India, the land of religions, is known for its diversity in lifestyle and culture. Delhi, the country capital is the rendezvous for all the cultures and people of different faiths and religion, and hence became the religious capital of the country too. While there are numerous religious Delhi attractions, the one that is being visited by people of all religions is the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, which is located in Connaught Place, and was built by Sardar Bhagel Singh in 1783.
Considered the shrine of the ninth Sikh Guru-Guru Har Kishan Singh-this Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is identified with its unique Golden dome and the amrit sarovar or the pond located within the premises. The flagpole or the Nishan sahib, located at the top of the dome, is one of the other significant features of the destination.
A brief history
Initially the palace of Raja Jaisingh, a ruler in the 17th century, this place was transformed into a religious destination as it is believed that Guru Harkishan stayed here in 1664 and healed the ailing during the small pox and cholera epidemic with the water from the well in the house. Later, he is believed to have contrived the disease and died on 30 March 1664. Following which, Raja jai Singh built a small tank over the well, which is now revered as the sarovar.
The shrine
There are langar facilities for the common people, irrespective of their class, caste and community. People can come and have meals here that are being served by volunteers. The meals are prepared by the gursikhs who work and stay here, along with the volunteers. Visitors are requested to cover their heads and open their shoes while entering the shrine. The facilities h
ere are adept and are streamlined for the comfort and care of the travellers, especially foreigners. They are guided through the shrine and their shoes are kept in the minding room of the shrine for safe keeping. And all these are done by volunteers irrespective of class and caste. The premises are kept clean and maintained by these volunteers only. Shoes and the baggage of travellers are kept free-of-cost and the travellers not carrying head scarves are provided one.
Some of the other facilities within the shrine include a school and an art gallery. Among other facilities include the Baba Baghel Singh Museum, a hospital and a library. All of these facilities are fully air-conditioned. And for the betterment of the travellers, a new ‘Yatri Niwas’ has been constructed, along with a multi-level parking space. A toilet complex with advanced facilities has also been built, while the backyard of the shrine is being designed for a new get up and appeal.
Visit this Delhi attraction, if you are in the city and take some fond memories back home.
