# Gurdwara Dera Baba Karaj Singh Ji Hoti Mardan wale - History, Timings & Visitor Guide | GurdwaraSahib.in > Gurdwara Dera Baba Karaj Singh Ji Hoti Mardan wale, East Delhi — dedicated to the Hoti Mardan Sikh saint tradition. Free entry, daily langar & kirtan. # Gurdwara Dera Baba Karaj Singh Ji Hoti Mardan wale Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Gurdwara Dera Baba Karaj Singh Ji Hoti Mardan wale is a community Sikh gurdwara (place of worship) situated in East Delhi, India, at coordinates 28.649062°N, 77.278937°E, near the Patparganj and Shahdara localities. The gurdwara is dedicated to the memory and spiritual legacy of the revered Sikh saint Sant Baba Karaj Singh Ji (also venerated in the tradition of Sant Baba Karam Singh Ji) of Hoti Mardan — a historic centre of Gurmat learning and Sikh preaching that once flourished near the Mardan cantonment in what is now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The gurdwara stands as a living bridge between the pre-partition Sikh heritage of the northwestern frontier and the diaspora community that resettled in Delhi after the traumatic events of 1947. When Sikh families who had been connected to the original Dera Hoti Mardan were uprooted and displaced to Delhi, they carried with them their devotion to the saints of that holy dera. In time, they established this gurdwara in East Delhi to preserve the spiritual tradition and continue the religious practices inspired by the Hoti Mardan lineage. Today, the gurdwara serves as a vibrant spiritual and community hub. It provides a full range of religious services to the Sikh sangat (congregation), including Akhand Path (continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji), Sehaj Path, Sukhmani Sahib Path, and Anand Karaj (Sikh wedding ceremonies). The langar hall offers free meals to all visitors regardless of faith, continuing the centuries-old Sikh tradition of equality and seva (selfless service). The complex also houses a Gurmat Academy — known as St. M.S. Karamjot Model School — which provides education in Punjabi language and classical Sikh music (kirtan), ensuring the younger generation remains connected to their cultural and spiritual roots. The gurdwara also conducts community welfare programmes such as blood donation camps. Live broadcasts of religious programmes are made available via digital channels, enabling the wider sangat to participate remotely. Visitors of all faiths are warmly welcomed at this gurdwara. It draws Sikh devotees from across the east Delhi region and beyond who come to pay their respects to the memory of the Hoti Mardan saints, listen to kirtan (devotional hymns), partake in langar, and seek spiritual solace. The gurdwara is a testament to the resilience of the Sikh community in rebuilding sacred spaces and preserving their religious heritage after partition. ## Significance Gurdwara Dera Baba Karaj Singh Ji Hoti Mardan wale holds deep religious and cultural significance for the Sikh community, particularly for families with roots in the Hoti Mardan region of what is now Pakistan. The gurdwara is spiritually connected to the illustrious Bhai Daya Singh Ji Samparda — one of the distinguished Sikh traditions emphasising rigorous Gurbani recitation, Naam simran (meditation), and Gurmat parchaar (preaching of Sikh teachings). Sant Baba Karam Singh Ji of Hoti Mardan, to whose memory this gurdwara is dedicated, is venerated as a Brahmgiani (one who has attained divine knowledge) who revived authentic Sikh practices in the northwestern frontier during a critical period of Sikh history. For the Punjabi Sikh refugee families who settled in East Delhi after the 1947 partition, this gurdwara represents far more than a place of worship — it is a repository of cultural memory, a symbol of their ancestral faith, and a sacred link to the spiritual homeland they were forced to leave behind. The gurdwara thus carries the emotional weight of displacement and the indomitable resilience of the Sikh spirit. Religiously, the gurdwara serves as a centre where the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji — the eternal living Guru of the Sikhs — is installed and venerated. Regular Akhand Paths (uninterrupted 48-hour recitations of the entire Guru Granth Sahib Ji) are conducted, drawing devotees who seek blessings for important life events. The institution's Gurmat Academy further reinforces its role as a centre for preserving the Punjabi language, classical kirtan, and Sikh cultural heritage among younger generations. The gurdwara is a cherished pilgrimage point for devotees of the Hoti Mardan lineage from across India and abroad. