The Gurudwara Bangla Sahib in New Delhi is one of the popular religious destinations in India. Known as the Mecca for the Sikhs this place is associated with the eighth Sikh Guru, Shri Guru Harikishan Sahib.
This religious center in India is located in the Connaught Place area, New Delhi. It is situated at the intersection of Ashok Road and Baba Kharag Singh Marg. This was originally a Bungalow that was owned by Mirza Raje Jai Singh. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib in New Delhi was originally known as Jaisinghpura Palace.
This Gurudwara in India is architecturally very beautiful. The shrine at the center is covered by a dome. This is golden in color and there is a sculpted cupola made of bronze atop the golden dome. There is an art gallery located in the basement of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib in New Delhi. Named after Sikh general Sardar Bhagel Singh this houses Sikh historical paintings. As you enter the Gurudwara you will hear “Gurbani”, religious music filtering out. This adds a sanctity to the place and is part of the environment of the shrine. There is a kitchen hall, “Langai”, which provides free food to the devotees every day. The “Sarovar”, which is a pond within the complex is said to possess miraculous powers. It is believed that the water has curative properties. Often devotees take a dip in this pond before entering the Gurudwara complex. The other things present within the complex include a library, hospital and a higher secondary school.
The main celebrations at the Gurudwara complex take place twice a year. Once during the birth anniversary of Guru Shri Harikishan Sahib and the other during the death anniversary of Maharajah Ranjit Singh. There is a interesting legend associated with the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib in New Delhi. After the death of the seventh Sikh guru, the seat of the next successor was disputed. Ram Rai, the brother of Harikishan also wanted the position. Ram Rai asked for the help of Aurungzeb, who called Harikishan to Delhi. While in Delhi he stayed at the palace of Mirza Raja Jai Singh. The place where he stayed is the present location of the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. The palace was converted into a Gurudwara and came to be known as the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib after Guru Sahib. The “Sarovar” is said to have been blessed by the holy guru during his stay in Delhi.
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