GURUDWARA BANGLA SAHIB

No matter what religious belief you follow, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib in Delhi is a must-visit place for you. It is one of the most famous Sikh Gurdwaras in the city as well as in the country. It is known for its association with eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan Singh. Built as a small shrine by Sikh General Sardar Baghel Singh in 1783, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is situated on Baba Kharak Singh Marg in Connaught Place, New Delhi. Its golden dome and a large flagpole called Nishan Sahib make you recognize the place from a distance too.

It is interesting to note that Gurudwara Bangla Sahib was originally a bungalow,  that belonged to Raja Jai Singh and was known as Jaisingh Pura palace. It is believed that Guru Har Krishan Singh used to reside in the bungalow during his stay in Delhi in 1664.

There was smallpox and cholera epidemic that spread in the city. He served sufferers with aid and water from a small well within the house. Later, he caught the diseases himself and died on 30th March 1664. Raja Jai Singh constructed a small tank on that well, which exists even today.

It is believed that the water of that tank has healing properties and people carry it with them all over the world. The gurudwara campus also houses a hospital, a library and a higher secondary school and Baba Baghel Singh Museum.

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 Langar (food) is prepared by gursikhs who work there and also by volunteers who like to help out. At the Gurdwara, visitors are requested to cover their hair and not to wear shoes. Assistance to foreigners and visitors with Guides, head scarves, and shoe-minding service can be found inside the compound and are available free of charge. Anyone can volunteer to help keep the shoes in the shoe-minding room, and cleaning the precincts of the Gurudwara.

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.