clothing recommended ### Photography Not confirmed; always seek permission before photographing inside the Darbar Sahib ### Etiquette Bow before the Guru Granth Sahib upon entering the Darbar Sahib; sit on the floor in the prayer hall; men and women may sit separately; do not turn your back to the Guru Granth Sahib; tobacco and alcohol are strictly prohibited on the premises ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) The langar hall can accommodate the regular Sunday congregation of approximately 400 visitors; capacity is expanded during major festivals Seating Capacity ## Architecture Gurdwara Singh Sabha in Raszyn, Warsaw, occupies a converted two-storey residential property that has been thoughtfully adapted for Sikh worship. The building is painted in a distinctive orange hue and sits within a private courtyard that provides a buffer from the surrounding suburban streets, giving visitors a sense of arrival and spiritual transition upon entering. The ground floor houses the Darbar Sahib — the main prayer hall where the Guru Granth Sahib is enshrined and where congregational worship, kirtan, and Ardas take place. The hall is carpeted in the Sikh tradition, requiring all visitors to remove footwear and cover their heads before entering. A canopy (Palki Sahib) adorns the installation of the holy scripture. An addition to the main building serves as the langar hall, where free communal meals are prepared and served daily. This dedicated space reflects the Sikh principle that the langar is as sacred as the prayer hall itself. The courtyard provides outdoor gathering space for larger events and festivals. While the structure lacks the grand domes and ornate marble inlays of large heritage gurdwaras in India, its simplicity is in keeping with the Singh Sabha tradition of accessible, community-centered worship. Plans were announced by community leaders to construct a purpose-built, architecturally distinctive gurdwara in the future, funded by contributions from Sikhs across Europe. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Main Prayer Hall) prayer_hall The central sanctum of the gurdwara, located on the ground floor of the two-storey building, where the Guru Granth Sahib is enthroned under a Palki Sahib (ceremonial canopy). Visitors sit on carpeted floors for kirtan and prayers. This is the spiritual core of the institution and the focus of all congregational worship. ### Langar Hall langar_hall A dedicated hall attached to the main building where the communal free kitchen operates. Vegetarian meals are prepared and served here to all visitors after Sunday prayers and during festivals. During the 2022 Ukraine crisis, this space was extended to feed hundreds of refugees daily, exemplifying the Sikh principle of selfless service. ### Entrance Foyer and Shoe Storage entrance The entrance area where visitors remove their footwear before entering the sacred spaces, and where head coverings (scarves) are made available. This transitional space prepares visitors for the spiritual environment within and reflects the Sikh practice of humility and equality. ### Courtyard prayer_hall An open courtyard surrounding the main building that serves as a gathering space for larger community events, festivals, and overflow during major gurpurabs. During the Ukraine refugee crisis, the courtyard area was also used to accommodate displaced persons seeking shelter and food. ## Events & Celebrations ### gurpurab #### Guru Nanak Gurpurab The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, is the most widely celebrated event at the gurdwara. It typically falls in October or November and is marked by Akhand Path (48-hour continuous recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib), kirtan, Nagar Kirtan processions, and extended langar service. Both the Sikh and Sindhi communities of Warsaw participate together. #### Baisakhi Celebrated on April 13 or 14 each year, Baisakhi commemorates the founding of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699. It is one of the most joyous occasions at the Warsaw gurdwara, bringing together Sikhs and Sindhis in common celebration with kirtan, prayers, and a special langar feast. #### Guru Gobind Singh Gurpurab The birth anniversary of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, is observed with special prayers, kirtan, and langar. It falls in December or January according to the Nanakshahi calendar and is a significant occasion for the community in Warsaw. ### festival #### Diwali / Bandi Chhor Divas Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas (the Day of Liberation) on the same day as Diwali, commemorating Guru Hargobind Ji's release from Gwalior Fort. The Warsaw gurdwara marks this occasion with evening prayers, illuminations, and langar. ### weekly #### Sunday Diwan The weekly Sunday congregational service is the heartbeat of the gurdwara's community life. Approximately 400 visitors attend each Sunday for Gurbani kirtan, Ardas, Hukamnama (the day's divine decree from the Guru Granth Sahib), and langar. Religious teachers and ragis from India's SGPC are periodically invited to lead these sessions. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### visiting The gurdwara is open daily for prayers and langar. The main weekly congregation is held on Sundays and typically draws around 400 visitors. Precise daily opening hours are not publicly listed; it is recommended to contact the gurdwara at +48 22 868 4541 before visiting. Special extended timings apply during major Sikh festivals such as Baisakhi and Guru Nanak Gurpurab. Yes. Langar — the free communal vegetarian meal served to all visitors regardless of religion, nationality, or background — is a central tradition at this gurdwara. It is served after Sunday prayers and on all major festival days. During the 2022 Ukraine crisis, the gurdwara extended its langar to feed hundreds of refugees daily, demonstrating the universal and unconditional nature of this Sikh tradition. All visitors must cover their head before entering the Darbar Sahib (prayer hall) — scarves are typically provided at the entrance for those without a head covering. Shoes must be removed before entering. Modest, clean clothing is expected. Tobacco and alcohol are strictly prohibited anywhere on the gurdwara premises. Absolutely. All gurdwaras, including Gurudwara Singh Sabha in Warsaw, are open to people of all faiths and backgrounds. Visitors simply need to cover their head, remove their shoes, and behave respectfully. Non-Sikh visitors are warmly welcomed to attend prayers, experience kirtan (devotional music), and partake in langar. ### history The gurdwara was established by the Singh Sabha community organization, led by J.J. Singh, following the immigration of Indian Sikhs to Poland from the late 1980s onwards. For approximately three years, the community operated from a rented house in Raszyn before receiving official registration from Polish authorities as a formal religious institution — believed to be in the late 2000s. It is the first and only officially registered Sikh gurdwara in Eastern Europe. Yes. Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Raszyn, Warsaw, is widely recognized as the only Sikh shrine in Eastern Europe. It serves not only Poland's approximately 700 Sikhs but also the approximately 1,200 Sindhis in Warsaw who follow Sikh teachings, and Sikh visitors from across the region. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha opened its doors to over 300 refugees of multiple nationalities — including Indian, Pakistani, Nigerian, Nepali, and Ukrainian citizens. The gurdwara provided food, shelter, and support, embodying the Sikh principle of seva (selfless service). Union Minister General V.K. Singh (retd.) visited in March 2022 to meet the 80 Indian students sheltered there. ### transport The gurdwara is located at Ul. Na Skraju 56, Raszyn, a suburb southwest of Warsaw. By car from central Warsaw, take the S8 or S2 expressway south — approximately 15–20 minutes. From Warsaw Chopin Airport, the gurdwara is approximately 9–10 km (15–20 minutes by taxi). Public buses including routes 706 and 124 connect Raszyn to central Warsaw. Taxis and ride-hailing apps (Uber, Bolt) are widely available. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Sikh Temple Gurudwara Singh Sabha Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. Suggest an Edit