# Gurdwara Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Langar Sahib Ji Aurangabad - History, Timings & Visitor Guide | GurdwaraSahib.in

> Visit Gurdwara Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Langar Sahib Ji in Aurangabad, Maharashtra — 24-hour langar, free stay, and a living symbol of Sikh seva and unity.

# Gurdwara Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Langar Sahib Ji Aurangabad

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Gurdwara Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Langar Sahib Ji, situated in the Sindhi Colony area of Mondha Naka on Jalna Road, Aurangabad (officially Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar), Maharashtra, is a revered Sikh place of worship that stands as a living embodiment of the core Sikh values of seva (selfless service), equality, and community upliftment. The surrounding neighbourhood has come to be affectionately known as G.T.B. Nagar in honour of the gurdwara, a testament to its deep integration with the fabric of local life.

The gurdwara is dedicated to Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, the ninth of the ten Sikh Gurus, who gave his life defending the right to freedom of faith and is revered across traditions as "Hind di Chadar" — the Shield of India. Set in a region better known for its UNESCO World Heritage cave complexes at Ajanta and Ellora and its Mughal-era monuments, this gurdwara offers a distinct cultural and spiritual counterpoint — a living sanctuary of Sikh devotion in the heart of Maharashtra. Aurangabad has historically been a crossroads of faiths and civilisations, and the presence of a gurdwara named in memory of Guru Tegh Bahadur carries particular poignancy: it was the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, whose name the city bears, who ordered the Guru's martyrdom in 1675.

The gurdwara is primarily a community gurdwara, serving the local Sikh sangat (congregation) as well as pilgrims and travellers passing through Aurangabad on their way to Hazur Sahib Nanded, one of Sikhism's five Takhts, located approximately 270 kilometres to the south. Many pilgrims making the journey to Nanded halt at this gurdwara for rest, refreshment, and spiritual sustenance. Among its most prominent features is its langar hall, which operates around the clock, offering free meals to all visitors without distinction of religion, caste, gender, or economic status.

The gurdwara is wheelchair accessible and maintains facilities for overnight stays, making it a welcoming destination for pilgrims and travellers alike. Dedicated sevadars (volunteers) ensure that the langar and the premises run smoothly, embodying the principle that service to humanity is service to the Divine. The institution is widely regarded as a "Symbol of Unity and Selfless Service regardless of caste, creed, colour, or community," words inscribed in its own community description.

## Significance

Gurdwara Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Langar Sahib Ji holds deep religious and cultural significance both for the local Sikh community in Aurangabad and for pilgrims traversing Maharashtra. Dedicated to the ninth Sikh Guru — whom the Sikh tradition honours with the title "Hind di Chadar" (Shield of India) for his supreme sacrifice in defence of religious freedom — the gurdwara serves as a constant reminder of the Sikh commitment to justice, equality, and the protection of all people regardless of their faith. The gurdwara's langar, operating continuously day and night, is one of the most tangible expressions of the Sikh value of Seva.

By offering free meals to every person who walks through its doors — be they Sikh, Hindu, Muslim, or of any other background — it enacts the teaching established by the second Sikh Guru, Guru Angad Dev Ji, and institutionalised by Guru Amar Das Ji: that all human beings are equal and worthy of dignified service. For Sikh pilgrims en route to Hazur Sahib Nanded — the Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib, one of the five supreme seats of Sikh temporal authority — this gurdwara serves as an important waystation. It provides not only physical sustenance but also spiritual solace through daily ardas (prayers), kirtan (devotional music), and the reading of Gurbani (sacred scripture).

The city's historical association with Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor who ordered Guru Tegh Bahadur's execution, lends the gurdwara an additional layer of historical meaning — its presence in Aurangabad is seen by devotees as a symbol of the enduring triumph of the Guru's message of compassion and courage over oppression.

## Nearby Gurdwaras

### Gurdwara Bhai Daya Singh Bhai Dharam Singh Ji Aurangabad

India

1.5 km away

Approximately 4:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily (...