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ### Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Block 14 Geeta Colony India 259 m away Approximately 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily; ... Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Block 14, Geeta Colony is a community Sikh place of worship located in the heart of East Delhi's Geeta Colony neighbourhood, bearing the coordinates 28.650812° N, 77.277187° E and falling under PIN code 110031. Situated within one of Delhi's most storied post-Partition residential settlements, this gurdwara serves as the spiritual and social nucleus for the Sikh families of Block 14 and the broader Geeta Colony area. Like all gurdwaras bearing the revered 'Guru Singh Sabha' name, it draws its identity from the historic Singh Sabha movement, the 19th-century reformist awakening that sought to restore Sikhism to its pristine teachings and liberate Sikh shrines from corruption and neglect. Geeta Colony itself was carved out of the Jheel Kuranja village during 1952–54 by India's Ministry of Rehabilitation, established expressly to resettle families uprooted by the catastrophic 1947 Partition of British India. The original settlers arrived from diverse districts of erstwhile West Punjab — including Multan, Jhang, Sargodha, Sialkot, Lyallpur, and parts of Sindh — carrying their faith, traditions, and determination to rebuild their lives. Among the very first acts of community-building that these displaced families undertook was the establishment of gurdwaras in each block of the new colony, ensuring that spiritual life would anchor their resettlement. Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Block 14 is thus inseparable from this founding narrative of resilience and faith. Today, the gurdwara functions as a fully active place of daily worship, community service, and spiritual education. It conducts morning and evening prayers (Nitnem), regular kirtan (devotional music), and the reading of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji — the eternal living Guru of the Sikhs. The langar (community kitchen) operates daily, providing free vegetarian meals to all who visit regardless of caste, creed, or religion, in perfect embodiment of the Sikh principle of seva (selfless service). The gurdwara is managed by a local management committee representing the Sikh congregation of Block 14, and is affiliated with the wider network of gurdwaras in East Delhi overseen by the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC). Visitors from all faiths are warmly welcomed to participate in prayers, partake in langar, and experience the distinctive peace and inclusivity that defines Sikh sacred spaces. Historical ### Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Geeta Colony India 1.1 km away 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily; special timing... Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Geeta Colony is a prominent Sikh place of worship situated in the Geeta Colony neighbourhood of East Delhi, India, at coordinates 28.658188°N, 77.274437°E. The gurdwara serves as a vital spiritual and community hub for the Sikh residents of Geeta Colony and the surrounding localities of Krishna Nagar, Preet Vihar, Laxmi Nagar, and Shahdara. As a Sri Guru Singh Sabha — a name denoting a congregation dedicated to the teachings and service of the ten Sikh Gurus — this gurdwara embodies the foundational Sikh principles of Seva (selfless service), Sangat (holy congregation), and Pangat (communal sharing of food). Geeta Colony itself has deep historical roots tied to the Partition of India in 1947, having been established between 1952 and 1954 by the Ministry of Rehabilitation to provide resettlement housing for Punjabi families displaced during Partition. The neighbourhood was laid out with uniform plots of approximately 100 square yards, and the Sikh community that settled here brought with them the profound religious traditions of their ancestral homeland in Punjab. It is believed that the Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha was established soon after the colony's founding to serve as a spiritual anchor for these displaced families, providing not only a place of worship but also a centre of communal solidarity and identity in a new and unfamiliar city. Today, the gurdwara is a fully functioning community institution that welcomes worshippers and visitors of all faiths and backgrounds without discrimination. The daily recitation of Gurbani (hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib, the eternal Sikh scripture), the continuous Akhand Path (uninterrupted readings of the holy scripture), and