Gurdwara Bangla Sahib
| Gurdwara Bangla Sahib | |
|---|---|
 Gurdwara Bangla Sahib as viewed from Main Entrance.  | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Sikhism |
| Ownership | Maharaja of Parmar Rajputs |
| Location | |
| Location | Connaught Place, Delhi, India. |
| Architecture | |
| Style | Sikh architecture, Mughal |
| Founder | Shrines Rebuilt by Sardar Baghel Singh[1][2] |
| Completed | 1664 as a bungalow, again rebuilt in 1783, current structure mostly built post 1947 |
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib () 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." Maharaja of Parmar Rajputs founded the palace, which was rebuilt as a small shrine by Sikh General Sardar Baghel Singh in 1783. In the same year, there was reconstruction of nine Sikh shrines in Delhi. There were attempts of occupancy by Raja Jai Singh of Amer, during the reign of Mughal Emperor, Shah Alam II.[3]
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.
History
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is located in an historic area of Maharaja of Parmar Rajputs, which was to made into the Connaught Place. The Royal Palace / a Royal Bungalow belonging to Maharaja of Parmar Rajputs, was transformed into a Gurdwara Bangla Sahib. Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is located near Jaisinghpura village of Raja Jai Singh, a Rajput ruler of the seventeenth century, historic Jaisinghpura neighbourhood is a demolished village for newly construct shopping centres.[4]
Since Guru Har Krishan stayed the Royal Palace / a Royal Bungalow (pronounced "bangla" in Hindi and Punjabi) which has now been transformed into a Gurdwara, now the gurdwara is called the Bangla Sahib to memorialise Guru Har Krishan's stay here.[5]
The eighth Sikh Guru, Shri Guru Har Krishan ji resided here during his stay in Delhi in 1664. Shri Guru Har Krishan ji healed people suffering from smallpox and cholera epidemic, and giving aid and fresh water, and water is now revered as having healing properties. Shri Guru Har Krishan ji passed away on 30 March 1664.[5]
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.[6]
In 1984, during the anti-Sikh riots, some 150 Sikhs took sanctuary inside the gurdwara. An angry mob carrying cans of gasoline, attempted to storm into the temple, but were driven back.[7]
Overview
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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.
References
- ^ Singh, Sarbpreet (26 June 2023). The Camel Merchant of Philadelphia: Stories from the Court of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Penguin Random House India Private Limited. ISBN 978-93-5708-133-7.
In 1782, the Sikh Sardars, ever bolder, made an expedition to Delhi. Sardar Baghel Singh established a camp in Delhi and built four gurdwaras, Sis Ganj Sahib, Bangla Sahib, Rakabganj Sahib and Bala Sahib
- ^ Randhir, G.S (1990). Sikh Shrines in India. Publications Division Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. ISBN 9788123022604.
- ^ "Gurdwara Bangla Sahib - Delhi Gurdwara Bangla Sahib - Banglasahib Gurduwara New Delhi". www.bharatonline.com.
- ^ Roy, Sidhartha (1 September 2011). "A tale of two cities". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 2 July 2015. Retrieved 27 April 2018.
- ^ a b Guru Harkrishan ji an apostle of humility, Daily Excelsior, 1 August 2021.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Angry Indian Mobs Hunt Down Sikhs". Washington Post. 2 November 1984. Retrieved 7 August 2023.
External links
Media related to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib at Wikimedia Commons