Gurdwara Bhai Daya Singh Bhai Dharam Singh Ji stands as one of the most historically significant Sikh shrines in the Deccan region of India, located in the Dhawani Mohalla (also known as Dhami Mohalla) area of Aurangabad — now officially named Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar — in the state of Maharashtra. The gurdwara marks the very spot where two of the most revered figures in Sikh history, Bhai Daya Singh Ji and Bhai Dharam Singh Ji, resided during their fateful mission to deliver the Zafarnama, Guru Gobind Singh's celebrated 'Declaration of Victory,' to the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1706. This sacred site is more than a place of worship; it is a living monument to Sikh courage, devotion, and the enduring spiritual authority of the Tenth Sikh Guru. The gurdwara serves the local Sikh sangat (congregation) of Aurangabad, a city more commonly associated with Mughal monuments such as the Bibi Ka Maqbara and proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage caves of Ajanta and Ellora. Yet for Sikhs, Aurangabad holds its own deeply spiritual resonance, anchored by this gurdwara's connection to a turning point in Sikh history. Pilgrims, history enthusiasts, and devout Sikhs from across Maharashtra and beyond visit this shrine to pay homage to Bhai Daya Singh, the first of the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones), and Bhai Dharam Singh, another of the original initiated Khalsa. The gurdwara functions as the spiritual and social hub of the Sikh community in Aurangabad. Regular prayers, kirtan (devotional music), and the langar (community kitchen) are conducted here, providing free meals to all visitors regardless of faith, caste, or background — a hallmark of Sikh egalitarianism. Notably, the gurdwara also operates a residential school where young boys receive education in Gurbani (scripture reading), kirtan, and the Sikh way of life, ensuring that the spiritual heritage of this place is transmitted to future generations. Visitors to the gurdwara are warmly welcomed by the local sangat and can experience the serene atmosphere of the darbar sahib, participate in ardas (prayer), and partake in langar. Given its location in the heart of Aurangabad city, the gurdwara is accessible from all major landmarks and serves as an important waypoint for Sikh travelers exploring the broader pilgrimage trail across Maharashtra, which includes the Hazur Sahib Nanded gurdwara, one of the five takhts (seats of temporal authority) of Sikhism, located approximately 230 kilometres away.

Historical

### Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Aurangabad

India

1.7 km away

4:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily; special extend...

Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Aurangabad is a community Sikh place of worship situated in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India — a city now officially known as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Located at coordinates 19.868063, 75.326437, this gurdwara serves as the spiritual and social heart of the Sikh community residing in and around Aurangabad, a city celebrated globally for its proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Ajanta and Ellora Caves. The name 'Guru Singh Sabha' reflects its founding under the banner of the Singh Sabha movement, a broad 19th-century Sikh renaissance that established congregational institutions across India to reinvigorate Sikh identity, education, and religious practice. As a community gurdwara, Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Aurangabad functions as a centre for daily prayer, congregational worship (sangat), the recitation of Gurbani (sacred hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib Ji), and the serving of langar — the free community kitchen that is a hallmark of every gurdwara worldwide. The institution is open to all people regardless of religion, caste, or creed, embodying the Sikh principle of sarbat da bhala, or universal well-being. Aurangabad holds a special place in Sikh history. The city was visited by Bhai Daya Singh, one of the revered Panj Pyare (the Five Beloved Ones), who was dispatched by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1705 on the historic mission to deliver the Zafarnama — the 'Epistle of Victory' — to Emperor Aurangzeb. This direct connection with one of Sikhism's most significant historical episodes gives Aurangabad's Sikh community a sense of deep spiritual heritage. Today, the gurdwara draws both local devotees and visitors — including Sikh pilgrims touring the Deccan region who often combine a visit here with a journey to Hazur Sahib Nanded, one of the five Takhts (seats of temporal authority) of Sikhism, located approximately 270 kilometres away. The gurdwara provides free meals, accommodation for visiting pilgrims, and regular religious programmes including akhand path (unbroken reading of the Guru Granth Sahib), kirtan (devotional singing), and katha (spiritual discourses). It is an active centre for community welfare, youth engagement, and preservation of Punjabi language and Sikh culture in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra.

Historical

### Station Gurdwara Aurangabad

India

4.8 km away

Approximately 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily; h...

