# Gurudwara Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib - History, Timings & Visitor Guide | GurdwaraSahib.in

> Visit Gurudwara Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib, Sector 34 Chandigarh — dedicated to the 9th Sikh Guru. Free entry, daily langar, open 5 AM–8 PM.

# Gurudwara Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib

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Gurudwara Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib, situated in the heart of Sector 34 D, Chandigarh, is one of the most revered Sikh shrines in the Union Territory and a central place of worship for the sizeable Sikh community of the city. Dedicated to the memory and spiritual legacy of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji — the ninth of the ten Sikh Gurus and one of the most celebrated martyrs in religious history — this gurdwara stands as a living testament to the values of courage, compassion, and unwavering faith that defined the Guru's extraordinary life. Chandigarh, India's meticulously planned city designed by architect Le Corbusier and established as the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, is home to a large Sikh population, and this gurdwara serves as an indispensable spiritual anchor for thousands of devotees.

Located along a well-connected arterial sector road and easily accessible from most parts of the city, the gurdwara draws worshippers not only from Chandigarh but also from the surrounding districts of Mohali, Panchkula, and across the wider Punjab region. The gurdwara is a community institution in the truest sense of the word. Beyond its daily religious functions — the continuous recitation of Gurbani (sacred hymns), the performance of Ardas (congregational prayer), and the reading of Hukamnama (the divine command from the Guru Granth Sahib) — it operates a free community kitchen known as the Langar, which serves wholesome vegetarian meals to all visitors without distinction of caste, creed, religion, or social status, embodying the Sikh principle of Seva (selfless service).

The gurdwara complex accommodates approximately 300 visitors at a time in its main prayer hall and is equipped with guest rooms for pilgrims travelling from afar. It hosts major Sikh festivals and commemorative events throughout the year, drawing large congregations particularly on Gurpurabs (anniversaries of Sikh Gurus), with Guru Nanak Jayanti and Guru Teg Bahadur's Shaheedi Divas (martyrdom anniversary, observed on 24 November) being among the most significant occasions. On these days, the gurdwara is adorned with lights and flowers, special kirtan programmes are organised, and the langar serves thousands.

For Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike, Gurudwara Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib offers a serene environment for spiritual reflection amidst the urban bustle of Chandigarh, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking peace, a sense of Sikh history, or simply the warmth of the langar.

## Significance

Gurudwara Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib holds profound religious and cultural significance for the Sikh community and for all those who revere the universal values of human rights and religious freedom. The gurdwara is dedicated to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, who occupies a uniquely exalted place in Sikh theology and in the broader history of South Asia. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is venerated as 'Hind di Chadar' — the Shield of India — a title bestowed upon him for his supreme sacrifice in defence of the right of Kashmiri Pandits (Hindu Brahmins) to practise their faith freely.

In 1675, when Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb sought to forcibly convert them to Islam, the Guru stood as their protector. Refusing to convert himself, he was arrested and publicly executed in Chandni Chowk, Delhi. His martyrdom is commemorated every year on 24 November as Shaheedi Divas and is observed with great solemnity at this gurdwara with special kirtan, Ardas, and langar.

The gurdwara is also a repository of the Guru's spiritual teachings. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji composed 115 hymns enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib, the eternal Sikh scripture, and his message of equanimity, detachment from worldly fear, and devotion to the divine resonates deeply with worshippers. As a community gurdwara, it plays a vital role in transmitting Sikh values — seva (selfless service), simran (devotional remembrance), and sangat (holy congregation) — to younger generations, making it as much a cultural and educational institution as a place of worship.

