Gurudwara Bangla Sahib- Delhi

Address

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib- Baba Kharak Singh Rd, Hanuman Road Area, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001 Phone: 011 2371 2580

Diety

Guru Har Kishan

Introduction

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is one of the most prominent Sikh gurdwara, or Sikh house of worship, in Delhi, India, and known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan, as well as the holy pond inside its complex, known as the “Sarovar.” It was first built as a small shrine by Sikh General Sardar Baghel Singh in 1783, on the bungalow donated by king Raja Jai Singh of Amer, who supervised the construction of nine Sikh shrines in Delhi in the same year, during the reign of Mughal Emperor, Shah Alam II. It is situated near Connaught Place, New Delhi on Baba Kharak Singh Marg and it is instantly recognizable by its golden dome and tall flagpole, Nishan Sahib.

Puranic Significance

Gurdwara Bangla Sahib was originally a bungalow belonging to Raja Jai Singh, an Hindu Rajput ruler in the seventeenth century, and was known as Jaisinghpura Palace, in Jaisingh Pura, an historic neighborhood demolished to make way for the Connaught Place, shopping district. Since Guru Har Kishan stayed at Raja Jai Singh’s Banglow (pronouned “bangla” in hindi languagehindi and punjab) which has now been conve rted to a gurudwara, now the gurudwara is called the Bangla Sahib to memorialise Guru Har Rai’s stay here. The eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan resided here during his stay in Delhi in 1664. During that time, there was a smallpox and cholera epidemic, and Guru Har Krishan Ji helped the suffering by giving aid and fresh water from the well at this house. Soon he too contracted the illness and eventually died on 30 March 1664. A small tank was later constructed by Raja Jai Singh over the well; its water is now revered as having healing properties and is taken by Sikhs throughout the world back to their homes. The gurdwara and its Sarovar are now a place of great reverence for Sikhs, and a place for special congregation on birth anniversary of Guru Har Krishan.

Special Features

The grounds include the Gurudwara, a kitchen, a large (holy) pond, a school, and an art gallery. As with all Sikh Gurdwaras, the concept of langar is practised, and all people, regardless of race or religion may eat in the Gurdwara kitchen (langar hall). The complex also houses a higher secondary school, Baba Baghel Singh Museum, a library, and a hospital. The Gurudwara and the langar hall are now air-conditioned. A new “Yatri Niwas” (travellers hostel), and multi-level parking space have been constructed.