Gurdwara Bangla Sahib Delhi

About Gurdwara Bangla Sahib

One of the most important historical and sacred pilgrimage destinations of the Sikh comunity, Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is the ‘Haveli’ or palace, where Guru Hari Krishan, the eighth Sikh Guru stayed during his tour to Delhi in 1664.A magnificent and spacious bungalow in Delhi owned by Raja Jai Singh Amber (Jaipur) who commanded great respect and honour in the court of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb now enjoys the status of a holy shrine called Gurdwara Bangla Sahib.

Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is an important historical and religious place in India. Dedicated to the eighth Sikh Guru, Sri Harkishen Sahib, it is situated near Connaught Place Market in New Delhi. Its main hall is kept simple, except for the open central shrine, covered by a small golden dome sporting a sculpted bronze cupola.Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is one of the most revered places of worship in Delhi. Its gold-plated dome and white facade tower above Bangla Sahib Road effortlessly.

On holidays this place is packed with people of all castes, creed and religion. The Gurdwara is the erstwhile Delhi home of Raja Jai Singh of Jaipur where Guru Harkishan Dev Singh stayed for a while when he came to meet Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1664.Legend says that Raja Jai Singh’s chief queen was greatly impressed by the spiritual powers of the child prophet, Guru Hari Krishan. It is said that during his stay in Delhi, diseases like small pox and cholera had broken out in the city.

The Guru served the poor and the needy, irrespective of caste, creed and religion. Fortunately both Raja Jai Singh and his son Raja Ram Singh were in Delhi at that time. When approached by Sikhs for help, they agreed to assist them in their predicament. The Rajput chief took over the responsibility of persuading Guru Harkrishan to come to Delhi and also gained assurance from the Emperor that as long as he (the Emperor) was not satisfied about the succession issue, Guru Harkrishan would stay with him in his bungalow as guest.

The Gurdwara Bangla Sahib complex includes a higher secondary school for girls, Baba Baghel Singh Museum, an art gallery, a bookstall, a library, a hospital and the holy pond. Its main hall is kept simple, except for the open central shrine, covered by a small golden dome sporting a sculpted bronze cupola. Devotional music is relayed throughout the complex continuously. Beneath this dome are the silk sheets, spread out and covered with flowers. According to the legend related to this Gurdwara, the seat of Guru Sahib was disputed and Ram Rai, brother of Harkishen, sought the help of Aurungzeb.

Aurungzeb called Guru Harkishen to Delhi, where he was entertained royally by Mirza Raja Jai Singh in his own palace, along with Diwan Dargah Mull, Bhai Gurditta Ji, Bhai Mati Das Ji and the mother of the Guruji. Later, this fabulous mansion was converted into a Gurdwara in the memory of the Guru Sahib and was called as Gurdwara Bangla Sahib.

The Art Gallery located in the basement of the Gurdwara is also very popular with visitors. They evince keen interest in the paintings depicting historical events connected with Sikh history. It is named after the Sikh General Sardar Bhagel Singh who supervised the construction of nine Sikh shrines in Delhi in 1783 during the time of Shah Alam II. Both men and women must keep their heads covered as a sign of respect for Guru Harkishan. You can buy the famous ‘Kada Prasad’ to distribute amongst your family and friends.

Special Event or Annual Event

Music and song are considered to be one of the special ways in Sikhism to gain union with God. Music and song are considered to be one of the special ways in Sikhism to connect the human soul with the God.The singing of ‘gurbani’, holy songs and reading from their holy book marks the festivals of Sikhs.Several occasions and festivals are celebrated in the Gurudwara with great enthusiasm and zeal.

The best time to experience the festivity is during the birthdays of all their 10 gurus (religious teachers) and especially that of Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh.The birth of Guru Hari Krishan Sahib is celebrated with great pomp and show. Baisakhi and Bandi Chhor Divas (Diwali) are other festivals when the celebration is at its peak among the community.

The committee celebrates the birthday as well as the death anniversary of Guru Sri Harkrishnan Sahib with great respect. Besides, the other major festivals celebrated are the birthdays of all their 10 gurus (especially that of Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh), Baisakhi and Bandi Chhor Divas (Diwali).The Sikh tradition of Sangat and Pangat are followed with great zeal. While the Sangat means religious discourses, Pangat is a community kitchen known as Guru ka Langar. It provides food to all devotees, pilgrims and visitors.

Nearby Restaurants to Eat

Hotel Le Meridien, Imperial Hotel, Hotel Inter-Continental, Parikrama Revolving restaurant, Gaylord, El Rodeo, Bercos, Zen restaurant, Delhi Darbar, Nizam’s Kathi Kebabs and Standard Restaurant. For snacks and fast foods: Bengali Market (sweets and chat), Kake da hotel (Indian food), Wengers, Mc Donalds, Pizza Hut, Domino’s Pizza, Nirula’s, Ruby Tuesday, Sona Rupa, Starbeans, Barista, Café Coffee Day and innumerable roadside foodstalls.And also many more eating places near the Gurdwara Bangla Sahib Delhi.

Shopping Venues Near Gurdwara Bangla Sahib

Connaught Place offers everything from jewelry, books, art, leather goods and a wide choice of Indian and international clothes stores. Central Cottage Industries Emporium has Indian handicrafts and curios. Baba Kharak Singh Marg houses the emporia of all the states of India, dedicated to each state’s unique art and craft created by traditional and skilled artisans. Janpath offers clothes, low priced gifts and souvenirs and Palika Bazaar offers a wide range of electronic items.

General Fact about Gurdwara Bangla Sahib

Location:½ Kilometer from Connaught Place or Circus, near Gol Dak Khana, New Delhi, south of Baba Kharak Singh Marg.
Dedicated to: The 8th Sikh Guru, Guru Hari Krishan Sahib
Time to Visit: Open on all days
Preferred Timings:2.30 pm-9.30 pm.
Day Closed:Open on all days
Admission Fee: Free and open to all.
Photography Charges:nil, permission required from the Gurdwara authorities
Nearest Railway Station:New Delhi Railway Station
Nearest Metro Station:Central Secretariat
Nearest International Airport:Indira Gandhi International Airport
Time required for sightseeing:1 hour
Famous As :Sikh pilgrimage center
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Rashtrapati Bhawan, India Gate, Jantar Mantar, Lakshmi Narayan temple and Hanuman Mandir
Historically Significance: Sikh Pilgrimage India Guide
Do’s and Don’t: Sikhs and Non-Sikhs both are expected to wear proper clothes befitting the dignity of the Gurudwara. Women and men must cover their head before entering the Gurudwara Premises.

Gurdwara Bangla Sahib Delhi