## Nearby Gurdwaras

### Gurdwara Shri Bagh Shaheedan

India

1.2 km away

4 AM - 10 PM

<h3>Gurdwara Shri Bagh Shaheedan Overview</h3><p>Gurdwara Shri Bagh Shaheedan is believed to be a sacred Sikh pilgrimage site commemorating the martyrs of Sikh history. The Gurdwara stands as a testament to the unwavering faith and sacrifice of devoted Sikhs throughout centuries of spiritual struggle.</p><p>This community Gurdwara preserves the memory of Sikh heroes and maintains an important role in the local Sikh community. The site is believed to hold deep spiritual significance for pilgrims seeking to connect with Sikh heritage and martyrdom traditions.</p><h3>Spiritual Importance</h3><p>The Gurdwara represents the Sikh principles of justice, sacrifice, and devotion to the Almighty. Devotees visit to pay respects and seek blessings through their connection to these historical events and figures.</p><p>The presence of the Darbar Sahib and community facilities make this a focal point for religious gatherings and spiritual education. Regular services and kirtan sessions reinforce the Gurdwara's role as a center of faith and community support.</p><h3>Community Role</h3><p>As a community Gurdwara, it serves local residents and visiting pilgrims with langar services, educational programs, and religious discourse. The Gurdwara embodies the Sikh concept of 'Sangat' (congregation) and 'Pangat' (communal meal), fostering unity and equality among all visitors.</p>

Community

### Gurdwara

Chandigarh, India

1.3 km away

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, 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

### Gurudwara Sahib

Chandigarh, India

1.6 km away

Gurudwara 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, Gurudwara 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

### Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha

India

2.7 km away

Open daily, typically from 4:00 AM to 10...

Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha is a revered Sikh place of worship situated in India, bearing the distinguished name of the historic Singh Sabha movement that transformed and revitalized Sikhism in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The name 'Guru Singh Sabha' pays homage to the Guru — the divine teacher — and the Sabha — the congregation or assembly — reflecting the gurdwara's foundational role as a gathering place for the Sikh faithful. Located at coordinates 30.729058, 76.7909872, the gurdwara sits in a region deeply embedded in Punjab's spiritual and cultural heartland, the very cradle of Sikhism. The gurdwara functions as a comprehensive community institution, extending its services far beyond acts of personal worship. It operates as a spiritual sanctuary where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the eternal living Guru of the Sikhs, is housed and venerated with daily prayers, kirtan (devotional music), and recitation of Gurbani (sacred hymns). The premises serve residents of the surrounding neighborhoods as well as pilgrims and travelers seeking blessings and solace. A cornerstone of the gurdwara's community mission is the Langar, the sacred institution of a free communal kitchen where all visitors, regardless of caste, creed, religion, gender, or social standing, are welcome to share a meal. This practice embodies the Sikh principle of seva (selfless service) and the equality of all human beings before the Creator. Volunteers from the local Sangat (congregation) devote their time and resources to ensure the Langar operates daily without interruption. Beyond worship, Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha is believed to support community welfare activities including religious education classes for children (Punjabi language instruction and Gurbani learning), youth programs, and social outreach initiatives that serve the broader population. The gurdwara also maintains a library of sacred texts and religious literature to promote the study and understanding of Sikh theology and history. The institution is governed in accordance with the Sikh Rehat Maryada, the official code of conduct issued by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which ensures that religious observances and administrative practices align with established Sikh traditions. The gurdwara maintains open doors throughout the day, welcoming all who wish to seek spiritual nourishment or community connection.

Community

## Detailed History

The history of Gurudwara Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib, Sector 34, Chandigarh is rooted in both the ancient spiritual journeys of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and the modern founding of the city of Chandigarh itself. The gurdwara was established to commemorate and honour the passage of the ninth Sikh Guru through this region during his extensive travels across northern India in the seventeenth century. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (1621–1675), born Tyag Mal in Amritsar, was the youngest son of Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh Guru.

He was installed as the ninth Guru of the Sikhs in 1665 and embarked on extensive journeys across Punjab, Bihar, Bengal, and Assam, spreading the message of Sikhism and providing spiritual guidance to communities along the way. It is believed that Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji passed through the area that now constitutes Chandigarh and its surrounding districts during his travels — a visit commemorated by the establishment of this sacred shrine. The origins of the modern gurdwara are closely linked to the planned development of Chandigarh as a new city in independent India.

When the area comprising present-day Sector 34 was developed, the village that had previously occupied the land was relocated. Before the village's eviction, local villagers had maintained a modest Dharam Shala (community prayer hall) which served as the nucleus of religious life in the area. After the village residents were resettled, the residents of the newly formed Sector 34 took over the management and upkeep of this humble prayer hall, and it became the seed from which the present gurdwara grew.

