Gurdwara Bangla Sahib

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
Religion
Affiliation	Sikhism
Leadership	Sardar Bhagel Singh
Location
Location	New Delhi
Architecture
Style	Sikh architecture
Completed	1783
Website
Official website

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is the most prominent Sikh gurdwara, or Sikh house of worship, in Delhi, known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan, and the pond inside its complex, known as the "Sarovar", whose water is considered holy by Sikhs and is known as "Amrit". It was built by Sikh General, Sardar Bhagel Singh in 1783, 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 and is instantly recognisable by its stunning golden dome and tall flagpole, Nishan Sahib.

History

Night view of Gurdwara Bangla Sahib and the Sarovar.

Gurdwara Bangla Sahib was originally a bungalow belonging to Raja Jai Singh, an Indian ruler in the seventeenth century, and was known as Jaisinghpura Palace.

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 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 March 30, 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 pilgrimage for both Sikhs and Hindus, and a place for special congregation on birth anniversary of Guru Har Krishan and death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Overview

Sikh devotees at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib

The grounds include the temple, a kitchen, a large pond, a school and an art gallery. As with all Sikh Gurdwaras, the concept of langar is practiced, and all people, regardless of race or religion may eat in the Gurdwara kitchen (langar hall). The food is prepared by gurusikhs who work there or volunteers who like to help out. At the Gurdwara, visitors are reminded to cover their hair and not to wear shoes. Head scarves and a shoe-minding service can be found inside the compound and are available free of charge. Anyone can also volunteer to help keep the shoes in the shoe-minding room. The complex also houses a higher secondary school, Baba Baghel Singh Museum, a library and a hospital.

Gallery

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  Courtyard of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib New Delhi
• 
  Interiors of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
• 
  Front view of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
• 
  Details of the White marble entrance at the Gurudwara
• 
  The Sarovar at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi.
• 
  The corridor around the Sarovar at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi.
• 
  Gurdwara Bangla Sahib

External links

• Official website
• Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
• Location (Google Maps)