Gurdwara Bangla Sahib Information :

Location: New Delhi, near Gol Dak Khana
Timing : Everyday from Morning to late night

Gurdwara Bangla Sahib in Delhi : 

A magnificent and spacious bungalow in Delhi owned by Raja Jai Singh Amber (Jaipur) who commanded great respect and honour in the court of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb now enjoys the status of a holy shrine called Gurdwara Bangla Sahib. The eighth Guru Sri Harkishan had stayed here for a few months as guest of Raja Jai Singh. Since then it has become a place of pilgrimage for both, Hindus and Sikhs. They pay their respect to the memory of Guru Harkrishan, nominated as successor by the seventh Guru, Sri Har Rai. He passed away on October 6, 1661 A.D. When only a little over five year old, he had been tried and tested as a perfect fearless and fully illuminated soul.

Baba Ram Rai, his elder brother became much perturbed when he learnt that Har Krishan had been appointed the spiritual head. He tried in vain to influence the leading Sikhs of Delhi and Punjab. Later he approached Emperor Aurangzeb to help him acquire the Gurugadi. Consequently, Aurangzeb agreed to summon Guru Harkrishan to see whether he was really superior and more spiritual.Fortunately both Raja Jai Singh and his son Raja Ram Singh were in Delhi at that time. When approached by Sikhs for help, they agreed to assist them in their predicament.

The Rajput chief took over the responsibility of persuading Guru Harkrishan to come to Delhi and also gained assurance from the Emperor that as long as he (the Emperor) was not satisfied about the succession issue, Guru Harkrishan would stay with him in his bungalow as guest.During his stay in Delhi. the Guru spent most of his time in serving the humble, the sick and the destitutes for cholera and smallpox were spreading in an epidemic form. He distributed medicines, food and clothes to the needy. He also directed Diwan Dargah Mal to spend all the daily offerings made by the people to the Guru for the poor. The Guru won more admirers. Soon stories about his healing powers spread throughout the city.

Guru Harikrishan ji came to Delhi and was entertained as a royal guest by Mirza Jai Singh in his palace. The palace was built on the model of existing palace of Raja Jai Singh in Jaipur. Raja Jai Singh's chief Rani looked after Mata Sulakhni ( Mother of Guru ji ) and was greatly impressed by the spiritual powers of Guru Harikrishan Ji.

Guru Harikrishan ji was invited by Mughal King Aurengzed, but Guru ji refused to meet the Mughal King, and show any occult miracles of the type his ( Guru ji's ) brother Ram Rai, had shown in the Mughal court. During this period smallpox and cholera had broken in Delhi and Guru Harikrishan ji moved freely among the victims of the epidemic. Both Hindu and Muslims of Delhi were deeply moved by his compassion and human touch.

Guru Harikrishan ji everyday distributed sanctified water to the sick and the poor, which had a miraculous healing effect on their mind and soul. To this day water sanctified by the word of God, sung all the day in the temple is distributed to those seeking their peace of mind.

Raja Jai Singh dedicated his palace to the sacred memory of the Guru and since his death it has been the place of worship of the sikhs.

Guru Harikrishan ji died of smallpox on March 30, 1664. The Gurdwara was built by Sardar Baghel Singh in 1783. It was rebuilt by Baba Harbans Singh ji and a Sarover was also added. It is a spacious four storey building with beautiful facade. The birthday of Guru Harikrishan ji is celebrated here every year with great pomp and show.

Features of Gurdwara Bangla Sahib in Delhi :

Gurdwara Bangla Sahib in Delhi opens to a large main hall which has an open central shrine. A sculpted bronze cupola hangs over it. Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs, is placed at a smaller golden dome under which silk sheets are spread out and covered with flowers. The Gurdwara complex includes:

•  A secondary school
•  A museum
•  A bookstall
•  A library
•  A hospital
• A holy pond

The two important features of this temple are Sangat congregations and Pangat or community kitchen also known as Guru-ka-langar.

How to Reach :
Take an auto or cab or disembark at R.K. Ashram Metro station