Formal construction of the gurdwara began in the early 1970s, and the complex was substantially completed by 1976. In a mark of national significance, the foundation stone of the gurdwara was laid by the then Prime Minister of India, Smt. Indira Gandhi.

Recognising the growing needs of the Sikh congregation in the sector, six kanal of land was allotted by the Chandigarh Administration in 1980 to expand the complex. The first major building was constructed and completed in 1984. A further three kanal of land was allotted in the same year, enabling the construction of additional facilities including accommodation for pilgrims and improved langar facilities.

Over subsequent decades, the gurdwara has continued to be developed and renovated by the managing committee and the sangat (congregation), transforming it into the well-equipped and beloved institution it is today.

## Structures in the Complex

### Main Darbar Sahib

prayer_hall

The central prayer hall of the gurdwara complex, crowned with a white dome and gilded finials. It houses the Guru Granth Sahib under a beautifully decorated Palki Sahib (canopy) and can accommodate approximately 300 worshippers seated on the carpeted floor.

### Langar Hall

langar_hall

A dedicated community kitchen and dining hall where free meals are served to all visitors throughout the day. Staffed by volunteers (sevadars), the langar hall is a cornerstone of the gurdwara's community service activities.

### Juta Ghar (Shoe Storage)

entrance

A well-organised shoe storage facility at the entrance of the complex where visitors deposit their footwear before entering the sacred precincts. Volunteers manage this facility as part of their seva.

### Guest Rooms (Sarai)

museum

The gurdwara complex includes accommodation facilities for visiting pilgrims travelling from outside Chandigarh, reflecting the tradition of Sikh hospitality (Atithi Devo Bhava).

### Administrative Block

entrance

A dedicated administrative area housing the offices of the gurdwara management committee, used for coordination of religious programmes, langar operations, and community outreach activities.

## Visitor Information

### Dress Code

Head covering mandatory (scarves available at entrance), shoes must be removed before entering, modest and respectful clothing required

### Photography

Photography is generally permitted in the outer complex and langar hall; photography inside the Darbar Sahib near the Guru Granth Sahib may require permission from the management committee

### Etiquette

Wash hands and feet before entering the Darbar Sahib; bow before the Guru Granth Sahib upon entering; sit cross-legged on the floor in the prayer hall; avoid turning your back to the Guru Granth Sahib; switch off mobile phones or keep them silent; alcohol and tobacco are strictly prohibited on the premises

## Climate & Best Time to Visit

## Langar (Free Community Kitchen)

The langar hall can serve several hundred people per sitting; on major Gurpurabs, thousands are served

Seating Capacity

## Architecture

Gurudwara Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib, Sector 34 D, Chandigarh, presents a blend of classical Sikh architectural elements harmoniously integrated into the planned urban landscape of Chandigarh. The main Darbar Sahib (sanctum sanctorum) is crowned with a characteristic white dome that is visible from a distance, with gilded finials adding to its spiritual grandeur. The exterior walls are finished in white marble and plaster, reflecting the tradition of Sikh sacred architecture.

The main prayer hall is spacious, capable of accommodating approximately 300 devotees at a time, with the Guru Granth Sahib enshrined at the centre under a decorated canopy (Palki Sahib). The complex occupies a total of nine kanal of land, comprising the main prayer hall, a separate langar hall where the community kitchen operates, guest rooms for visiting pilgrims, and administrative offices. The gurdwara's design prioritises accessibility and functionality, with wide pathways, seating areas for elderly visitors, and facilities for shoe storage (juta ghar).

The overall aesthetic is one of calm devotional beauty, with the use of white marble, decorative archways, and soft lighting creating an atmosphere of peace and reverence.

## Structures in the Complex

### Main Darbar Sahib

prayer_hall

The central prayer hall of the gurdwara complex, crowned with a white dome and gilded finials. It houses the Guru Granth Sahib under a beautifully decorated Palki Sahib (canopy) and can accommodate approximately 300 worshippers seated on the carpeted floor.

