Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is the most prominent Sikh gurdwara (house of worship), in Saddi Dilli, known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Hari Krishan, it houses a beautiful “fish laden” pond inside its complex known as the “Sarovar”, the water from this Sarovar is considered holy and is commonly known as “Amrit”. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib was first built as a small temple by Sikh General, Sardar Bhagel Singh in 1783, who supervised the construction of nine Sikh shrines in Dilli in the same year, during the reign of Mughal Emperor, Shah Alam II. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is situated near Connaught Place and is instantly recognizable by its stunning golden dome and tall flagpole, the Nishan Sahib.
The present site of Gurdwara Bangla Sahib was the Haveli (Palace) of Raja Jai Singh of Jaipur and when Guru Hari Krishan came to Dilli, he was entertained as a royal guest in this Haveli. This palace was built on the model of existing palace of Raja Jai Singh in Jaipur. Raja Jai Singh’s Chief Rani looked after Mata Sulakhani, the mother of the Guru, and was greatly impressed by the spiritual powers of the child-prophet.
During this period deadly epidemics small pox and cholera broke in Dilli and Guru Hari Krishan helped the poorest Hindu and Muslim who were suffering and falling sick due to the same. Hindus and Muslims of Dilli were deeply moved by his compassion and human concern for all those who suffered from poverty and diseases. Every day Guru Hari Krishan distributed sanctified water to the sick and ailing people which had a miraculous healing effect on their mind, body and soul. To this day water sanctified by the Word of God, sung all day in this temple, is distributed to those seeking faith healing. Many seriously ill persons are reported to have been healed. Raja Jai Singh dedicated his palace to his sacred memory and since his death it has been the place of worship of the Sikhs and is known as Bangla Sahib.
There is an art museum within the premises of Gurdwara Bangla Sahib which houses interesting slices of Sikh history from old manuscripts of Sukhmani Sahib and Japji Sahib to a handwritten Mool Mantar by Guru Arjan Dev ji. There is also a miniature bir of Guru Granth Sahib. There are colorful canvases giving account of lives of Sikh gurus. Coins of earlier centuries and legendary scenes from the battlefields come alive on the walls of this museum. There is also a library within walking distance covering vast texts on Sikh religion and history.
If you happen to visit the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib be sure to have a taste of the Karah Prasad which is made of pure desi ghee. The whiff of desi ghee originating from the gurdwara kitchen whips up the gastronomic urges of at least 8,000 people daily From dal-chawal (lentil and rice) to sabzi-roti (vegetable and chapatis) and kheer (rice pudding), the langar hall is teeming with activity throughout the day. There also is a multi-level parking with a capacity of 1,000 cars and no stone has been left unturned when it comes to comforting the regular devotees here. The devotees in turn contribute open heartedly either by way of Seva (personal service) or in cash and incidentally, the offerings from devotees often amount to Rs 1 crore per month.
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