# Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, New Delhi – History & Guide > Explore Gurdwara Bangla Sahib in New Delhi – a historic Sikh shrine linked to Guru Har Krishan, with sacred Sarovar, free langar & 24/7 worship. ![Sri Bangla Sahib Gurudwara](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/thumb.php?f=Front%20view%20of%20Gurudwara%20Bangla%20Sahib%2C%20Delhi.jpg&w=1200) Historical Protected monument of Delhi national # Sri Bangla Sahib Gurudwara श्री बांग्ला साहिब गुरुद्वारा Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: 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. ## Significance Gurdwara Bangla Sahib holds a place of singular importance in Sikh religious life and in the broader spiritual landscape of India. Its association with Guru Har Krishan, who exemplified the Sikh ideal of selfless compassion through his ministry to the sick and dying of Delhi, imbues the site with a sacred character that resonates deeply with the Sikh faith's core teachings. Pilgrims from across the Sikh diaspora and from other faiths travel to this gurdwara to seek blessings, solace, and a living connection with the Guru's spirit. The Sarovar at Bangla Sahib is considered among the most sacred water tanks in the Sikh tradition outside of Amritsar's Harmandir Sahib. Devotees believe that bathing in or consuming its water can bring healing and divine grace—a belief tracing directly to Guru Har Krishan's compassionate act during the 1664 epidemic. Each day, thousands of worshippers collect the Sarovar's water to take home as a form of sacred prasad. The gurdwara equally embodies the foundational Sikh principle of langar—the tradition of communal dining that affirms the equality of every human being before Waheguru. Its kitchen operates twice daily, feeding hundreds of thousands of people annually regardless of religion, caste, or social standing. This dimension of community service makes Gurdwara Bangla Sahib not merely a place of prayer but a living social institution, continuously enacting the values first articulated by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Its hospital, school, library, and pilgrim accommodation further reinforce the gurdwara's role as a complete refuge and sanctuary open unconditionally to all. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ![Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/thumb.php?f=Gurdwara%20Rakabganj%20Sahib%2C%20Delhi.jpg&w=600) ### Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib New Delhi, India 993 m away Open daily, 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM 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). Historical ### Gurudwara Nanaksara Delhi, India 2.3 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 ### Mata Sundari Gurdwara Delhi, India 2.6 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 ### Gurdwara Mata Sundri India 2.6 km away Open daily, typically from early morning... Gurdwara Mata Sundri stands as one of the most historically significant Sikh shrines in Delhi, situated prominently on Mata Sundri Road in the heart of the national capital. Located behind Lok Nayak (JP Nayak) Hospital near Mandi House, and adjacent to Ghalib Urdu Academy, this revered gurdwara is dedicated to Mata Sundri Ji — believed to be the first wife of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji (1666–1708). The gurdwara occupies the very site of Mata Sundri Ji's final haveli, or residence, where she lived from 1727 until her passing in 1747, making it not merely a place of worship but a living memorial to one of Sikhism's most venerated and influential women. Mata Sundri Ji bore Guru Gobind Singh Ji four sons — the Sahibzadas — all of whom were martyred during the turbulent years of resistance against the Mughal empire. Following the Guru's departure for the Deccan and his subsequent passing at Nanded in October 1708, Mata Sundri Ji emerged as a central spiritual and temporal authority for the Sikh community during a profoundly challenging period. She guided the Khalsa with wisdom and resolve for nearly four decades after the Guru's passing, a period marked by severe Mughal persecution, internal strife, and the struggle for Sikh survival. The gurdwara serves both as a pilgrimage destination for Sikhs from across India and the world, and as a community centre for the Sikh diaspora of Delhi. Daily prayers, kirtan (devotional singing), and langar (community kitchen) are conducted here, upholding the Sikh tradition of seva (selfless service) and equality. The institution is managed under the auspices of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), which oversees its religious and administrative functions. Among its most treasured artifacts are a pair of framed slippers (juttis) and a collection of swords, believed to have been gifted to Mata Sundri Ji by Guru Gobind Singh Ji himself. These sacred relics are preserved within the gurdwara and draw devotees seeking a tangible connection to the Guru's