Station Gurdwara Aurangabad, formally known as Gurdwara Bhai Saheb Bhai Daya Singh Ji Bhai Dharam Singh Ji, is one of the most historically significant Sikh shrines in the Deccan region of India. Situated on Railway Station Road in the Dhami Mohalla area of Aurangabad — now officially known as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar — in Maharashtra, the gurdwara stands as a living memorial to a pivotal episode in early Sikh history: the delivery of the Zafarnama, Guru Gobind Singh's celebrated "Declaration of Victory," to the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1706. The gurdwara commemorates the historic stay of Bhai Daya Singh, the foremost of the Panj Pyare (the Five Beloved Ones) of Guru Gobind Singh, and his companion Bhai Dharam Singh. Their mission to deliver the Zafarnama to Emperor Aurangzeb brought them to this city, and the house where Bhai Daya Singh resided during that extraordinary diplomatic endeavor eventually became a gathering place for local Sikhs. A sangat (congregation) formed naturally around the sanctity of the place, and over time it grew into the gurdwara that stands today. Conveniently located near the Aurangabad railway station — which is precisely how it came to earn its colloquial name, "Station Gurdwara" — the shrine serves both the local Sikh community and the steady stream of pilgrims and travelers who pass through this historically rich city. Aurangabad is a major tourism gateway to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Ajanta Caves and the Ellora Caves, making it a city that welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors from across India and around the world each year. The gurdwara is attended and maintained by the small but devoted Sikh population of Aurangabad. Beyond its role as a house of worship, it operates a residential school for young boys, offering education in scripture-reading, kirtan (devotional music), and the Sikh way of life — a remarkable contribution to the preservation of Sikh religious and cultural heritage in a predominantly non-Sikh region of India. As with all gurdwaras, the doors of Station Gurdwara Aurangabad are open to people of every religion, caste, gender, and nationality without exception. Visitors are welcomed with the universal Sikh tradition of langar, the free community kitchen where nutritious meals are prepared and served by volunteers as an act of selfless service (seva). The atmosphere within is one of peace, devotion, and universal brotherhood — values central to the Sikh faith since its founding by Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the 15th century. For Sikh pilgrims undertaking the sacred yatra (journey) of Maharashtra's gurdwaras — a circuit that often includes the supreme Sikh Takhts at Hazur Sahib in nearby Nanded — Station Gurdwara Aurangabad holds a place of profound reverence. It represents not just a place of prayer but a tangible link to the courage and devotion of the Panj Pyare, whose sacrifice and service to the tenth Sikh Guru helped shape the destiny of the entire Sikh nation.

Historical

## Detailed History

The city of Aurangabad has a distinctive and layered Sikh history that predates the establishment of most gurdwaras in Maharashtra. The first notable Sikh presence in Aurangabad can be traced to the early eighteenth century, when Bhai Daya Singh — one of the revered Panj Pyare (the five beloved ones) who received Amrit from Guru Gobind Singh Ji at Anandpur Sahib in 1699 — arrived in the city on a mission to deliver the Zafarnama, Guru Gobind Singh Ji's historic epistle to Emperor Aurangzeb. Though the emperor had moved to Ahmadnagar, Bhai Daya Singh remained in Aurangabad and established a small Sikh sangat, laying the foundation for a continuous Sikh presence in the city.

Gurdwara Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Langar Sahib Ji is believed to have grown from the tradition of community service and congregational worship maintained by successive generations of this local Sikh community. While the precise founding date is not definitively recorded in available sources, the gurdwara is traditionally associated with the Sindhi Sikh community, who settled in this part of Aurangabad over the twentieth century, particularly in the decades following the Partition of 1947, when many Sikh and Sindhi families relocated to cities across Maharashtra. The gurdwara is named in honour of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji (1621–1675), the ninth Sikh Guru, who is one of the most venerated figures in Sikh history.

Born in Amritsar in 1621, he became Guru in 1665 and travelled widely across the Indian subcontinent — from Punjab through Bihar, Bengal, Assam, and Odisha — establishing Sikh communities, composing sacred hymns, and founding community water wells and langars for the poor. In 1675, he was summoned to Delhi by Emperor Aurangzeb and publicly beheaded at Chandni Chowk on 11 November 1675 for refusing to convert to Islam and for defending the rights of Hindu Pandits facing forced conversion. His martyrdom is among the most significant events in Sikh history.