### Langar Hall

langar_hall

A dedicated community kitchen and dining hall where free meals are served to all visitors throughout the day. Staffed by volunteers (sevadars), the langar hall is a cornerstone of the gurdwara's community service activities.

### Juta Ghar (Shoe Storage)

entrance

A well-organised shoe storage facility at the entrance of the complex where visitors deposit their footwear before entering the sacred precincts. Volunteers manage this facility as part of their seva.

### Guest Rooms (Sarai)

museum

The gurdwara complex includes accommodation facilities for visiting pilgrims travelling from outside Chandigarh, reflecting the tradition of Sikh hospitality (Atithi Devo Bhava).

### Administrative Block

entrance

A dedicated administrative area housing the offices of the gurdwara management committee, used for coordination of religious programmes, langar operations, and community outreach activities.

## Events & Celebrations

### gurpurab

#### Guru Teg Bahadur Shaheedi Divas (Martyrdom Day)

Observed annually on 24 November, this is the most significant event at this gurdwara. Special kirtan programmes, Ardas, and extended langar are organised to commemorate the supreme sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Thousands of devotees gather for prayers and langar.

#### Guru Nanak Jayanti (Guru Nanak Gurpurab)

Celebrated on the full moon of Kartik (October–November), Guru Nanak Jayanti is one of the most joyous occasions in the Sikh calendar. The gurdwara organises Prabhat Pheris (early morning processions), all-night Akhand Path (continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib), and special kirtan.

#### Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti

The birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth and last human Sikh Guru, is observed with special religious programmes including Akhand Path, kirtan, and langar.

### festival

#### Baisakhi

Celebrated on 13–14 April every year, Baisakhi marks the Sikh New Year and the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699. The gurdwara hosts special prayers, kirtan, and a large langar. It is a time of great rejoicing in the Sikh community.

### weekly

#### Weekly Sangat (Sunday Diwan)

Every Sunday, a special congregation (Diwan) is held at the gurdwara with extended kirtan, Ardas, and Hukamnama. This is a particularly well-attended occasion for the local Sikh community of Chandigarh.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### visiting

The gurdwara is open daily from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM. On Gurpurabs and special occasions such as Guru Teg Bahadur Shaheedi Divas (24 November) and Guru Nanak Jayanti, the gurdwara may remain open for extended hours.

Yes, entry to Gurudwara Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib is completely free of charge, as is the langar (community meal). This is the universal tradition in all Sikh gurdwaras, which welcome everyone regardless of religion, caste, or background.

Yes, langar is available daily from approximately 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM and is open to all visitors regardless of faith or background. On major Gurpurabs and festivals, the langar operates on an extended scale, serving thousands of people.

Visitors are required to cover their head before entering (scarves or head coverings are usually available at the entrance), remove their shoes at the shoe storage area (juta ghar), and dress modestly. The use of alcohol and tobacco is strictly prohibited on the gurdwara premises.

### history

The gurdwara traces its roots to a Dharam Shala (prayer hall) maintained by the village that previously occupied what is now Sector 34 D. After the village was relocated during the development of Chandigarh, sector residents took over the shrine. Formal construction began in the early 1970s and was completed in 1976, with the foundation stone laid by Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi. The complex was subsequently expanded in 1980 and 1984 with land allotted by the Chandigarh Administration.

Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (1621–1675) was the ninth of the ten Sikh Gurus. He is revered as 'Hind di Chadar' (Shield of India) for sacrificing his life in defence of the Kashmiri Pandits' right to practise their Hindu faith, refusing to bow to Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb's demand for forcible conversions. He was martyred in Delhi in 1675. His 115 hymns are enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib.

### transport

The gurdwara is easily accessible by multiple modes of transport. By road, it is about 250 km from Delhi via NH-44. By rail, the nearest station is Chandigarh Railway Station (approx. 5 km away). By air, Chandigarh International Airport is about 12 km from the gurdwara. Local CTU buses, auto-rickshaws, and app-based cabs (Ola/Uber) connect to Sector 34 from all parts of the city.

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