legacy. The gurdwara's location on Mata Sundri Road — a thoroughfare named in her honour — reflects the deep imprint she has left on the geography and collective memory of Delhi. Open to visitors of all faiths and backgrounds, Gurdwara Mata Sundri embodies the Sikh principles of universal brotherhood, service, and spiritual devotion. Its prominence in the heart of the national capital ensures that it remains not only a place of prayer and reflection, but also an enduring symbol of Sikh history, resilience, and heritage for pilgrims and scholars alike. Historical ## Founding Story Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is associated with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan. In 1664, a devastating smallpox and cholera epidemic hit Delhi. The young Guru, only 8 years old, moved to the bungalow of Raja Jai Singh in Delhi and began helping the afflicted. Guru Har Krishan distributed water from the small pool on the premises, which is believed to have miraculous healing properties. The Guru himself contracted the disease while serving the sick and passed away at this very location. The bungalow (bangla) was later converted into a gurdwara in his memory. The present building was constructed in 1783 by Sikh General Sardar Baghel Singh, who built nine gurdwaras in Delhi. ## Historical Timeline 1664 ### Founded Sri Bangla Sahib Gurudwara was established. 1984 ### Event in 1984 during the anti-Sikh riots, some 150 Sikhs took sanctuary inside the gurdwara 2021 ### Event in 2021 the gurdwara inaugurated the cheapest diagnostic centre with the aim to provide healthcare for the p ## Detailed History The site now occupied by Gurdwara Bangla Sahib has its origins in the 17th century, when it served as the official residence—or bangla—of Raja Jai Singh I of Amber, the influential Rajput ruler, astronomer, and high-ranking commander in the Mughal imperial court. The palace, known as Jaisinghpura Palace, was one of the grandest private residences in Mughal-era Delhi. The pivotal chapter in the site's history began in 1664, when Guru Har Krishan, the eighth Sikh Guru, was summoned to Delhi by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The emperor had been petitioned by Ram Rai—an elder brother of Guru Har Krishan—who disputed the younger man's legitimacy as Guru. Accompanying Guru Har Krishan on his journey from Kiratpur Sahib were Raja Ram Singh and Raja Jai Singh, both of whom extended their support and protection. Raja Jai Singh graciously offered his Delhi bangla as the Guru's residence for the duration of his visit. While staying at the palace, Guru Har Krishan—believed to have been barely eight years old at the time—became deeply moved by the suffering of Delhi's residents, who were then in the grip of a devastating epidemic of cholera and smallpox. Against the advice of those around him, the young Guru is said to have ventured out daily to tend to the sick, distributing water from the palace well and offering every available aid. It is believed that those who drank the well's water experienced miraculous recovery. The Guru himself, in the course of his service to the afflicted population, contracted the illness and passed away on March 30, 1664. His last words, when asked who would succeed him as Guru, were reportedly 'Baba Bakala'—a reference pointing toward Guru Tegh Bahadur in the village of Bakala, Punjab. Following Guru Har Krishan's passing, Raja Jai Singh is believed to have constructed a small tank over the original well as a memorial to the Guru's healing ministry. The site remained a place of quiet veneration for over a century. In 1783, Sardar Baghel Singh, a prominent Sikh military general who had temporarily captured Delhi, undertook the construction of a formal gurdwara on the site—one of eight significant Sikh shrines he established in Delhi during that period. Over the following two centuries, the structure has been expanded, renovated, and elaborated into the grand complex that stands today, continuing to grow in both religious importance and community service. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Prayer Hall (Darbar Sahib) Prayer Hall The principal sanctum of the gurdwara, a large rectangular chamber built of white marble with a high ceiling, ornate carved pillars, and gilded arches. The Guru Granth Sahib is enshrined at the center, where continuous kirtan is performed by ragis (musicians). The walls are inscribed with sacred verses in gold lettering. ### Sarovar (Sacred Tank) Sacred Water Tank A large rectangular tank of holy water located within the gurdwara complex, lined with white marble steps (ghats) on all four sides. Believed to trace its origins to the well from which Guru Har Krishan distributed water to epidemic victims in 1664, the Sarovar is a central object of devotion, and its waters are collected by devotees as amrit. ### Nishan Sahib Flagpole Religious Monument The tall flagpole bearing the triangular Sikh flag (Nishan Sahib) emblazoned with the