# Gurdwara Badi Sangat Varanasi - History, Timings & Visitor Guide | GurdwaraSahib.in > Gurdwara Badi Sangat Varanasi: historic Tap Asthan of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, housing 17 Hukamnamas & sacred Baoli Ganga Pargat well. Open 6AM–10PM. # Gurdwara Badi Sangat Varanasi Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Gurdwara Badi Sangat, formally known as Gurdwara Bari Sangat Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur, is one of the most historically revered Sikh shrines in the ancient city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. Situated at CK 58/2, Bulanala Maidagin Road in the Nichibag area of Govindpura — opposite the Sri Aas Bhairav Mandir — this sacred gurdwara is widely regarded as the oldest and most important Sikh congregation (sangat) in Benaras, a distinction affirmed by the remarkable collection of historical hukamnamas and priceless relics preserved within its walls. The name 'Badi' meaning 'great' or 'large' distinguishes it from the nearby Gurdwara Choti Sangat, and the gurdwara more than lives up to its name in terms of spiritual and historical significance. The shrine commemorates the extended visit of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru, who came to Varanasi in 1666 CE during his spiritual tours of eastern India. The Guru stayed at the home of a devout Sikh named Bhai Kalyan Mall — the very site on which the gurdwara now stands — where he spent several months in meditation, spiritual discourse, and communion with the local Sikh sangat. This stay transformed the site into one of the holiest locations associated with the ninth Guru's inner spiritual journey. What truly distinguishes Gurdwara Badi Sangat from many Sikh shrines is the presence of two extraordinary sacred features within its main congregation hall. The Tap Asthan is an intimate meditation chamber preserved as it was when Guru Tegh Bahadur practiced solitary tapasya (deep meditation and austerity) here — 'tap' referring to the practice of austere spiritual discipline. Adjacent to it is the Baoli Ganga Pargat, a narrow sacred well believed to have miraculously sprung forth with holy Ganges water through the Guru's divine blessing. This well is preserved to this day inside the main hall, and its water is revered by pilgrims and used for drinking. The gurdwara also safeguards an irreplaceable treasury of sacred relics: 17 original Hukamnamas (formal decrees addressed by Sikh Gurus to the Varanasi sangat), two Cholas (robes) worn by Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, a pair of shoes belonging to the ninth Guru, and a pair of shoes belonging to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who also visited this site in 1670 while traveling from Patna to Lakhnaur. These artifacts make Gurdwara Badi Sangat not merely a place of worship but a living museum of Sikh heritage. Every year, Sikh pilgrims from across India and the diaspora travel to this gurdwara, particularly during the Gurpurab and Martyrdom Day (Shaheedi Diwas) of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Its location in Varanasi — the spiritual capital of Hinduism and one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities — places this gurdwara at a unique confluence of India's diverse sacred traditions, embodying the Sikh ideal of universal reverence and peaceful coexistence. The gurdwara welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds, offering langar (free community meals) and a space for reflection and prayer. ## Significance Gurdwara Badi Sangat holds exceptional religious and cultural significance within Sikhism. As a designated Tap Asthan — a sacred site of austere meditation associated with Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru — it occupies a uniquely revered place in the Sikh pilgrimage landscape. The Guru's stay here in 1666 and his months of deep spiritual practice elevate this site well beyond a place of ordinary historical association; it is considered a site where the Guru's divine presence continues to resonate. The gurdwara's collection of 17 Hukamnamas, written directly by Sikh Gurus to the Varanasi sangat, is among the most compelling testimonies of any gurdwara in India. Very few Sikh congregations can claim such a direct, documented connection with multiple Gurus across generations. The preserved shoes and Cholas (robes) of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and the shoes of Guru Gobind Singh Ji rank among the most treasured sacred relics in the Sikh tradition, drawing reverence from pilgrims who travel great distances to have darshan of these sacred objects. The presence of the Baoli Ganga Pargat — a sacred well believed to contain miraculously appearing Ganges water — gives this gurdwara a particularly unique spiritual character, representing the blessing and transformative power of the Guru. Drinking this water is considered an act of spiritual merit. Guru Tegh Bahadur's subsequent martyrdom in 1675 CE in Delhi, where he sacrificed his life to protect the religious freedom of Kashmiri Pandits and uphold the principle of universal human dignity, adds profound depth to every site associated with him. For Sikhs worldwide, this gurdwara is a place to connect with the Guru's qualities of courage, compassion, and meditative strength. It is a major pilgrimage destination, especially during Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurpurab and his Shaheedi Diwas (Martyrdom Day). ## Nearby Gurdwaras ### Gurudwara Sri Guru Nanak Dev Gurubagh Varanasi, India 1.7 km away Gurudwara Sri Guru Nanak Dev Gurubagh is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in India. It is situated in India, the birthplace of Sikhism and home to the largest Sikh population in the world. As with all gurdwaras, Gurudwara Sri Guru Nanak Dev Gurubagh welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. The gurdwara serves as a