City Monument – Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Central Delhi Monuments by The Delhi Walla - February 1, 2012February 1, 20124 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 FacebookX Related Related posts: City Faith – Gurudwara Damdama Sahib, Near Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station 100 Things To Do Before You Quit Delhi – Hang Out at Midnight by the Holy Sarovar, Gurdwara Bangla Sahib City Monument – Gurudwara Seesganj, Chandni Chowk City Monument – Moti Bagh Gurudwara, South Delhi City Monument – Lodhi Garden Ruins, Central Delhi
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.