Khanda symbol stands prominently in the forecourt of the gurdwara. Visible from the surrounding streets of Connaught Place, it functions as a traditional marker identifying the gurdwara to approaching pilgrims and travellers. ### Langar Hall Community Kitchen and Dining Hall A large dedicated hall where the community kitchen (langar) operates twice daily, serving free vegetarian meals to all visitors. The hall accommodates hundreds of diners simultaneously, with meals prepared and served entirely by volunteer sevadars. It is one of the most actively used parts of the complex. ### Museum and Art Gallery Museum Located within the gurdwara complex, the museum and art gallery documents the history of Sikhism through paintings, artifacts, and historical displays. It provides visitors with an educational overview of the Sikh Gurus, significant events in Sikh history, and the history of Gurdwara Bangla Sahib itself. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head must be covered at all times (scarves/handkerchiefs available at the entrance); modest clothing covering shoulders and legs required; footwear must be removed before entering the premises ### Photography Photography is prohibited inside the main prayer hall and gurdwara building; permitted in the outer courtyard and near the Sarovar ### Etiquette Maintain silence and decorum inside the prayer hall; do not turn your back to the Guru Granth Sahib; wash hands before partaking in langar; photography is prohibited inside the gurdwara; alcohol and tobacco are strictly not permitted on the premises ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Accommodation ### Nearby Hotels Numerous hotels in Connaught Place area within walking distance ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) Serves thousands of meals daily; capacity estimated at several hundred diners at a time; on major festival days, the kitchen operates continuously to accommodate significantly larger numbers Seating Capacity ## Prakash (Daily Prayer Schedule) ## Community Services ### Medical Services Bangla Sahib Hospital and eye centre ### Education Baba Baghel Singh Museum, Sikh library ### Charitable Programs Free langarFree accommodationBangla Sahib Hospital ## Architecture Gurdwara Bangla Sahib presents an architectural synthesis of Sikh, Mughal, and Rajput traditions. Its most prominent feature is the large central golden dome, which gleams brilliantly in sunlight and is visible from considerable distances across Delhi's central district. Flanking the main dome are smaller domed pavilions (chattris) that lend the structure a ceremonial grandeur reminiscent of Mughal imperial architecture, while expressing a distinctly Sikh religious identity. The main prayer hall is a spacious rectangular chamber built of white marble, with a high ceiling supported by elegantly carved pillars and arches. Interior walls and floors are adorned with intricate floral motifs and sacred inscriptions from the Guru Granth Sahib rendered in gold. The Nishan Sahib—the tall flagpole bearing the triangular Khanda-emblazoned Sikh flag—stands prominently in the forecourt, visible from the surrounding streets. The Sarovar, a large rectangular sacred tank lined with white marble steps (ghats), occupies a central position in the complex. Arcaded walkways surround it, where devotees circumambulate in contemplative prayer. The broader campus integrates auxiliary buildings housing the langar hall, museum and art gallery, library, school, hospital, and Yatri Nivaas (pilgrim rest house), all forming a cohesive and self-sufficient spiritual and community complex. Architectural Style: Mughal-era bungalow converted to Gurdwara, modern Sikh architectural additions ## Sarovar (Sacred Pool) Significance: The water is considered holy and is believed to have healing properties. Associated with the eighth Guru, Guru Har Krishan, who used this water to heal smallpox victims in 1664. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Prayer Hall (Darbar Sahib) Prayer Hall The principal sanctum of the gurdwara, a large rectangular chamber built of white marble with a high ceiling, ornate carved pillars, and gilded arches. The Guru Granth Sahib is enshrined at the center, where continuous kirtan is performed by ragis (musicians). The walls are inscribed with sacred verses in gold lettering. ### Sarovar (Sacred Tank) Sacred Water Tank A large rectangular tank of holy water located within the gurdwara complex, lined with white marble steps (ghats) on all four sides. Believed to trace its origins to the well from which Guru Har Krishan distributed water to epidemic victims in 1664, the Sarovar is a central object of devotion, and its waters are collected by devotees as amrit. ### Nishan Sahib Flagpole Religious Monument The tall flagpole bearing the triangular Sikh flag (Nishan Sahib) emblazoned with the Khanda symbol stands prominently in the forecourt of the gurdwara. Visible from the surrounding streets of Connaught Place, it functions