place of worship where the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of the Sikhs) is kept with great reverence. The community gathers here for daily prayers (Nitnem), Kirtan (devotional singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib), and Katha (religious discourse). The gurdwara operates a Langar (community kitchen) where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, gender, economic status, or ethnicity. This practice, established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and formalized by Guru Angad Dev Ji, embodies the Sikh principles of equality, sharing, and selfless service (Seva). Community ### Gurdwara Sahib Varanasi, India 5.9 km away Gurdwara Sahib is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in India. It is situated in India, the birthplace of Sikhism and home to the largest Sikh population in the world. As with all gurdwaras, Gurdwara Sahib welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. The gurdwara serves as a place of worship where the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of the Sikhs) is kept with great reverence. The community gathers here for daily prayers (Nitnem), Kirtan (devotional singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib), and Katha (religious discourse). The gurdwara operates a Langar (community kitchen) where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, gender, economic status, or ethnicity. This practice, established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and formalized by Guru Angad Dev Ji, embodies the Sikh principles of equality, sharing, and selfless service (Seva). Community ### Old Gurudwara India 33 km away Open daily from approximately 4:00 AM to... Old Gurudwara is a community Sikh place of worship situated in the historically rich region of Uttar Pradesh, India, near the sacred Ganga corridor at coordinates 25.0213422°N, 83.0278224°E. As one of the oldest Sikh religious establishments in the area, it serves as a spiritual anchor for the local Sikh community and welcomes devotees and visitors of all faiths without distinction. The gurdwara operates in accordance with the core tenets of Sikhism as established by the ten Gurus, offering daily congregational prayers (Diwan), kirtan (devotional singing), and the recitation of Gurbani from the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the eternal living Guru of the Sikhs. The gurdwara functions as much more than a house of worship — it is a community institution providing langar (free community kitchen), religious education, and social support to those in need regardless of caste, creed, or religion. Located in a region of Uttar Pradesh with deep historical ties to India's composite spiritual heritage, Old Gurudwara stands as a testament to the Sikh principle of Sarbat da Bhala — the well-being of all humanity. The gurdwara is managed by a local committee of sewadars (volunteers) who maintain the premises, organise religious programmes, and ensure the smooth running of the langar. Daily nitnem (prayers) are observed at dawn and dusk, and the Akhand Path (unbroken reading of the entire Guru Granth Sahib) is held on special occasions and Gurpurabs (anniversaries of the Sikh Gurus). The complex is believed to include a main prayer hall (Darbar Sahib), a langar hall, accommodation facilities for visiting pilgrims, and a sarovar (sacred pool) or ablution facilities. The broader region surrounding the gurdwara has been a crossroads of Indian civilisation for millennia, lying close to the sacred city of Varanasi and the ancient Buddhist site of Sarnath. Sikh Gurus, particularly Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, are known to have travelled extensively through this part of the Gangetic plain, spreading the message of Ik Onkar — the oneness of God. Old Gurudwara is believed to have been established in memory of or inspired by these sacred journeys, serving as a beacon of the Sikh faith in eastern Uttar Pradesh. Community ## Detailed History The history of Gurdwara Badi Sangat is inseparable from the spiritual journeys of the Sikh Gurus and the deep-rooted Sikh community presence in Varanasi. The story begins in 1666 CE when Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru, arrived in Varanasi during an extensive tour of eastern India. The Guru was received by Bhai Javehari Mall, who served as the local masand (congregation minister and representative of the Guru), and was given hospitality at the home of a devout Sikh named Bhai Kalyan Mall in the Nichi Bagh neighborhood of the city. The Guru is said to have remained in Varanasi for several months, engaging in deep meditation, conducting kirtan (devotional singing), and nurturing the local Sikh sangat. During his stay in the Tap Asthan — the small meditation chamber he used for solitary contemplation — a legendary event is said to have occurred: a spring of holy Ganges water miraculously gushed forth, creating the sacred well now known as Baoli Ganga Pargat. This miraculous event became central to the spiritual identity of the site and remains one of its most venerated features to this day. The site gained further religious significance when Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru — then a young child known as Sahibzada Gobind Das — visited in 1670 while traveling with his family from Patna (his birthplace) to Lakhnaur in Haryana. Later, in 1708, Guru Gobind Singh and Emperor Bahadur Shah are also said to have stopped at this sanctuary while traveling south, further cementing the gurdwara's place in Sikh history. For generations following the Gurus' visits, the Varanasi sangat maintained this site as a place of worship and preserved the sacred relics and hukamnamas. The collection of 17 Hukamnamas — formal written edicts and letters from Sikh Gurus addressed to the Benaras sangat — serves as documentary evidence of the unbroken spiritual connection between this community and the Sikh Gurus over decades. The first formal gurdwara building on this site was constructed in 1854 under the royal patronage of Maharaja Narinder Singh of Patiala (1824–1862), a devout Sikh ruler known for his generous support of Sikh religious institutions across India. His patronage cemented the gurdwara's official institutional status. The present three-story structure was built in the 1950s as a modern replacement for the 19th-century building, while carefully preserving the Tap Asthan and the Baoli Ganga Pargat within the congregation hall. Today, Gurdwara Badi Sangat stands as the oldest and most historically significant Sikh congregation in Varanasi, its walls bearing silent witness to nearly four centuries of Sikh devotion in this holy city. