# Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib | New Delhi > Visit Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib, the historic Sikh shrine in New Delhi marking Guru Tegh Bahadur's cremation site, built in 1783 near Parliament House. ![Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/thumb.php?f=Gurdwara%20Rakabganj%20Sahib%2C%20Delhi.jpg&w=1200) Historical national # Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib गुरुद्वारा रकाब गंज साहिब Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib is one of New Delhi's most historically significant Sikh shrines, situated on Pandit Pant Marg in the heart of the Indian capital, directly facing the Parliament House and the North Block of the Central Secretariat. This magnificent gurdwara stands as a sacred memorial to Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, marking the very site where his headless body was cremated on 11 November 1675, following his martyrdom at the hands of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The gurdwara is a place of profound devotion, remembrance, and historical witness — a monument to one of the most consequential acts of sacrifice in Sikh history. The name 'Rakab Ganj' is believed to derive from the old neighbourhood of Raisina Village where the gurdwara stands, an area that was once on the outskirts of Mughal Delhi and is today the seat of India's executive and legislative government. The symbolic resonance of this location is not lost on pilgrims and visitors: a memorial to a martyr who laid down his life for the freedom of conscience stands at the doorstep of the republic that enshrines that freedom in its constitution. The gurdwara was formally constructed in 1783 by the Sikh military commander Sardar Baghel Singh following his historic entry into Delhi on 11 March 1783. It is managed by the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), which oversees the shrine's daily religious activities, maintenance, and community services. The complex is open to visitors of all faiths, with four entrances on each cardinal side of the building — a deliberate architectural expression of the Sikh principle of universal brotherhood, signalling that the gurdwara is open to all, regardless of caste, creed, religion, or gender. Within the complex, visitors can attend daily kirtan (devotional music), listen to the continuous recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib, and partake in the langar — the free community meal served to all without distinction. The gurdwara's central location in New Delhi makes it accessible to both Sikh pilgrims from across India and the world, and to general visitors exploring the capital's historical and spiritual heritage. Surrounding the main hall are well-maintained gardens that offer a rare pocket of serenity amid the urban intensity of central Delhi. Every year, the gurdwara witnesses large congregations on key Sikh commemorations, particularly on the Shaheedi Gurpurab of Guru Tegh Bahadur in November, when thousands gather to honour the Guru's martyrdom. Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib is not only a pilgrimage destination but a living institution of the Sikh faith — a place where history, spirituality, and community service converge daily in the spirit of seva (selfless service). ## Significance Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib occupies a place of supreme importance in the Sikh faith. It marks the cremation site of Guru Tegh Bahadur, revered in Sikh scripture and tradition as 'Hind di Chaddar' — the Shield of India — for sacrificing his life to defend the religious freedom of Kashmiri Hindus and, by extension, the universal right to practice one's faith without fear. His martyrdom is considered one of the foundational acts of moral courage in Sikh history, a testament to the Sikh values of justice, compassion, and fearless resistance to tyranny. For Sikh pilgrims, visiting Rakab Ganj Sahib is an act of deep remembrance and gratitude. The gurdwara is a site where the abstract values of the faith become concrete and tangible — where the ground itself is understood to carry the sacred weight of the Guru's sacrifice. This quality draws not only Sikhs but also members of other communities who recognize in Guru Tegh Bahadur's story a universal message about human dignity, pluralism, and the courage to stand for the rights of others. The gurdwara also carries historical and political significance. Its construction in 1783 was part of a broader Sikh assertion of presence in the Mughal capital, representing a pivotal moment in the community's history. Its proximity to India's Parliament House today lends it a symbolic civic dimension — a memorial to sacrifice for freedom standing beside the institution of democratic governance. As a functioning religious and community center managed by the DSGMC, the gurdwara continues to serve Delhi's substantial Sikh population and remains a vital link between Sikh heritage and contemporary life in the capital. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ![Sri Bangla Sahib Gurudwara](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/thumb.php?f=Front%20view%20of%20Gurudwara%20Bangla%20Sahib%2C%20Delhi.jpg&w=600) ### Sri Bangla Sahib Gurudwara New Delhi, India 993 m away Open 24 hours, 7 days a week Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is one of the most prominent and revered Sikh houses of worship in India, located in the heart of New Delhi on Baba Kharak Singh Marg, near Connaught Place. The gurdwara is instantly recognizable by its gleaming golden dome and the towering Nishan Sahib—the Sikh flag—that rises above the surrounding cityscape, serving as a spiritual beacon in India's bustling capital. The gurdwara derives its name from the original bangla (bungalow) that once stood on this site, the residence of Raja Jai Singh I of Amber. It is most closely associated with Guru Har Krishan, the eighth Sikh Guru, who resided here during his visit to Delhi in 1664 at the invitation of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Guru Har Krishan's brief but profoundly impactful stay left an indelible mark on the location, transforming it into a site of deep religious veneration for Sikhs worldwide. A central feature of the complex is the Sarovar, a large sacred tank whose waters are believed to possess healing properties. During the cholera and smallpox epidemic of 1664, Guru Har Krishan is said to have instructed that water from the well on the premises be distributed freely to the sick, and it is believed that many afflicted individuals were cured after consuming it. The Sarovar continues to draw thousands of devotees who take home its water as amrit—a sacred offering. The gurdwara complex is expansive and multifaceted, housing not only the main prayer hall but also a museum dedicated to Sikh history and art, a school, a hospital, a library, and the Yatri Nivaas (pilgrim accommodation). The langar—the community kitchen—operates daily, serving free meals to hundreds of visitors regardless of faith, caste, or background. This tradition embodies the Sikh principle of seva (selfless service) and the equality of all people before the divine. Administered by the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), Gurdwara Bangla Sahib operates around the clock, welcoming devotees and tourists at all hours. Its location near Connaught Place makes it one of the most accessible major religious sites in Delhi, and it receives millions of visitors annually from across India and around the world. The atmosphere inside is one of tranquility and devotion. The continuous recitation of Gurbani—the sacred hymns of the Guru Granth Sahib—fills the prayer hall, accompanied by the gentle sound of the Sarovar's waters and the soft shuffle of barefoot pilgrims. The gurdwara stands as a living testament to the Sikh values of compassion, selfless service, and spiritual devotion, serving both as a place of worship and a dynamic community institution in the heart of India's capital. Historical ### Gurudwara Nanaksara Delhi, India 2.6 km away Gurudwara Nanaksara 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 Nanaksara 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 ### Gurudwara Shri Guru Singh Sabha Yaadgaar Akali Baba Phoola Singh Delhi, India 3.2 km away Gurudwara Shri Guru Singh Sabha Yaadgaar Akali Baba Phoola Singh 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 Shri Guru Singh Sabha Yaadgaar Akali Baba Phoola Singh 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 ### Mata Sundari Gurdwara Delhi, India 3.4 km away Mata Sundari Gurdwara 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, Mata Sundari Gurdwara 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 ## Founding Story The Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib is a historic gurdwara near Parliament House in New Delhi. It was built in 1783, after Sikh military leader Baghel Singh (1730–1802) captured Delhi, on 11 March 1783, and his brief stay in Delhi led to the construction of several Sikh religious shrines in the city. This one marks the site of cremation of the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, after his martyrdom in November 1675 for helping Kashmiri Hindu Pandits, under orders of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The Gurudwara Sahib is built near old Raisina village near Raisina Hill, at present Pandit Pant Marg, took 12 years to build. Prior to that, a mosque had been built near the spot. The Gurdwara Rakabganj sahib is also home to the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee. The Gurdwara marks the site, where Lakhi Shah Banjara and his son Bhai Naghaiya burnt their own house to cremate the headless body of the Sikh Guru Guru Tegh Bahadur sahib who, on 11 November 1675, was martyred by beheading at Chandni Chowk on the orders of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb for refusing to convert to Islam and buried the ashes in the house itself. In 1707 when Guru Gobind Singh tenth Sikh guru came to Delhi to meet prince Muzaum later Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah I, he located the place of cremation with help of