Bangla Sahib

Early morning prayer Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, New Delhi: Tired of hovering in crowded shopping malls of the city, I along with few of my friends decided to visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Connaught place, Delhi.Iit was very peaceful experience, the whole place is very soothing and complete tonic to tired minds,
must visit if you get chance to visit this peace ful place.

Early Morning Bangla Sahib Gurudwara : Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, the biggest gurudwara in Delhi was at one time the bungalow of Raja Jai Singh Amber of Jaipur. In 1664, the eighth Sikh Guru Harkishan Dev resided here during his visit to Delhi. The Samovar situated in the compound is believed to be blessed by the guru and hence, it is held sacred by the sikhs. The gurudwara also has an art gallery and a hospital is situated in the building.

Corridor of Gurudwara early in the morning:

Religious relevance, One of the most auspicious religious places for Sikhs, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is located along
Baba Khadag Singh Marg in Central Delhi area.This Gurdwara is associated with the Eighth Guru, Shri Guru Harkishan Sahib Ji. Guru Sahib was summoned by the Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb, on the complaint of his elder brother, Ram Rai. After first refusing to come to Delhi, the young Guru decided on the visit when Raja Jai Singh offered to take care of his security.

The Legend The legend has it that the Guru blessed the water of a pond situated nearby as it received the virtues of curing people suffering from dreaded diseases like cholera and small pox. The tank exists even today, continues to be worshipped by the Sikhs. Also located within Gurudwara premises, is a magnificent museum-Baba Baghel Sing Museum.On reaching Delhi, the Guru stayed at the bungalow of Raja Jai Singh, the present site of the Gurdwara. However, he steadfastly refused to meet Aurangzeb. During this time, a cholera and smallpox epidemic swept Delhi. Without heed to his health, Guru Harkrishen went about serving the poor and the needy. As if he took over the sickness of the people of Delhi on himself, he contracted smallpox and breathed his last in March, 1664.

Reverence Hindus and Sikhs pay their respect to the memory of Guru Harkrishan, nominated as successor by the seventh Guru, Sri Har Rai. He passed away on October 6, 1661 A.D. When only a little over five year old, he had been tried and tested as a perfect fearless and fully illuminated soul.

About Gurudwara Management Committee Gurudwara Management Committee runs a hospital in the basement of the Gurudwara building. Besides, the Khalsa Girls School is located in the adjoining building. A tank 225 x 235 ft. with 18 ft. wide Parikarma and 12 ft wide varandah along its three sides has been constructed entirely with people's contribution and voluntary labour.

The Art Gallery The Art Gallery located in the basement of the Gurdwara is also very popular with visitors. They evince keen interest in the paintings depicting historical events connected with Sikh history. It is named after the Sikh General Sardar Bhagel Singh who supervised the construction of nine Sikh shrines in Delhi in 1783 during the time of Shah Alam II.

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GURUWDARA SIS GANJ

Built on the site where the Mughals beheaded Sikh Guru Tegh Bahadur in 1675, Gurdwara Sis Ganj commemorates the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur. It is situated in the Chandni Chowk area of Old Delhi. According to the legend, Guru Tegh Bahadur was beheaded by Mughal emperor, Auranzeb, as he refused to convert to Islam. On his death, no one dared to pick up his body. Suddenly, sky became clouded, followed by a heavy downpour. Then, two of his brave disciples fled with his head and body. The head of the Guru was taken to Chakk Nanaki in Anandpur Sahib, while the body was taken to Rakab Ganj Gurudwara.

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RAKAB GANJ GURUDWARA

Gurdwara Rakab Ganj was built in 1732 by Lakhi Banjara, the devotee who performed the last rites of the martyred Guru Teg Bahadur. It is located on the Pant Road in New Delhi, facing the Parliament House. An interesting legend is attached to Gurdwara Rakab Ganj. It is said that Guruji were executed on the orders of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, for not converting to Islam. After he was beheaded, Lakhi Singh escaped with the body of Guruji to his home & cremated the body and later set fire to the house to remove any evidences. When the fire extinguished, he put the holy ashes in an urn and buried it on that site itself.

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GURUDWARA BANGLA SAHIB

Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is an important historical and religious place in India. Dedicated to the eighth Sikh Guru, Sri Harkishen Sahib, it is situated near Connaught Place Market in New Delhi. Its main hall is kept simple, except for the open central shrine, covered by a small golden dome sporting a sculpted bronze cupola. Devotional music is relayed throughout the complex continuously. There is a higher secondary school, Baba Baghel Singh Museum, a library and a hospital in the Gurdwara complex. Holy water of Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, known as 'Amrit, is said to have miraculous powers of curing the sick. Before entering the shrine, the devotees take a holy dip in the holy pond, known as 'sarovar'. The birth of Guru Sri Harkrishan Sahib and death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singhji is celebrated here every year. 'Langar' or Community Kitchen Hall is organized on the east side of the complex. Here, free food is served to all the devotees, without any distinction of caste, creed or status. One can visit the main complex bare-footed only, covering one's head and wearing conservative clothes, covering legs and shoulders. According to the legend related to this Gurdwara, the seat of Guru Sahib was disputed and Ram Rai, brother of Harkishen, sought the help of Aurungzeb. Aurungzeb called Guru Harkishen to Delhi, where he was entertained royally by Mirza Raja Jai Singh in his own palace, along with Diwan Dargah Mull, Bhai Gurditta Ji, Bhai Mati Das Ji and the mother of the Guruji. Later, this fabulous mansion was converted into a Gurdwara in the memory of the Guru Sahib and was called as Gurdwara Bangla Sahib. This shrine has also had the honor of hosting sixth Guru Sri Hargobind Sahib, on his arrival in Delhi.

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