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Main Congregation Hall) prayer_hall The main congregation hall on the ground floor features a spacious, high-ceilinged rectangular layout. The Guru Granth Sahib is installed here and kirtan (devotional music) and prayers are conducted daily. The hall is surrounded by a wide gallery with storage cupboards for pilgrims and can accommodate a large congregation. ### Tap Asthan (Meditation Chamber) prayer_hall A small, sacred enclosed room integrated within the main congregation hall, marking the exact spot where Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji sat in solitary meditation and tapasya (spiritual austerity) during his visit in 1666. It is one of the most revered spaces in the gurdwara and a focal point of pilgrimage. ### Baoli Ganga Pargat (Sacred Well) museum A narrow sacred well preserved within the congregation hall, believed to have miraculously appeared with holy Ganges water through the divine blessing of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. The well has been maintained for centuries and its water is available for drinking by devotees. ### Hukamnama Treasury (Office) museum The gurdwara's administrative office on the upper floors houses the 17 original Hukamnamas — formal written decrees and letters from Sikh Gurus addressed to the Varanasi sangat — along with other sacred relics including the shoes and Cholas of the Sikh Gurus. These are among the most historically significant Sikh artifacts in eastern India. ### Langar Hall langar_hall The langar hall provides free community meals to all visitors daily, upholding the Sikh tradition of equality and seva. The kitchen and dining facilities are managed by the gurdwara's seva volunteers and can accommodate the local Sikh community and visiting pilgrims throughout the day. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head covering required (scarves available at entrance), shoes must be removed before entering, modest and respectful clothing recommended ### Photography Respectful photography generally permitted in outer areas; avoid photography during active prayers (ardas) without permission ### Etiquette Cover your head at all times inside the gurdwara; remove footwear at the entrance; refrain from smoking, alcohol, and non-vegetarian food on the premises; wash hands before entering the langar hall; maintain silence and decorum in the Darbar Sahib and Tap Asthan ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) Exact capacity not publicly documented; serves the local Sikh community and visiting pilgrims throughout the day Seating Capacity ## Architecture The present structure of Gurdwara Badi Sangat is a three-story building constructed in the 1950s, replacing the earlier building built under the patronage of Maharaja Narinder Singh of Patiala in 1854. The architectural style blends traditional Sikh design sensibilities with the construction vernacular of mid-20th century North India. The ground floor features a spacious, high-ceilinged rectangular Darbar Sahib (congregation hall) that forms the spiritual heart of the complex. The hall is surrounded by a wide gallery with cupboards provided for pilgrims to store their belongings. Integrated seamlessly within this congregation hall are two of the gurdwara's most sacred spaces: the Tap Asthan, a small enclosed meditation chamber preserved from the time of Guru Tegh Bahadur's residence, and the Baoli Ganga Pargat, a narrow sacred well set within the floor of the hall. Upper floors house administrative offices where the 17 precious Hukamnamas are carefully preserved and stored. The complex also includes a langar hall for community meals and accommodation facilities for visiting pilgrims. The gurdwara's location in the dense urban fabric of old Varanasi gives it an intimate, devotional character distinct from larger, more expansive shrine complexes. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Main Congregation Hall) prayer_hall The main congregation hall on the ground floor features a spacious, high-ceilinged rectangular layout. The Guru Granth Sahib is installed here and kirtan (devotional music) and prayers are conducted daily. The hall is surrounded by a wide gallery with storage cupboards for pilgrims and can accommodate a large congregation. ### Tap Asthan (Meditation Chamber) prayer_hall A small, sacred enclosed room integrated within the main congregation hall, marking the exact spot where Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji sat in solitary meditation and tapasya (spiritual austerity) during his visit in 1666. It is one of the most revered spaces in the gurdwara and a focal point of pilgrimage. ### Baoli Ganga Pargat (Sacred Well) museum A narrow sacred well preserved within the congregation hall, believed to have miraculously appeared with holy Ganges water through the divine blessing of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. The well has been maintained for centuries and its water is available for drinking by devotees. ### Hukamnama Treasury (Office) museum The gurdwara's administrative office on the upper floors houses