Delhi is renowned mostly to the centre point of “The Golden Triangle of India” and holds some of the best historical places in India. Besides the historical places in Delhi, the capital is also home to one of the most distinguished Sikh gurudwaras in the world. The Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Delhi is famed for its prominent religious values and incredible architecture. Easily one of the top things to do in Delhi, the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara should be on the top of any traveller’s list while visiting Delhi. There are a number of Delhi sightseeing places, I highly recommend travelling to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib any time of the day, and particularly morning and night and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is one of the best places to visit in Delhi at night. 

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Delhi

#History of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Delhi

The Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Delhi has a magnificent history dating back to the 16th century. It was once established as a bungalow which was owned by Raja Jai Singh of Amber, Jaipur. The 8th Sikh Guru – Sri Harkishan Dev – once came here as a guest of the Raja and thus the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara asserts the story of Guru Sri Harkishan and his elder brother – Baba Ram Rai. Baba Ram Rai’s efforts went in vain while trying to influence the Sikhs from Delhi and then later went to King Aurenzeb. This feud ultimately led to Raja Jai Singh taking over the responsibility when King Aurenzeb summoned Guru Harkishan. 

While in Delhi, Guru Harkishan helped a vast number of people suffering from smallpox and cholera. Besides this, the Guru also gave medicines, food, and clothes to the deprived.

The lake in the centre of the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara was instructed to be built as a small tank by Raja Jai Singh. This tank is rumoured to have medicinal properties and is still believed to have those medicinal value. While visiting the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, it is recommended to take a parikrama ( a full circled round) of the lake. 

 #Must-do things in Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Delhi

Before entering the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, it is mandatory to remove shoes at the shoe counter located outside. Upon depositing the shoes, the Seva dharis (people who are helping at the Gurudwara) will give you a token with which you’ll get your shoes back. Before stepping up the stairs to the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara one must dip their feet in a small water tank to cleanse them before offering prayers. 

Offerings can be made to the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib by various means. One can buy Karah prasad (holy) from the counters starting as low as 10INR. The authorities will take a share from your prasad to be submitted as offering to the Guru and also distributed among other people. If you don’t wish to purchase, then you may deposit your offering in cash in the deposit counters while praying. 

Once you’ve offered your prayers and have come out from the main Gurudwara, take a parikrama of the holy sarover (lake). I recommend visiting the sarover during early morning and late evening to capture the impressive lake at sunset and sunrise. 

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is one of the most prominent Sikh Gurudwara in the capital and also a famous tourist spot because of its religious values. Pay your prayers at the Nishad Sahib Pole with which it is easily recognizable from far off. The gurudwara holds langer at different meal times, you can relish their delicious vegetarian meals at breakfast, lunch and also at dinner times. The evenings also holds a tea langer and you can enjoy a typical Indian Chai here. 

Related Read – Feeling Hungry? Head to Farzi Cafe in Connaught Place!

#Location of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Delhi

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is located in the heart of Delhi, Connaught Place on Ashoka Road. The Gurudwara Bangla Sahib in Delhi can be reached easily through Delhi metro with Shivaji Park as the closest metro station. Although Shivaji Park metro station is a part of Airport express line. The Rajiv Chowk metro station is another closest alternative for those who would like to walk through the Connaught Place. The gurudwara can be easily covered on a day while exploring the famous Delhi’s sightseeing places including Hanuman Mandir, Sacred Heart Cathedral and the shopping complex of Connaught Place nearby. 

Suggested Read – Feeling Fizzy for India travel? Read my Top 10+ insider tips for first-time travel to Delhi, India!

#Things to know before visiting Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Delhi

It is mandatory to keep your heads covered from the moment you step foot in the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib’s premises. Either carry your own scarf or you can take one available for public placed just before the entry of the Gurudwara. 

The Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Delhi prohibits photography in the premises, although you may click photographs of the outer structure and the lake. 

Refrain from talking or laughing out too loudly or someone from the authorities will probably ask to stop talking or leave the premises. 

In Indian culture, women are usually prohibited to visit holy places during their periods, while it is not the case with Sikhism. You may visit the Gurudwaras during your periods as well. 

Respect the culture while you’re in the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib or for that matter any Gurudwara. 

Have you visited the most famous tourist & pilgrimage place of Delhi? Do share your experience in the comment box below.

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– The Wanderer

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