the operation of a communal langar (free kitchen) ensure that the gurdwara remains a living, breathing centre of Sikh religious life. Special congregations are held on every Gurpurab (anniversary associated with the Sikh Gurus) and major Sikh festivals, drawing large numbers of devotees from across East Delhi. The gurdwara is distinguished by its role in sustaining the spiritual and social fabric of a neighbourhood that traces its origins to one of the most traumatic mass migrations in modern history. For the descendants of Partition refugees who make up a significant portion of Geeta Colony's population, this gurdwara represents not only a house of God but a living memorial to the resilience and faith of their ancestors. Visitors consistently note the warm, inclusive atmosphere, the melodious Kirtan (devotional singing), and the generous langar that is available to all without charge or condition. Historical ### Gurdwara Sahib Delhi, India 1.5 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 ### Preet Vihar Gurudwara Delhi, India 2.1 km away Preet Vihar Gurudwara 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, Preet Vihar Gurudwara 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 ## Detailed History The spiritual roots of Gurdwara Dera Baba Karaj Singh Ji Hoti Mardan wale trace back to the nineteenth century and the towering figure of Sant Baba Karam Singh Ji of Hoti Mardan, the central saint of the Dera Hoti Mardan tradition. Born in 1826 AD at village Qazian in District Rawalpindi (now in Pakistan), to Mata Subi Kaur and S. Kirpa Singh Ji, Baba Karam Singh Ji imbibed Sikh values from an early age, receiving formal santhya (lessons in correct Gurbani pronunciation) and maintaining a rigorous daily recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. In his youth, Baba Ji enlisted in the British Army following the collapse of the Sikh Empire after 1849. While serving with the Corps of Guides — stationed at Mardan cantonment in present-day Pakistan — he came into the uplifting company of Sant Ram Singh Ji Virakt of Nauranagabad, who was conducting Amrit Sanchar (initiation into the Khalsa) in the cantonments at that time. This encounter transformed Baba Ji's life, redirecting him towards intense meditation and selfless service. During the 1857 rebellion in Delhi, Baba Karam Singh Ji, then present with his regiment, distinguished himself morally by standing guard outside the homes of civilians and protecting distressed families from violence, refusing any reward for his courageous acts. Returning to his spiritual mission, he established Dera Hoti Mardan near the Mardan cantonment as a centre for Sikh preaching and Gurmat practices. He performed austere meditation for thirty-six years. Thatched huts were constructed near Hoti (a town close to Mardan), a well was dug, and a Guru ka Langar was started on the basis of voluntary seva. Thousands of devotees flocked to him, and according to tradition, 101 of his disciples attained the elevated spiritual stage of Brahmgyan. He is credited as the central figure in reviving authentic Gurmat practices in the northwestern frontier after the British annexation of the Sikh Empire. Baba Ji passed away peacefully around 1900–1903 AD, with his spiritual legacy continuing through successors including Baba Aya Singh Ji Maharaj and later Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj (Reru Sahib), and ultimately through the lineage that produced the great Sant Isher Singh Ji Maharaj of Rara Sahib. Following India's partition in 1947, Sikh devotees of the Hoti Mardan tradition who were displaced to Delhi established the present gurdwara in East Delhi to perpetuate the memory of their beloved saints and continue the religious and community traditions of the original dera. The gurdwara at its current address — near Patparganj Road, East Delhi — has since grown into a well-established centre of Sikh community life in the region. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Main Prayer Hall) prayer_hall The central prayer hall where the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is installed under a decorated canopied palki (throne). This is the spiritual heart of the gurdwara where daily prayers, kirtan, and Akhand Paths take place. The hall is adorned with traditional Sikh decorative motifs and can accommodate a substantial congregation. ### Langar Hall langar_hall The community kitchen and dining hall where free meals (langar) are prepared and served to all visitors regardless of faith, caste, or background. The langar hall reflects the Sikh principle of equality (pangat — sitting together) and is managed by volunteers