Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Delhi

Undoubtedly, the most eminent Sikh pilgrimage site in Delhi, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is one of the major parts of the city since a long time. Originally, Bangla Sahib was a bungalow which belonged to Raja Jai Singh - a 17th-century Indian ruler, and hence, the place was touted as Jaisinghpura Palace. If we go back to the history of this place, the gurdwara was also the residing place of the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan during his stay in Delhi in 1664. During that period, Guru Har Krishan was devoting his time towards a major chunk of people who were suffering from smallpox and cholera epidemic. He used to aid them and gave them the fresh water of the well built at his house, However, soon he too suffered from the illness and as a result of that, he died on March 30, 1664. After his death, on the top of the well, a tank was built by Raja Jai Singh which is now said to have medicinal properties. The small Sarovar at this gurdwara in Delhi has a huge religious reverence for pilgrims, especially Sikhs. It is said that a holy dip in the water of this Sarovar can wash-away all the sins of an individual. Similarly, it is believed that a dip can also remove all the skin-related problems.

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is reckoned amongst the most popular Sikh pilgrimage centres in India, and thus, witnesses thousands of devotees every day. Inside the complex of Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, there is a gurdwara, a school and art gallery, a small pond (Sarovar), a kitchen, and a large dining hall. At the dining hall, the non-stop langar is served to the devotees irrespective of their caste, religion and gender. Moreover, there is a tradition where one cover his/her head throughout the time period when he/she is in this Sikh temple in Delhi. Therefore, you can expect to be pointed out by anyone if you are not covering your head with a small cloth. Besides, the gurdwara complex also includes Baba Baghel Singh Museum, a higher secondary school along with a hospital and a library. Of late, the gurdwara has undergone a renovation work that brings the facility of multi-level parking and travellers hostel named Yatri Niwas and has also made langar hall fully air-conditioned. One of the most fascinating about this place is that people from Sikh community are mostly the ones who come up to be volunteers to either to serve food at langar hall or to wash dishes at the kitchen or to collect and take care of the shoes at the shoe-minding room.

History and Legend

There is a small legend associated with the Gurdwara Bangla Sahib. It goes like this, there was a time when Guru Har Krishan was asked to summon to the court of Aurangzeb - the Mughal emperor on the instigation of Ram Rai, the elder brother of Guru Har Krishan. However, Guru Har Krishan decided to visit Delhi. Meanwhile, the Sikh community of Delhi, assuring the safety of Guru Har Krishan, approached Raja Jai Strong - a strong believer of Sikh Gurus. Therefore, Raja Jai Singh ensured proper arrangements to receive Guru Har Krishan. During his stay in Delhi, he stayed at Jaisinghpura Palace which is now known as Bangla Sahib.

Location Address

Ashoka Road, Connaught Place, next to Grand Post Office, New Delhi 110001, India

Opening/Closing Timing

Gurdwara Bangla Sahib opens every day at 5 in the morning and closes at 12 in the midnight.

How to Reach?

Shivaji Stadium is the nearest metro station (290 m) from Gurdwara Bangla Sahib which lies on Delhi Airport Express Line of the Delhi Metro. However, Rajiv Chowk is another station which is located in the near proximity (1.1 km) to Gurdwara. The station lies on Yellow and Blue Line of Delhi Metro.

Best Time to Visit

Although, one can visit the place any time during a year, yet, the best time to visit Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is winter season. The winter season in Delhi starts in the month of October and lasts till February. Throughout these months, the temperature remains cool and pleasant explore the attractions.

Nearby Tourist Attractions

Since Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is located in the downtown of the capital city which is also a tourism centre of Delhi, thus, you can find a number of enthralling tourist attractions in its nearby.

• Hanuman Mandir
• Jantar Mantar Observatory
• India Gate
• Rashtrapati Bhawan
• Cathedral Church of the Redemption
• Jhandewalan Temple
• Karol Bagh Market
• Ramakrishna Mission
• Connaught Place