The present structure of the gurdwara is believed to have been built and expanded by the local sangat during the latter half of the twentieth century, with continued renovations and improvements carried out in subsequent decades to meet the growing needs of the community and visiting pilgrims. The institution of the 24-hour langar has become its most defining feature, drawing people of all backgrounds to its doors.

## Structures in the Complex

### Darbar Sahib (Main Prayer Hall)

prayer_hall

The central sanctum of the gurdwara where the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is ceremonially installed. Devotees gather here for daily Nitnem (prayers), kirtan (devotional singing), and ardas (supplication). The hall is maintained with reverence and kept clean and fragrant at all times.

### Langar Hall

langar_hall

The iconic feature of this gurdwara, the langar hall operates 24 hours a day serving free meals to all visitors. Seating is on the floor in rows, embodying the Sikh principle of equality. Volunteers (sevadars) continuously prepare, serve, and clean, enacting the central Sikh value of seva (selfless service).

### Nishan Sahib

tower

The tall triangular flagpole bearing the Sikh Khanda symbol, the Nishan Sahib stands at the entrance of the gurdwara complex and is visible from a distance, announcing the presence of the gurdwara to travellers and pilgrims on Jalna Road.

### Entrance Gateway and Shoe Stand

entrance

The main entrance to the gurdwara complex, where visitors remove their footwear and cover their heads before entering. Head coverings (rumaals) are typically available at the entrance for those who do not have one. Hand-washing facilities are also provided near the entrance.

### Pilgrim Accommodation Block

museum

A dedicated facility for pilgrims and travellers who require overnight accommodation. Many Sikh pilgrims on their way to Hazur Sahib Nanded stop here for rest. The accommodation is provided free or at a nominal donation.

## Visitor Information

### Dress Code

Head covering is mandatory (scarves/rumaals available at entrance); remove shoes before entering; modest and respectful clothing required

### Photography

Photography is generally permitted in common areas; always seek permission before photographing inside the Darbar Sahib; respectful and non-intrusive photography is expected

### Etiquette

Wash hands before entering the langar hall; sit on the floor in rows to eat langar; do not point feet toward the Guru Granth Sahib Ji; maintain silence and reverence in the Darbar Sahib; contributions (dasvandh) are voluntary

## Climate & Best Time to Visit

## Langar (Free Community Kitchen)

Exact capacity not publicly documented; the langar hall is designed to serve a large number of guests simultaneously

Seating Capacity

## Architecture

Gurdwara Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Langar Sahib Ji reflects the characteristic architectural vocabulary of community gurdwaras built in twentieth-century Maharashtra — functional, dignified, and welcoming. The complex is centred on the Darbar Sahib (main prayer hall), where the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the eternal Sikh scripture and living Guru, is enshrined with reverence. The prayer hall is typically adorned with nishan sahibs — tall flagpoles bearing the triangular Sikh khanda symbol — which serve as visible markers of the gurdwara's presence.

The langar hall is a prominent and integral feature of the complex, designed to accommodate a large number of people simultaneously, in keeping with the tradition of feeding all visitors. The complex also includes a sarovar (sacred water tank) or ablution area, as well as accommodation facilities for overnight guests. The entrance features a gateway through which shoes must be removed, and a head-covering station is maintained near the entrance.

The building employs white-rendered walls and decorative elements typical of modern Punjabi-influenced Sikh religious architecture, creating a clean and serene environment for worship and community service. Accessibility has been given priority, with wheelchair-accessible entrances and parking.

## Structures in the Complex

### Darbar Sahib (Main Prayer Hall)

prayer_hall

The central sanctum of the gurdwara where the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is ceremonially installed. Devotees gather here for daily Nitnem (prayers), kirtan (devotional singing), and ardas (supplication). The hall is maintained with reverence and kept clean and fragrant at all times.

### Langar Hall

langar_hall

The iconic feature of this gurdwara, the langar hall operates 24 hours a day serving free meals to all visitors. Seating is on the floor in rows, embodying the Sikh principle of equality. Volunteers (sevadars) continuously prepare, serve, and clean, enacting the central Sikh value of seva (selfless service).