performing seva. ### Nishan Sahib (Sikh Flagpole) tower The tall triangular flagpole bearing the Khanda (Sikh emblem) on a saffron or blue flag, visible from a distance and marking the gurdwara's presence in the neighbourhood. It serves as a spiritual beacon for devotees seeking the gurdwara. ### Gurmat Academy (St. M.S. Karamjot Model School) museum An educational facility within the gurdwara complex offering classes in Punjabi language and classical Sikh music (kirtan). The academy is dedicated to preserving Sikh cultural and linguistic heritage, particularly for younger generations of the community. ### Entrance Gateway entrance The main entrance to the gurdwara complex, typically featuring a washing area for feet and a shoe-keeping facility. Visitors remove shoes here before entering the sacred premises, in keeping with Sikh tradition. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head covering required at all times; shoes must be removed before entering; modest, respectful clothing recommended ### Photography Permitted in common areas with respect; photography inside the Darbar Sahib during prayers should be done reverently and without disruption ### Etiquette Bow before the Guru Granth Sahib Ji upon entering; refrain from smoking, alcohol, and non-vegetarian food within the premises; maintain silence and reverence in the Darbar Sahib; washing of hands before langar is customary ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) Community-scale langar serving hundreds of visitors daily; capacity increases significantly on Gurpurab and festival days Seating Capacity ## Architecture Gurdwara Dera Baba Karaj Singh Ji Hoti Mardan wale is a community gurdwara complex located in the Patparganj Road area of East Delhi. Like most urban community gurdwaras in Delhi, it is believed to follow the traditional North Indian Sikh architectural style, featuring a central prayer hall (Darbar Sahib) where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is installed under a canopied palki (palanquin). The building is typically crowned with a prominent dome (gumbad) and a nishan sahib — the tall Sikh flagpole bearing the triangular Khanda flag — which marks its presence and can be seen from a distance. The complex includes a langar hall where free meals are prepared and served to all visitors. The gurdwara also houses a Gurmat Academy (St. M.S. Karamjot Model School) within its premises, providing dedicated space for Punjabi and classical music education. The entrance area likely features traditional decorative tilework and inscriptions from the Gurbani. Given its urban East Delhi setting, the complex is designed to serve a high footfall of daily worshippers while maintaining the serene and welcoming atmosphere characteristic of Sikh places of worship. Specific architectural dimensions and renovation details are not publicly documented. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Main Prayer Hall) prayer_hall The central prayer hall where the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is installed under a decorated canopied palki (throne). This is the spiritual heart of the gurdwara where daily prayers, kirtan, and Akhand Paths take place. The hall is adorned with traditional Sikh decorative motifs and can accommodate a substantial congregation. ### Langar Hall langar_hall The community kitchen and dining hall where free meals (langar) are prepared and served to all visitors regardless of faith, caste, or background. The langar hall reflects the Sikh principle of equality (pangat — sitting together) and is managed by volunteers performing seva. ### Nishan Sahib (Sikh Flagpole) tower The tall triangular flagpole bearing the Khanda (Sikh emblem) on a saffron or blue flag, visible from a distance and marking the gurdwara's presence in the neighbourhood. It serves as a spiritual beacon for devotees seeking the gurdwara. ### Gurmat Academy (St. M.S. Karamjot Model School) museum An educational facility within the gurdwara complex offering classes in Punjabi language and classical Sikh music (kirtan). The academy is dedicated to preserving Sikh cultural and linguistic heritage, particularly for younger generations of the community. ### Entrance Gateway entrance The main entrance to the gurdwara complex, typically featuring a washing area for feet and a shoe-keeping facility. Visitors remove shoes here before entering the sacred premises, in keeping with Sikh tradition. ## Events & Celebrations ### gurpurab #### Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurpurab The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, is celebrated with great devotion. A two-day Akhand Path is