Gurdwara Sri Bangla Sahib is the most prominent Sikh gurdwara situated in the heart of New Delhi's famous Connaught Place in the capital city of India.
Sri Guru Harkrishan Sahib Ji stayed at the location of Gurdwara Sri Bangla Sahib for a few months as a guest of Raja Jai Singh.
It is located on the eastern side of the intersection of Ashok Road and Baba Kharag Singh Marg. It is instantly recognisable by its stunning golden dome and tall flagpole called the Nishan Sahib.
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib: History
Unlike most other Gurudwaras in the country, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib wasn’t originally built as a shrine. It was initially a bungalow called Jaisinghpura Palace that was owned by Mirza Raja Jai Singh, the ruler of Amber kingdom (later known as Jaipur) and a senior general of the Mughal Empire in the 17th century. In 1664, when Guru Har Krishan visited Delhi, he stayed at this bungalow. Severe cholera and smallpox epidemic broke out in Delhi during the same time. The Guru extended his helping hand for the affected people by offering water from the well located within the bungalow complex. But the Guru himself contracted the ailment and finally died in that same bungalow.
After his death, Raja Jai Singh dedicated his bungalow to commemorate the revered Guru. Thus, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib came into being and became a major place of worship for the Sikhs. The Raja also built a tank over the well, which is today a distinctive feature of this Gurudwara.
Over the years, the structure of the original Gurudwara underwent several changes. It was rebuilt by Sardar Bhagel Singh Dhaliwal, a Sikh general, in 1783. The present structure of the Gurudwara, however, was built mostly after 1947.
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Architecture
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is known as much for its religious significance as for its splendid architecture. The grand edifice is built in the Sikh architecture. While the whole structure is made using white marble, it is topped with a central golden dome which is its distinctive feature. The tall flag mast standing atop the dome is called Nishan Sahib and can be seen from afar. Intricate carvings adorn the front wall of the Gurudwara. The presence of the huge water tank, called Sarovar, inside the complex further enhances the aesthetic beauty of the whole structure. In addition to the Gurudwara and water tank, the complex also contains a community kitchen aka langer, a museum, an art gallery, a school, and a hospital and a library.