as a traditional marker identifying the gurdwara to approaching pilgrims and travellers. ### Langar Hall Community Kitchen and Dining Hall A large dedicated hall where the community kitchen (langar) operates twice daily, serving free vegetarian meals to all visitors. The hall accommodates hundreds of diners simultaneously, with meals prepared and served entirely by volunteer sevadars. It is one of the most actively used parts of the complex. ### Museum and Art Gallery Museum Located within the gurdwara complex, the museum and art gallery documents the history of Sikhism through paintings, artifacts, and historical displays. It provides visitors with an educational overview of the Sikh Gurus, significant events in Sikh history, and the history of Gurdwara Bangla Sahib itself. ### Live Kirtan — Sri Bangla Sahib Gurudwara Kirtan will resume soon Typical hours: 4 AM – 10 PM Watch on YouTube Audio Stream Click play to listen to live kirtan ## Watch & Follow YouTube Channel ## Events & Celebrations ### Religious Festival #### Guru Har Krishan Jayanti The birth anniversary of Guru Har Krishan, the eighth Sikh Guru and the presiding deity of this gurdwara, is celebrated with special prayers (Akhand Path), kirtan, and an expanded langar. Thousands of devotees converge on the gurdwara, and the entire complex is illuminated and decorated. #### Hola Mohalla Hola Mohalla, the Sikh festival following Holi, is observed with kirtan, martial arts demonstrations, and community gatherings at the gurdwara. While the main celebrations are held at Anandpur Sahib, Bangla Sahib hosts significant local observances. #### Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas Sikhs celebrate Diwali as Bandi Chhor Divas, commemorating the release of Guru Hargobind from Gwalior Fort. The gurdwara is illuminated with lights and diyas, and special prayers and kirtan are held throughout the evening. ### Religious and Cultural Festival #### Baisakhi Baisakhi, celebrated on April 13 or 14, marks the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. At Bangla Sahib, it is observed with continuous kirtan, special Gurbani recitations, processions, and a greatly expanded langar that operates throughout the day and night. ### Religious Observance #### Gurpurabs (Sikh Holy Days) All major Gurpurabs—including the birth and martyrdom anniversaries of the ten Sikh Gurus—are observed with Akhand Path (unbroken 48-hour recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib), kirtan, ardas, and community langar. The gurdwara is open continuously during these occasions. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### spiritual The Sarovar is a sacred tank whose waters are believed to possess healing properties, rooted in the tradition that Guru Har Krishan distributed water from the site's original well to cholera and smallpox patients in 1664, many of whom are believed to have recovered. Devotees continue to collect its water as a sacred offering (amrit). Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is associated with Guru Har Krishan, the eighth Sikh Guru. He stayed at this site in 1664 during his visit to Delhi, where he ministered to victims of a smallpox and cholera epidemic. He passed away here on March 30, 1664, making this both a place of veneration and of historical pilgrimage. ### visitor_info No, entry to Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is completely free of charge. The langar (community meal) is also served free to all visitors regardless of religion or background. All visitors must cover their heads before entering—scarves or handkerchiefs are available at the entrance if you do not have one. Footwear must be removed before stepping inside. Modest clothing that covers the shoulders and legs is required. Photography is prohibited inside the main prayer hall and gurdwara building. It is generally permitted in the outer courtyard and near the Sarovar, but visitors should be respectful and avoid photographing worshippers without consent. ### history The gurdwara was formally constructed in 1783 by Sardar Baghel Singh, a prominent Sikh military general, on the site of the former bangla (bungalow) of Raja Jai Singh I of Amber. The site had already been venerated for over a century due to Guru Har Krishan's residence there in 1664. ### transport The nearest metro stations are Rajiv Chowk (Blue and Yellow Lines) and Patel Chowk (Yellow Line), both approximately a 10–15 minute walk from the gurdwara. The gurdwara is located on Baba Kharak Singh Marg near Connaught Place. ### facilities The complex includes the main prayer hall, the sacred Sarovar, a free langar hall, a museum and art gallery documenting Sikh history, a school, a hospital, a library, Yatri Nivaas (free pilgrim accommodation), and free shoe storage. Outside food stalls offer chai and snacks near the entrance. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Sri Bangla Sahib Gurudwara Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. Suggest an Edit