Gurdwara Bangla Sahib

Gurdwara Bangla Sahib (listenⓘ) is one of the most prominent Sikh gurdwaras, or Sikh house of worship, in Delhi, India, and known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan, as well as the holy pond inside its complex, known as the "Sarovar." It was first built as a small shrine by Sikh General Sardar Baghel Singh in 1783, on the bungalow donated by king Raja Jai Singh of Amer, who supervised the construction of nine Sikh shrines in Delhi in the same year, during the reign of Mughal Emperor, Shah Alam II.[1]

Gurdwara Bangla Sahib
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib as viewed from Main Entrance.
Religion
AffiliationSikhism
Location
LocationConnaught Place, Delhi, India.
Architecture
StyleSikh architecture
Completed1664 as a bungalow, again rebuilt in 1783, current structure mostly built post 1947

It is situated near Connaught Place, New Delhi on Baba Kharak Singh Marg and it is instantly recognisable by its golden dome and tall flagpole, Nishan Sahib.[2] Located next to it is the Sacred Heart Cathedral.

History
Night view of Gurdwara Bangla Sahib and the Sarovar.

Gurdwara Bangla Sahib was originally a bungalow belonging to Raja Jai Singh, a Rajput ruler in the seventeenth century, and was known as Jaisinghpura Palace, in Jaisingh Pura, an historic neighbourhood demolished to make way for the Connaught Place, shopping district.[3] Since Guru Har Krishan stayed at Raja Jai Singh's Banglow (pronounced "bangla" in Hindi and Punjabi) which has now been converted to a gurdwara, now the gurdwara is called the Bangla Sahib to memorialise Guru Har Rai's stay here.[4]

The eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan resided here during his stay in Delhi in 1664. During that time, there was a smallpox and cholera epidemic, and Guru Har Krishan Ji helped the suffering by giving aid and fresh water from the well at this house. Soon he too contracted the illness and eventually died on 30 March 1664. A small tank was later constructed by Raja Jai Singh over the well, its water is now revered as having healing properties and is taken by Sikhs throughout the world back to their homes.[4]

The gurdwara and its Sarovar are now a place of great reverence for Sikhs, and a place for special congregation on birth anniversary of Guru Har Krishan.

In March 2021, the gurdwara inaugurated the cheapest diagnostic centre with the aim to provide healthcare for the poor. The patients can get an MRI scan at ₹50.[5]

Attack on temple

In 1984, during the Sikh genocide, some 150 Sikhs took sanctuary inside the Gurdwara. When a mob of Hindu youths, carrying cans of gasoline, attempted to storm into the temple.[6]

Overview
Sikh devotees at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib

The grounds include the Gurdwara, a kitchen, a large (holy) pond, a school, and an art gallery. As with all Sikh Gurdwaras, the concept of langar is practised, and all people, regardless of race or religion may eat in the Gurdwara kitchen (langar hall). The Langar (food) is prepared by gursikhs who work there and also by volunteers who like to help out. At the Gurdwara, visitors are requested to cover their hair and not to wear shoes. Assistance to foreigners and visitors with Guides, head scarves, and shoe-minding service can be found inside the compound and are available free of charge. Anyone can volunteer to help keep the shoes in the shoe-minding room, and cleaning the precincts of the Gurdwara.

The complex also houses a higher secondary school, Baba Baghel Singh Museum, a library, and a hospital. The Gurdwara and the langar hall are now air-conditioned. A new "yatri Niwas" (travellers hostel), and multi-level parking space have been constructed. Toilet facilities are available. The space around the back entrance to the Gurdwara is also being spruced up, so as to give a better view from the roadside.

Gurdwara Bangla Sahib.
Panorama of Bangla Sahib with the Sarovar

References
  1. "Gurdwara Bangla Sahib - Delhi Gurdwara Bangla Sahib - Banglasahib Gurduwara New Delhi". www.bharatonline.com.
  2. "Bangla Sahib - Gurdwara Bangla Sahib Delhi, Bangla Sahib Gurudwara New Delhi India". www.iloveindia.com.
  3. Roy, Sidhartha (1 September 2011). "A tale of two cities". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 2 July 2015. Retrieved 27 April 2018.
  4. Guru Harkrishan ji an apostle of humility, Daily Excelsior, 1/8/2021.
  5. Khan, Sami (10 March 2021). "MRI scan at just Rs 50: Delhi's Bangla Sahib Gurudwara promises affordable healthcare [details]". www.ibtimes.co.in. Retrieved 11 March 2021.
  6. "Angry Indian Mobs Hunt Down Sikhs". Washington Post. 2 November 1984. Retrieved 7 August 2023.

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