Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib Delhi

On the glitz and glamouring streets of Chandni Chowk, there is located one of the most popular Sikh pilgrimage centres in Delhi - Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib. The gurdwara was constructed in the year 1783 by Baghel Singh to pay the honour to the martyrdom site of Guru Tegh Bahadur - the ninth Sikh Guru. This historical site in Delhi built at the same spot where Guru Tegh Bahadur was decapitated on edicts of Aurangzeb - the great Mughal Emperor. However, the present building of this popular gurdwara in Delhi was built in the year 1930. Inside the complex of the gurdwara, there is a preserved tree where Guru Teg Bahadur was beheaded which now holds a sacred significance. Along with that, a well is also preserved where he used to drink the water during his prison time.

Every day, thousands of devotees visit this place to commemorate guru. Besides, the gurdwara vicinity also includes a prayer hall which is a two-storey structure accompanied with glass chandeliers and high ceiling. Along with that, the holy book of Guru Granth Sahib is also kept at the front. In the prayer hall, one can listen to the reciting of holy texts and the bhajan kirtans. Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib also has a separate dedicated building for langar where food is served to devotees without a halt. There are numerous things that set this place apart from other sacred sites in Delhi; of those, one is that the gurdwara signifies the love and unity amongst people of the society irrespective of the race, religion and gender. Moreover, the Sikh gurus inside the gurdwara are also very much helpful and kind to the people.

Spacious Structure

Gurdwara Sis Ganj boasts a Mughal architectural design with pavilions, mesh-work windows and sandstone parapets. Before 1930, the place was serving as both gurdwara and mosque because of the sensitive political issues. However, after 1930, it wholly converted into gurdwara with domes covered with gold. The complex of this popular Sikh pilgrimage in Delhi consists of a large free kitchen hall where the non-stop langar is served to devotees. Besides, there is also a facility of accommodation for visitors as well as homeless people. Along with that, the gurdwara compound also has an ancient tree trunk and a well that have a connection with Guru Teg Bahadur. The two-tier prayer hall is the main attraction of Gurdwara Sis Ganj. This prayer hall is adorned with glass chandelier and high ceiling.

History and Legend

Gurdwara Sis Ganj was built to pay reverence to the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Teg Bahadur. In 1675, Guru Teg Bahadur was beheaded at the place where presently the gurdwara is situated on the orders of the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb. During his reigning period, Aurangzeb espoused a stern conduct of Islam and was extremely against other religions. As a result of this, he even forced many Hindus to change themselves into Islam. Not just this, he also maltreated the people from the community of Kashmiri Pandit. In anguish, Kashmiri Pandits went to Guru Teg Bahadur in order to seek their help. In the defence of Kashmiri Pandit, Guru Teg Bahadur told Aurangzeb that they would only accept Islam only if he himself would have him converted.

On hearing that, Aurangzeb immediately captured Guru Teg Bahadur and his disciples into prison in Delhi. On given a choice to either accept Islam or to die, Guru Teg Bahadur said he would never relinquish his religion. The consequence of refusing to accept Islam resulted in the deaths of his disciples along with Guru Teg Bahadur himself. Bhai Mati Das was the first disciple to be tortured to death; he was cut alive into two pieces. Following this, Bhai Dayala was put alive into the boiling water, whereas, the Bhai Sati Das burnt alive. Guru Teg Bahadur was also beheaded by the soldiers of Aurangzeb. The place where the guru died is the land on which Gurdwara Sis Ganj is standing.

Location Address

Gurdwara Sis Ganj, Chandni Chowk Road, Kucha Chelan, Maliwara Tiraha Bazar, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi - 110006.

Opening/Closing Timings

Although Gurdwara Sis Ganj remains open for the entire day, however, for pilgrimage, the timings are from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

How to Reach?

The nearest metro station to Gurdwara Sis Ganj is Chandni Chowk which lies on Yellow Line of Delhi Metro. From the station, the gurdwara is located at a distance of 1 km which is walking distance.

Best Time to Visit?

Although the gurdwara remains open for the whole year, and hence, one can visit at any time during a year. But, keeping weather conditions into consideration, the best time to visit Gurdwara Sis Ganj is winter time which starts from October and ends in February.

Nearby Tourist Attractions

Gurdwara Sis Ganj is located in the downtown of Chandni Chowk, and hence, a number of enthralling attractions can also be visited from here.

• Red Fort (Lal Quila)
• Jama Masjid
• Chawri Bazar
• Chandni Chowk Market
• Archaeological Museum
• National Gandhi Museum
• Khari Baoli Market
• Nicholson Cemetery
• Mahatma Gandhi Park
• St. Stephen’s Church
• Salimgarh Fort
• St. James’ Church