typically conducted, followed by a prabhat pheri (early morning procession), kirtan programmes throughout the day, and extended langar service for all visitors. #### Gurpurab of Guru Gobind Singh Ji The birth anniversary of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, is celebrated with night-long kirtan, special ardas, and extended langar. As the founder of the Khalsa — to which Sant Baba Karam Singh Ji belonged — this gurpurab holds special significance at this gurdwara. #### Shaheedi Diwas — Guru Arjan Dev Ji The martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev Ji (the fifth Sikh Guru and compiler of the Adi Granth) is commemorated with special prayers, kirtan, and chhabeel (distribution of cold sweetened water or sherbet) in the summer month of June, reflecting the tradition of service and sacrifice in Sikhism. ### festival #### Baisakhi Festival Baisakhi (celebrated on 13–14 April) marks both the Punjabi harvest festival and the formation of the Khalsa Panth in 1699. The gurdwara holds special kirtan darbars, nagar kirtans (street processions), and extended langar on this day. It is one of the most vibrant celebrations at the gurdwara. ### historical #### Barsi of Sant Baba Karam Singh Ji The death anniversary (barsi) of Sant Baba Karam Singh Ji of Hoti Mardan is observed with special Akhand Path, kirtan programmes, and langars in his memory. Devotees of the Hoti Mardan tradition from across Delhi and other parts of India gather on this occasion to pay their respects. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### visiting The gurdwara is typically open from approximately 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. Morning prayers (Nitnem and Asa di Var kirtan) begin at dawn, and evening Rehras Sahib and Kirtan Sohila are recited at dusk. Timings may be extended on major Gurpurab days and festivals. It is advisable to contact the gurdwara directly at +91-9968060048 for the most current schedule. Yes, langar (free community kitchen) is available at the gurdwara throughout the day as per Sikh tradition. All visitors, regardless of their faith, caste, or background, are welcome to partake in the langar. Main meal services are typically available around midday and in the evening. On festival days and Gurpurabs, special extended langar is served. Yes, Gurdwaras are open to people of all faiths, backgrounds, and nationalities. There is no entry fee. Visitors are requested to cover their heads, remove their shoes, and maintain respectful conduct within the premises. The langar (free kitchen) is also open to all, reflecting the Sikh principle of equality and universal brotherhood. ### history The gurdwara is spiritually connected to the Dera Hoti Mardan tradition founded by Sant Baba Karam Singh Ji (born 1826, village Qazian, Rawalpindi). He established the original Dera near the Mardan cantonment in what is now Pakistan, where he preached Sikhism, conducted Langar, and guided thousands of devotees. After the 1947 partition, Sikh families connected to this tradition resettled in Delhi and established this gurdwara in East Delhi to preserve the memory and spiritual legacy of the Hoti Mardan saints. Sant Baba Karam Singh Ji (1826–c.1900/1903) was a renowned Sikh saint of the Bhai Daya Singh Ji Samparda, born in village Qazian, Rawalpindi. He served in the British Army's Corps of Guides before dedicating his life to Sikh preaching and meditation. He founded Dera Hoti Mardan near the Mardan cantonment and is revered for reviving authentic Gurmat practices in the northwestern frontier after the British annexation of the Sikh Empire. He is said to have guided 101 disciples to the stage of Brahmgyan. ### transport The gurdwara is located near Patparganj Road, East Delhi (Pin: 110051). By Metro, take the Blue Line to Nirman Vihar or Preet Vihar station, then take an auto-rickshaw or e-rickshaw to the gurdwara. By road from central Delhi, follow NH-24 (Vikas Marg) eastward toward Patparganj. Auto-rickshaws and app-based cabs (Ola, Uber) are readily available in the area. ### services The gurdwara offers a full range of Sikh religious services including Akhand Path (48-hour continuous recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji), Sehaj Path, Sukhmani Sahib Path, Anand Karaj (Sikh wedding ceremonies), and funeral rites including services for scattering ashes. The gurdwara also runs a Gurmat Academy (St. M.S. Karamjot Model School) for Punjabi language and classical kirtan education. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Gurdwara Dera Baba Karaj Singh Ji Hoti Mardan wale Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. Suggest an Edit