I generally don't visit temples (a term technically used for places of worship but generally used by people for mandir) for religious purpose but for peace, solace and for the love of architecture. The hymns, the environment, the whole aura invites me in but if there is no peaceful vibe, I avoid visiting temples. Also, I prefer visiting them during off season when the crowd is least expected. Temple is all about spirituality and vibes for me.
"You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul", said Swami Vivekananda.
I keep visiting Delhi for work and on such visits, every time I used to plan going to Bangla Sahib Gurudwara but always failed to, until last time, when I visited the shrine with my colleagues on one evening.
The History
Bangla Sahib Gurudwara was originally a Bungalow, hence the name. It was originally the residence of 17th century Indian ruler Mirza Raja Jai Singh, a general of Mugal Emperor Aurangzeb. Once, Sikhs' 8th guru, Guru Harkishan Sahib was staying as guest of Mirza Raja Jai Singh at his abode on invitation of Aurangzeb. During that time an epidemic broke and people suffered from raging cholera and small pox. Guru Harkishan Sahib who was only eight then did selfless seva of the sufferers by giving aid and water from this Bungalow (It is believed that Guru Sahib dipped his feet in the Lake water and poured charan amrit in to the tank. This tank water on consumption saved the sufferers from epidemic). He later contacted small pox but without caring for self he continued with the seva and eventually died due to illness on 30th March 1664.
Raja dedicated his Bungalow to Guru Harkishan Sahib (1956 - 1964) to commemorate his death and thus the name Bangla Sahib Gurudwara. Later in 1783 it was reconstructed under the supervision of Sikh General Sardar Bhagel Singh. The Sarovar which is still here is believed to have miraculous - healing properties.
The Place
In Delhi, Bangla Sahib Gurudwara is the most prominent Sikh Gurudwara and is situated in the heart of the city "Connaught Place" on Baba Khadak Singh Marg. You can see the golden dome of gurudwara from far away which makes it distinct from the neighbouring sites and as you enter the premises crossing through the water border (in every gurudwara you have to cross through a water border which is meant for one to enter premises with clean feet), you can see a huge flagpole, Nishan Sahib, while on right is the Sarovar which has many colorful fishes. The complex is huge and most of the inner sanctum is made of gold. The atmosphere is holy, spiritual, magical and pious. The religious music keeps playing non stop and you can see people sitting in the inner sanctum smitten by the positivity. There is also a library, hospital, shop, school and museum in the complex. By this you can imagine how big the complex will be.
The Practice
You will see so many bhakts coming to Gurudwara but you cannot miss seeing those people who have not come only for darshan but selfless seva. You will see well to do people at shoe stand, prasadam counter and cleaning the complex. You will also see people serving in langar where food / prasadam is served to people irrespective of their caste, creed, religion and background. The selfless seva is performed with never stopping smile irrespective of the kind of work these volunteers do, for them there is no small or big work but whatever they are doing is the service of God.
An Evening at Bangla Sahib Gurudwara
Every moment of my evening spent there was full of love, peace and joy and the time I spent near sarovar cannot be described in words it was miraculously soulful. I sat there for quite some time before doing parikrama. It was an amazing feeling and I didn't leave the complex before sun down. Such is the power of this place that you just don't want to leave. Bangla Sahib Gurudwara did remind me of Golden Temple in Amritsar though the latter is much bigger. Do visit when in Delhi, you will sure be smitten by its grandeur and beauty.Titbits
- Cover your head completely before entering gurudwara.
- Avoid wearing shorts and maintain the decorum.
- Don't click selfies though Photography is allowed.
- There is no entry fee and is open 24 hours on all days of the week.
- Architectural Style is "Sikh" Architecture
- It is well accessible and is in the heart of the city.
P.S> After darshan we went to The Immigrant Cafe for dinner. This quirky cozy cafe is on 1st floor of the Inner Circle, Connaught Place. You can check my review here: Link.
All pictures are taken by me unless otherwise mentioned.
Beautiful photos di! I have never been to it, should visit.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteBangla Sahib is so peaceful. Love the ambience. I had no clue about the history of the place (or I have forgotten since I haven't been there in years.
ReplyDeleteAlso did you try the kachoris near the Hanuman Mandir on Baba Khadak Singh Marg? They are yum :D
I haven't tried but will sure do next time I visit :)
DeleteI have been here so many times. Such a calming place. The langar is also served with so much love.
ReplyDeleteYes it is a beautiful place to be :)
DeleteIt is a beautiful place. I have been there earlier and I always find the place is calm and peace in terms of other temples....
ReplyDeleteIt's indeed. Beauty in air. It's aura is so pure
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