### Nishan Sahib

tower

The tall triangular flagpole bearing the Sikh Khanda symbol, the Nishan Sahib stands at the entrance of the gurdwara complex and is visible from a distance, announcing the presence of the gurdwara to travellers and pilgrims on Jalna Road.

### Entrance Gateway and Shoe Stand

entrance

The main entrance to the gurdwara complex, where visitors remove their footwear and cover their heads before entering. Head coverings (rumaals) are typically available at the entrance for those who do not have one. Hand-washing facilities are also provided near the entrance.

### Pilgrim Accommodation Block

museum

A dedicated facility for pilgrims and travellers who require overnight accommodation. Many Sikh pilgrims on their way to Hazur Sahib Nanded stop here for rest. The accommodation is provided free or at a nominal donation.

## Events & Celebrations

### gurpurab

#### Guru Tegh Bahadur Shaheedi Diwas

Annual commemoration of the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji on 24 November. Special akhand path (continuous scripture reading), kirtan, ardas, and an extended langar are organised. This is the most important event at this particular gurdwara given its dedication to the ninth Guru.

#### Guru Nanak Dev Ji Prakash Utsav

Celebrated on the full moon of Kartik (October/November), this Gurpurab commemorates the birth of the first Sikh Guru and founder of Sikhism. Nagar kirtan, akhand path, and special langar mark the occasion with large community participation.

#### Guru Gobind Singh Ji Prakash Utsav

Celebrates the birth of the tenth and last human Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, observed in December or January. Special kirtan darbars and extended langar are held, and the gurdwara is decorated for the occasion.

### festival

#### Baisakhi

Celebrated on 13 or 14 April each year, Baisakhi marks both the Punjabi harvest festival and the founding of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699. Special prayers, kirtan, and community gatherings are held at the gurdwara.

#### Bandi Chhor Diwas

Observed on the same day as Diwali, this Sikh festival commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji and 52 kings from Gwalior Fort. The gurdwara is illuminated and special programmes are held in the evening.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### visiting

The gurdwara is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Darbar Sahib (main prayer hall) typically holds services from around 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with Nitnem (daily prayers) in the early morning and evening. The langar (community kitchen) operates continuously and serves free meals at all hours.

Yes. The langar hall at Gurdwara Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Langar Sahib Ji operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Free meals are served to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, or background. During major Gurpurabs, the langar is expanded with special preparations.

Yes, the gurdwara provides staying facility for pilgrims and travellers. Accommodation is typically free or offered at a nominal donation. Many pilgrims travelling to Hazur Sahib Nanded stop here for rest and meals. It is advisable to contact the gurdwara in advance for longer stays.

### history

The gurdwara is dedicated to Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji (1621–1675), the ninth Sikh Guru who was martyred by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb for defending religious freedom. Aurangabad has a rich Sikh history dating to the early 18th century when Bhai Daya Singh, one of the Panj Pyare, stayed in the city while delivering Guru Gobind Singh Ji's Zafarnama letter. The present gurdwara grew from the traditions of the local Sikh community and is believed to have been established and developed during the 20th century.

Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was martyred by Emperor Aurangzeb, whose name the city of Aurangabad bears. Establishing a gurdwara in his name in this city carries deep symbolic meaning for Sikhs — it represents the enduring legacy of the Guru's sacrifice and the triumph of his message of compassion, courage, and religious freedom over oppression.

### transport

The gurdwara is located in Sindhi Colony, Mondha Naka, on Jalna Road, Aurangabad. The nearest airport is Chikkalthana Airport (IXU), about 8 km away. Aurangabad Railway Station is approximately 3–4 km from the gurdwara. Local auto-rickshaws and taxis are readily available throughout the city. The area is locally known as G.T.B. Nagar, making it easy to ask for directions.

### events

The gurdwara observes all major Sikh festivals including Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Parkash Utsav (November), Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's Shaheedi Diwas (martyrdom anniversary, November 24), Baisakhi (April 13/14), and Diwali/Bandi Chhor Diwas. Special extended langars, kirtan programmes, and processions (nagar kirtans) are organised on these occasions.

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