the 17 original Hukamnamas — formal written decrees and letters from Sikh Gurus addressed to the Varanasi sangat — along with other sacred relics including the shoes and Cholas of the Sikh Gurus. These are among the most historically significant Sikh artifacts in eastern India. ### Langar Hall langar_hall The langar hall provides free community meals to all visitors daily, upholding the Sikh tradition of equality and seva. The kitchen and dining facilities are managed by the gurdwara's seva volunteers and can accommodate the local Sikh community and visiting pilgrims throughout the day. ## Events & Celebrations ### gurpurab #### Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurpurab (Prakash Utsav) The birth anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is one of the most celebrated events at this gurdwara, given its direct historical association with the ninth Guru. Special akhand path (continuous recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib), kirtan programs, and extended langar are organized. Large numbers of Sikh pilgrims from across India and beyond converge on the gurdwara during this occasion. #### Guru Tegh Bahadur Shaheedi Diwas (Martyrdom Day) The Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, commemorating his sacrifice in Delhi in 1675 CE to protect religious freedom, is observed with particular solemnity and devotion at this gurdwara. Special ardas (prayers), kirtan, and langar are organized. It is among the most emotionally significant observances at this shrine. #### Guru Nanak Gurpurab The birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, is celebrated with prabhat pheris (early morning processions), akhand path, kirtan darbars, and extensive langar. The celebration typically spans three days with the main celebration on the full moon night of Kartik month. #### Guru Gobind Singh Gurpurab The birth anniversary of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, is celebrated with special significance at this gurdwara given that the young Sahibzada Gobind Das visited this site in 1670. Special prayers, kirtan, and langar are organized to mark the occasion. ### festival #### Baisakhi Baisakhi, the harvest festival and anniversary of the founding of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699, is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Special prayers, kirtan, processions, and extended langar mark the occasion. The gurdwara witnesses a significant influx of devotees during this festival. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### visiting Gurdwara Badi Sangat is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. During major Gurpurab celebrations and festivals, the gurdwara may open earlier and close later to accommodate the larger number of pilgrims. The langar (community kitchen) is also active during these hours. Yes, Gurdwara Badi Sangat serves langar (free community meals) daily, open to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, or background, in keeping with Sikh tradition. Langar is typically served in the morning and afternoon. During major festivals and Gurpurab celebrations, the langar is expanded to serve large numbers of pilgrims. Devotees are welcome to participate in seva (voluntary service) by helping in the langar hall. ### history Gurdwara Badi Sangat is historically associated with Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru, who visited Varanasi in 1666 CE and stayed at the home of a devout Sikh, Bhai Kalyan Mall, which is now the gurdwara site. The Guru spent several months here in meditation. The site was also visited by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1670. The first formal gurdwara building was constructed in 1854 by Maharaja Narinder Singh of Patiala, and the current three-story structure was built in the 1950s. The Tap Asthan is a small, enclosed meditation chamber inside the main congregation hall of the gurdwara. It marks the exact spot where Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji sat in solitary meditation and spiritual austerity (tapasya) during his stay in Varanasi in 1666. 'Tap' refers to the spiritual practice of deep, disciplined meditation. It is one of the most sacred spaces within the gurdwara and is visited by pilgrims as a place of intense spiritual energy. The Baoli Ganga Pargat is a narrow sacred well preserved within the main congregation hall of the gurdwara. According to Sikh tradition, a spring of holy Ganges water miraculously appeared through the divine blessing of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji during his meditation here. The well has been preserved for centuries and its water continues to be used for drinking by devotees who consider it sacred and spiritually purifying. Gurdwara Badi Sangat houses an extraordinary collection of sacred Sikh relics: 17 original Hukamnamas (formal decrees/letters written by Sikh Gurus to the Varanasi congregation), a pair of shoes belonging to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, two Cholas (traditional robes) of the ninth Guru, and a pair of shoes belonging to Guru Gobind Singh Ji. These relics are preserved in the gurdwara's administrative office and are among the most historically significant Sikh artifacts in eastern India. ### transport The gurdwara is located at CK 58/2, Bulanala Maidagin Road, Govindpura, Varanasi 221001. The nearest railway station is Kashi Railway Station (approximately 1.54 km away). Varanasi Junction is about 5 km away. Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is approximately 25 km away. Auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws, and app-based cabs (Ola/Uber) are readily available throughout the city. Ask for 'Badi Sangat Gurdwara' or 'Nichi Bagh Gurudwara'. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Gurdwara Badi Sangat Varanasi Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. Suggest an Edit