local Sikhs and built a simple Memorial there. Later a mosque came to be built at site which s. Baghel Singh had to demolish in 1783 to raise gurdwara at the place. Muslims again built a mosque at site during mutiny of 1857. Sikhs took the matter to court which decided in favour of Sikhs and they quickly rebuilt the Gurdwara. Another dispute arose when during 1914 a portion of boundary wall was demolished by British Goveronment to straighten a passage to viceregal building. On a protest and agitation raised by Sikhs Goveronment yielded as soon as World War I came to end in 1918, and boundary wall was rebuilt at public expense. Construction of present building was started in 1960 and was completed in 1967–68. The spot where the Guru sahib were beheaded is marked by Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib. The Guru sahib's severed head was brought from Delhi to Anandpur Sahib in Punjab by Bhai Jaita ji (later Bhai Jiwan Singh) and was cremated by his son, Guru Gobind Rai, who later became Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs. In the early 1950s, the Sikh Panth decided to create a befitting memorial at the holy site where the Ninth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib, was cremated secretly by a Labana Sikh, an ardent devotee of the 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th Sikh Gurus, named Lakhi Shah. At a meeting of the Panth where several prominent Sikhs had gathered to plan the construction, a businessman from Delhi, stood up and with great humility, holding up his shirt as a begging bowl, beseeched the panth to grant him the entire Seva of building the Gurdwara at the holy site near the Parliament House in New Delhi. This man was Harnam Singh Suri who had moved to Delhi from Rawalpindi, (present-day Pakistan) in 1947. The panth agreed to grant him the seva and S. Harnam Singh Suri worked tirelessly, to build it to perfection, until it was completed in and around 1969. He requested, Sevapanthi Sant Nischal Singh Ji to lay the foundation stone, and Sant Ji consented and attended the foundation stone laying ceremony, where he laid the first bricks in the foundation. ## Historical Timeline 1675 ### Event in 1675 for helping Kashmiri Hindu Pandits, under orders of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb 1707 ### Event in 1707 when Guru Gobind Singh tenth Sikh guru came to Delhi to meet prince Muzaum later Mughal emperor Baha 1783 ### Event in 1783 after Sikh military leader Baghel Singh (1730–1802) captured Delhi, on 11 March 1783, and his brief 1914 ### Event in 1914 a portion of boundary wall was demolished by British Goveronment to straighten a passage to vicerega 1918 ### Event in 1918 and boundary wall was rebuilt at public expense 1960 ### Event in 1960 and was completed in 1967–68 1984 ### Event in 1984 Sikh Genocide Memorial, also known as the 'Wall of Truth', in the Gurdwara complex to memorise large 2018 ### Event in 2018 a group of Sikhs led by Sukhvinder Singh Sodhi conducted a sitting protest at the gurdwara to preven ## Detailed History The history of Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib is inseparable from the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru. In 1675, Kashmiri Hindu Pandits, facing forced conversion to Islam under the orders of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, appealed to Guru Tegh Bahadur for protection. The Guru interceded on their behalf, travelling to Delhi to stand against the Emperor's religious persecution. Refusing to renounce his faith or submit to coercion, Guru Tegh Bahadur was publicly executed by beheading at Chandni Chowk on 11 November 1675, at the site now commemorated by Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib. Following the Guru's execution, the Mughal authorities forbade anyone from claiming or cremating the body under threat of severe punishment. A devoted Sikh, Bhai Lakhi Shah Banjara, a wealthy cart driver, along with his son Bhai Naghaiya, covertly retrieved the Guru's headless body under the cover of darkness and transported it to Raisina Village on the outskirts of Delhi. Unable to perform a traditional public cremation without risking discovery, Bhai Lakhi Shah Banjara took the extraordinary step of setting fire to his own home, using the burning structure as a pyre for his Guru. The ashes were subsequently buried at the site. Separately, Bhai Jaita ji (later known as Bhai Jiwan Singh) carried the Guru's severed head to Anandpur Sahib in Punjab, where it was cremated by the Guru's son, Guru Gobind Rai, who would later become Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. For more than a century, the sacred site remained without a permanent memorial. At some point during this period, a mosque was constructed over the location. When Sardar Baghel Singh led his Sikh forces into Delhi on 11 March 1783, the Sikh community staked their claim to several sites of religious significance. At Raisina, the Sikhs asserted that the cremation ashes of Guru Tegh Bahadur lay buried beneath the existing mosque. They made a remarkable offer: they would rebuild the mosque at their own expense if their claim proved incorrect. Excavation confirmed the presence of the ashes, and Emperor Shah Alam II granted permission for the construction of the gurdwara. Construction of the original structure is believed to have taken approximately 12 years. In subsequent decades, the gurdwara underwent significant reconstruction and expansion. The present complex, largely built of white marble, reflects renovations undertaken in the twentieth century. The gurdwara is today managed by the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), established under the Delhi Sikh Gurdwaras Act of 1971, which administers the principal Sikh shrines across the national capital. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Hall (Prayer Hall) Prayer Hall The central sanctum of the gurdwara where the Guru Granth Sahib is installed and continuous kirtan and path are performed. The hall is richly decorated with marble inlays and ornate carvings, and can accommodate a large number of devotees at any one time. ### Central Gilded Dome Architectural Feature The prominent gilded dome crowning the main darbar hall is the defining visual feature of the gurdwara, visible from a distance against the Delhi skyline. Flanked by smaller chattris, the dome reflects the classical architectural language of Sikh gurdwara design. ### Four Gateway Entrances Architectural Feature The gurdwara complex is entered through four gateways on each cardinal side of the building, architecturally expressing the Sikh principle of universal welcome — open to all people without distinction of caste, religion, or creed. ### Langar Hall Community Facility A dedicated hall within the complex where the free community kitchen operates daily. The langar hall can accommodate a large number of diners and is staffed by both paid workers and volunteers (sewadars) who perform seva. ### Memorial Garden Garden Landscaped gardens surrounding the main gurdwara building provide a tranquil green space for reflection and rest. The gardens are well-maintained and offer a serene contrast to the busy thoroughfares of central New Delhi that surround the complex. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Heads must be covered at all times inside the complex; headscarves are available at the entrance. Shoes must be removed before entering. Modest, respectful clothing is required. ### Photography Generally permitted in the outer complex and gardens. Photography inside the main prayer hall should be done with discretion and respect. Check with gurdwara staff for current guidelines. ### Etiquette Cover your head before entering. Remove footwear at the designated shoe stand. Wash hands before entering the langar hall. Do not carry tobacco, alcohol, or non-vegetarian food into the premises. Maintain silence and reverence in the prayer hall. Photography should be done respectfully and without disturbing worshippers. ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Accommodation ### Nearby Hotels Available in nearby area ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) The langar hall can accommodate a large number of devotees simultaneously; capacity expands significantly during major Gurpurabs and festivals. Seating Capacity ## Community Services ### Charitable Programs Free langarReligious services ## Architecture Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib is a distinguished example of Sikh religious architecture, combining classical gurdwara design with the grandeur befitting its prominent location in the national capital. The complex is constructed primarily of gleaming white marble, giving it a luminous, serene appearance that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding urban environment. The main sanctum is crowned with a gilded dome — the hallmark of Sikh sacred architecture — accompanied by smaller decorative chattris (canopied pavilions) at the corners, lending the structure an elegant, tiered silhouette. A defining feature of the complex is its four gateways, one on each cardinal side, which architecturally embody the Sikh ethos of universal welcome and equality. The prayer hall interior is richly appointed, with marble inlay work, ornate carved screens, and inscriptions from the Guru Granth Sahib adorning the walls. The Nishan Sahib — the tall triangular flag that marks every gurdwara — rises prominently above the complex and is visible from a distance. Landscaped gardens surround the main building, providing a tranquil green setting. Separate structures within the compound house the langar hall and community facilities. The present architectural ensemble is believed to have been substantially rebuilt and refined during the twentieth century, with the white marble construction reflecting the modern standards of prominent Sikh shrine architecture. Architectural Style: Sikh Gurdwara architecture ## Sarovar (Sacred Pool) ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Hall (Prayer Hall) Prayer Hall The central sanctum of the gurdwara where the Guru Granth Sahib is installed and continuous kirtan and path are