City Monument – Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Central Delhi
Reflections of faith.
[Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi]
Built by a Sikh general in 1783, this gurudwara, or Sikh temple, has an expansive compound and a large sarovar (holy pond).
Dedicated to Guru Har Kishan, the eighth Sikh guru, it was so named because it is on the site of the bungalow of the Mughal noble Mirza Raja Jai Singh, where the guru stayed during a visit to Delhi in 1664.
The gold-plated dome reflects beautifully in the rippling pond, which teems with goldfish.
A corridor, skirting the pond’s entire length, has a small white dome on each corner. Up the stairs from the pond is a marbled courtyard with a nishan sahib, a tall flagpole that marks every gurudwara. This traditional symbol of Sikh identity is draped in a saffron cloth and topped by a two-edged dagger, and worshippers flock to pay respects to it.
Inside the prayer hall raagis (musicians) sing with their harmoniums and tablas all day long, as a priest fans the holy book, Guru Granth Sahib. Devotees sit cross-legged, lost in their own thoughts. The hall’s upper floor has glass-paneled cabins where scholars read the holy book.
The gurudwara’s famous langar (kitchen) offers puffy rotis, earthy daal, subzi and piping hot kheer at a sit-down meal at regular intervals.
Where Opposite Gol Dak Khana, near Connaught Place Nearest Metro Station Patel Chowk Open 24 hours
The company of Sikhs
Daily pilgrims
Can you see God?
Pure like him
By the pond
Family women
Color me yellow
In you we trust
Praying
Guru’s people
Siesta
Alone, together
Nishan sahib
Holy halwa
Serving His followers
Langar kitchen
Portrait of a marriage
Turban envy
The nearest Metro station is Patel Chowk. Only 500 metres to the YMCA-side entry, vs. 1.5 km for Connaught Place to the Gol Dak Khana side entry.
Even nearer for those coming from airport line is the Shivaji Stadium station. Just 100 m.
Corrected. Thanks.
ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ
i love the halwa they serve there!!