Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is one of the most prominent Sikh houses of worship in Delhi, revered for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan, and for the sacred pool — the Sarovar — within its complex. Originally the bungalow of Raja Jai Singh I of Amber, it was rebuilt as a shrine by Sikh General Sardar Baghel Singh in 1783 and later enlarged into the landmark golden-domed gurdwara visitors see today.
At a glance
- Type
- Sikh gurdwara (house of worship)
- Period
- Bungalow of Jai Singh I (early 18th century); shrine rebuilt 1783; modern complex enlarged in the 20th century
- Style
- Sikh sacred architecture with gilded dome and marble cladding
- Location
- Ashoka Road, Connaught Place, New Delhi 110001, India
- Coordinates
- 28.6263° N, 77.2091° E
Overview
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib stands in the heart of New Delhi near Connaught Place, its gilded dome and flagpole — the Nishan Sahib — visible across the surrounding rooftops. The complex draws thousands of worshippers and visitors daily, operating a free community kitchen (langar) that serves meals to all regardless of faith or background. It is managed by the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee and ranks among the most visited religious sites in the Indian capital.
History
The site was originally the residence of Raja Jai Singh I of Amber, a Rajput ruler and astronomer who built Jantar Mantar nearby. In 1664, Guru Har Krishan, the eighth Sikh Guru, stayed here during an outbreak of smallpox and cholera; he is said to have distributed water from the well to the sick, which became associated with miraculous healing. Following his death in Delhi the same year, the site was venerated by Sikhs. Sardar Baghel Singh formalised it as a shrine in 1783, the same year he established eight other Sikh shrines in Delhi, and the gurdwara was subsequently enlarged and rebuilt to its current monumental form over the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
What you see
The most striking feature is the large gilded dome rising above white marble walls, flanked by a tall flagpole carrying the triangular Nishan Sahib. The Sarovar — a large rectangular sacred pool — occupies a central position in the courtyard; pilgrims bathe in or take water from it, believing in its healing properties linked to Guru Har Krishan. Inside the main prayer hall (Darbar Sahib), the Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh holy scripture) is kept and continuous recitation of hymns (kirtan) fills the air. A museum within the complex documents Sikh history and the life of Guru Har Krishan.
Cultural significance
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is not only a place of active Sikh worship but also a symbol of the community’s deep historical roots in Delhi, dating to the time of the Mughal Empire. The langar tradition — feeding everyone freely — embodies the Sikh principle of seva (selfless service) and has made the gurdwara a landmark of interfaith hospitality. Its association with Guru Har Krishan, who died in Delhi at age eight, makes it one of the holiest Sikh sites outside Punjab.
Practical information
- Address
- Ashoka Road, Connaught Place, New Delhi 110001, India
- Hours
- Open 24 hours; main prayers at dawn and dusk
- Admission
- Free; head covering required (scarves provided at the entrance)
- Langar
- Free community kitchen open throughout the day to all visitors
Getting there
The nearest metro station is Shivaji Stadium on the Blue Line, approximately 400 metres from the gurdwara. Rickshaws and taxis are readily available from Connaught Place. The site is well signposted from the central New Delhi business district.