performed. The hall is richly decorated with marble inlays and ornate carvings, and can accommodate a large number of devotees at any one time. ### Central Gilded Dome Architectural Feature The prominent gilded dome crowning the main darbar hall is the defining visual feature of the gurdwara, visible from a distance against the Delhi skyline. Flanked by smaller chattris, the dome reflects the classical architectural language of Sikh gurdwara design. ### Four Gateway Entrances Architectural Feature The gurdwara complex is entered through four gateways on each cardinal side of the building, architecturally expressing the Sikh principle of universal welcome — open to all people without distinction of caste, religion, or creed. ### Langar Hall Community Facility A dedicated hall within the complex where the free community kitchen operates daily. The langar hall can accommodate a large number of diners and is staffed by both paid workers and volunteers (sewadars) who perform seva. ### Memorial Garden Garden Landscaped gardens surrounding the main gurdwara building provide a tranquil green space for reflection and rest. The gardens are well-maintained and offer a serene contrast to the busy thoroughfares of central New Delhi that surround the complex. ## Events & Celebrations ### Religious Commemoration #### Shaheedi Gurpurab of Guru Tegh Bahadur The most significant annual event at the gurdwara, held in November to mark the martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. Thousands of Sikh pilgrims and visitors attend special ardas, kirtan programmes, and langar. The atmosphere is one of solemn devotion and collective remembrance. ### Religious Festival #### Gurpurab of Guru Nanak Dev Ji Celebrated on Kartik Purnima (October–November), this festival marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. Special prayers, kirtan, and extended langar are arranged at the gurdwara, drawing large congregations. #### Gurpurab of Guru Gobind Singh Ji The birth anniversary of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, is observed with special prayers and kirtan at the gurdwara. As the son of Guru Tegh Bahadur, who is commemorated at this site, this Gurpurab holds particular resonance here. #### Hola Mohalla Celebrated the day after Holi (February–March), Hola Mohalla is a Sikh festival instituted by Guru Gobind Singh emphasising martial arts, music, and community solidarity. The gurdwara participates in the broader Delhi celebrations of this festival. ### Religious and Cultural Festival #### Baisakhi Celebrated on 13–14 April each year, Baisakhi commemorates the founding of the Khalsa in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh. The gurdwara hosts special kirtan, prayers, and community gatherings, and the day is marked with great festivity across Delhi's Sikh community. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### History Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib marks the site where the headless body of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, was cremated on 11 November 1675. The Guru was martyred by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb for defending the religious freedom of Kashmiri Hindus. The site was formally consecrated as a gurdwara in 1783 by Sardar Baghel Singh. The gurdwara was built in 1783 by Sardar Baghel Singh, a Sikh military commander, after his forces entered Delhi on 11 March 1783. Emperor Shah Alam II granted permission for its construction after the cremation ashes of Guru Tegh Bahadur were confirmed to lie beneath the site. ### Visitor Information The gurdwara is open daily from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. There is no entry fee. All are welcome regardless of religion, caste, or nationality. Visitors must cover their heads before entering — headscarves are provided free of charge at the entrance. Shoes must be removed and stored at the designated shoe stand. Modest clothing is required. Smoking, alcohol, and non-vegetarian food are not permitted on the premises. The best time to visit is between October and February, when Delhi's weather is cool and pleasant. Major Gurpurabs, particularly the Shaheedi Gurpurab of Guru Tegh Bahadur in November, offer an especially meaningful time to visit, with large congregations and expanded langar. ### Langar Yes, langar is served throughout the day to all visitors free of charge, regardless of faith or background. The langar is an expression of the Sikh principle of equality and selfless service (seva). ### Transport The nearest metro station is Shivaji Stadium on the Airport Express Line, approximately 1.6 km away. Rajiv Chowk Metro Station (Yellow and Blue Lines) is approximately 2.4 km away. Auto-rickshaws or a short walk can complete the journey from either station. ### Administration The gurdwara is managed by the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), a statutory body established under the Delhi Sikh Gurdwaras Act of 1971, which administers major Sikh shrines across the National Capital Territory of Delhi. 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