by The Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, of 17th century AD, is located in New Delhi, India. This is one of the holiest places of worship of Sikhs. The Gurudwara is visited by devotees following the faith of Sikhism from India and abroad.
This place is also a prominent tourist attraction, visited by Indians and foreigners, belonging to all religion and faith. The Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is famous for its history, beautiful architecture, religious ceremonies of Sikhs and also for providing humanitarian services to people in need.
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib History:
The Gurudwara Bangla Sahib was initially a bungalow in Delhi, belonged to a king named Raja Jai Singh. King Maharaja Jai Singh was a ruler in 17th century CE, under the Indian Mughal dynasty, and his capital was at Jaipur in the state of Rajasthan.
There was a widespread of smallpox disease during 17th century, which had engulfed the larger population of Delhi. The eighth Guru of Sikhism, Guru Harkrishan Singh, in his young age, was requested to visit and heal the people of Delhi.
Consequently, the Guru “the spiritual guide” came to Delhi and stayed at the bungalow of Jai Singh. The Guru helped the ailing people providing aid and water (water with special properties of healing) from a well located near bungalow.
- Also read the facts about Qutub Minaret -a tourist should know, a world heritage site in Delhi.
The people of Delhi belonging to all different religions and faiths attended the Guru and began to recover from the smallpox. But, unfortunately, Guru got infected with smallpox and died on 30 March, 1664, while treating and healing the people. He died at a tender age of just before reaching his 8th years of life.
Following this incident, and due to the stay of the Guru in Delhi in the bungalow, the same was donated to Sikh community by Raja Jai Singh in 1664 AD. Later on, in 1783, the bungalow was renovated and converted into a small shrine by a Sikh General named Baghel Singh. With the passage of time, more additional structures were added to the building. At present, it is one of the beautiful Gurdwaras with grand and lovely view.
Gurdwara Complex:
Spreading on a few acres of land, the complex of Gurdwara Bangla Sahib contains the main building of Gurudwara (main prayer building), a large pond of holy water (sarovar) and a tall flagpole (Nishan Sahib). Apart from this, the complex also houses a large modern kitchen with a big hall to feed people .
The main prayer hall is a beautiful building with big domes polished with gold on top. The beautiful arch of the Gurdwara along with the domes on top of the building, a typical Sikh architecture, reminds us the architecture of Islamic mosque.
- Also read about Jama Masjid of Delhi.
Who was Guru Har Krishan Singh Ji:
Guru Harkrishan Singh was the eighth Guru or “Eighth Master” of Sikh religion. Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak Dev Maharaj in 15th century AD, being the first Guru.
The original name of Guru Har Krishan Singh was Krishan Singh Sodhi. He was born on 7 July 1656 AD, in Rupnagar district of Punjab, India. Link of official Website of Gurdwara Management….
The mother of Guru Har Krishan was Mata Sulakhni, and the father, Guru Har Raj Ji was the seventh Guru of Sikhs. Guru Har Krishan or Guru Hari Krishan Sahib became the youngest Guru at the age of 5, on 7 October, 1661. Hence, the Guru is known as the Bal Guru (Child Guru). The Bal Guru died on 30 March, 1664 aged 8 years, due to infection of smallpox in Delhi, while healing to others.
Religious ceremonies inside Gurdwara:
The Gurdwara Bangla Sahib do not contain any statue or idol of god or goddesses, since Sikhs do not believe in statue or idol worship. Sikhism is a monotheist religion like Islam, believing in one God “Waheguru” (the wondrous enlightener). Sikhs believe that there is only one God, who created everything.
The religious scriptures of Sikhism known as “Guru Granth Sahib” and “Adi Granth”, has been placed in the heart of prayer hall of Gurudwara Bangla Saheb. The holy book is covered with beautifully crafted clothes and a devotee keeps on fanning manually with great respect at a regular intervals. The prayers are also performed from time to time. Devotees including men, women, elders and children, sitting on the carpet floor in the prayer hall, listen to the soothing live music and recitals from Holy Scriptures (Gurbani).
As you exit from the prayer hall, the lovely view of a huge pond provides a feeling of peace in open space. There was a well in past during Guru Har Krishan’s period before the pond. Later on, a tank was constructed over the well by Raja Jai Singh. At present, there exists a much enlarged pond. The water of holy pond, even today, is revered as having healing properties. The water of the same is taken by Sikhs throughout the world back to their homes.
Not far away from the exit gate of Gurudwara complex, “kada Prashad” (offered sweet dessert) is served to devotees and visitors near flagpole. The sweet dessert is revered and eaten with great respect.
Lungar (revered community dining):
The most wonderful part of Gurudwara is the tradition of feeding people (lungar) or community food. Unlimited food is served to people (as much as they could eat) without discriminating the caste, religion, region or gender. Thousands of people eat lunch and dinner (only vegetarian) sitting on carpet, cooked and served daily with love. Mostly, the poor and hungry people come to eat food here. It is really a great service to humanity.
To manage such a big and challenging job to feed thousands of people daily, a huge amount of money and material is required. And it is surprising to note, that this entire fund comes from community’s and individual’s donations voluntarily. The major fund comes in the form of cash and in kind as well, contributed mostly by Sikhs business man, farmers, employees, and commons.
Even the services like cooking food, serving food and cleaning utensils in Bangla Sahib Gurdwara are performed by Sikhs (rich and commons) known as “Karseva” (service through work). This is in the very spirit of Sikhism to serve humanity and human being.
Health Services at Gurudwara Bangla Saheb:
The latest and wonderful addition to the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib premises’ is the setting up of a health center in the year 2021. The center provides health care and related services for needy and poor people. The hospital is equipped with latest and modern technology and equipment. The doctors and the diagnostic facility with free medicine services are major reason of high appreciation.
A Sikh is rightly called as “Sardar” (the head or a respected one) due to their unique turban and services to humanity.
Visiting Gurdwara:
A visit to a sacred place like Gurudwara Bangla Sahib as a tourist with friends, family or alone, should must be included in your tour list in Delhi. It provides an opportunity to acquire knowledge and a better understanding of the ceremonies, services, religion and tradition of Sikhs.
Before entering to the shrine, do not forget to remove your shoes and sandals. Cover your head hiding the hair with scarf provided there. There are volunteers to guide you while visiting Gurdwara, please follow their instructions.
- Also read the facts about Birla or Laxminarayan Temple in Delhi.
Photography is not allowed inside the prayer hall.
Address:
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, Baba Kharak Singh Road, Near Connaught Place, New Delhi, Pin Code-110001, India.
Timing:
Gurdwara Bangla Saheb opens all the days and nights of the year, without any holidays.
The best time to visit Gurdwara Bangla Sahib: 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM.
Parking space (multi-level) is available for vehicles near the Gurdwara Bangla Saheb ji.
