History: Mughal ruler Shah Alam II, under the pressure of Sikh General Sardar Baghel Singh who held the Red Fort, permitted in 1783 AD to construct a Sikh temple in Delhi. Hence, the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib was constructed in the late 18th century. It is the largest Sikh Temple (Gurudwara) in Delhi. Previously known as Jaisinghpura Palace, it was originally a haveli (bungalow) belonging to Raja Jai Singh of Amber, one of the senior courtiers in the Mughal durbar. It became sanctified by the presence of the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji, in 1664 AD. During a devastating outbreak of smallpox and cholera, the young Guru, aged just eight, chose to reside in this humble dwelling and selflessly served the afflicted, offering spiritual succour and fresh water drawn from the well within the premises. It is believed that many were miraculously healed by partaking of this water, which today forms the revered Sarovar or holy tank. Guru Har Krishan Ji eventually succumbed to the illness himself, attaining 'jyoti / jot', or eternal light, at this very location. In his memory, Raja Jai Singh transformed the bungalow into a shrine—a legacy that continues to draw millions in silent homage.
Architecture: Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, in its present avatar, is an exquisite example of Sikh architecture, characterised by graceful domes, sweeping colonnades, and polished marble that gleams white under the northern sun. The main shrine is crowned by a golden onion-shaped dome, symbolising divine unity, which sparkles luminously above the skyline. The sanctum sanctorum, or Darbar Sahib, houses the Guru Granth Sahib, the eternal Sikh scripture, which is reverently recited and sung throughout the day. The complex spans approximately 2.5 acres, enveloping the gurdwara, the Sarovar, a community kitchen (langar hall), museum, library, and educational centre. The Sarovar, a man-made water body central to the complex, measures roughly 235 feet in length and 225 feet in width. Encircled by marble pathways, it invites the devout and the curious to sit by its edge, absorbing the tranquillity that pervades its still waters.
Langar: Perhaps the most humbling aspect of Bangla Sahib is its refectory or Langar, the community kitchen that offers free, vegetarian meals to all visitors, regardless of caste, creed, nationality, or economic standing. This sacred tradition, established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and institutionalised by Guru Amar Das Ji, is a cornerstone of Sikhism—symbolising the oneness of humanity. On an average day, over 25,000 meals are served, with the number soaring to 100,000 on religious occasions and public holidays. At mealtimes, the faithful sit on the ground in rows, and volunteers serve their dal and chapati. This common meal symbolizes the unity of the community and the theoretical absence of the concept of castes.
The kitchen, managed with clockwork precision, is powered almost entirely by volunteers, known as 'sewadars', who chop vegetables, stir vast cauldrons, roll rotis, and distribute food with unmatched humility. Contributions are not merely financial; devotees offer physical labour, groceries, utensils, and even transport assistance, reinforcing the spiritual principle of 'seva'—selfless service without the expectation of reward. Massive steel vessels simmer with dal and sabzi; conveyor-style griddles churn out thousands of chapatis; giant vats steam with aromatic rice. And yet, amid this industrial-scale effort, the atmosphere is one of serenity and shared purpose.
Activities: Beyond being a religious haven, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib pulses with socio-cultural activity. The Bala Sahib Library within the premises houses scriptures and historical texts for spiritual seekers. The Yatri Niwas offers accommodation for pilgrims from afar, while a multi-speciality charitable hospital, run by the DSGMC (Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee), caters to the medical needs of the underprivileged.
Daily kirtan (devotional singing) resounds from dawn till dusk, drawing listeners into a gentle trance. Special programmes include Gurbani classes, blood donation camps, career counselling for youth, and disaster relief operations organised across India and abroad.
During Gurpurabs (birth anniversaries of Sikh Gurus), the complex transforms into a celestial festival—decked with lights, resonant with prayers, and overflowing with karah prasad. Volunteers organise shoe-keeping, cleaning, water distribution, and even sign language interpretation for the hearing-impaired, embodying the inclusive ethos of Sikhism.
At the entrance of the shrine, shops offer traditional devotional items: copies of the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy book of Sikhism), daggers, swords, bracelets (attributes required of the faithful) and CD of religious songs. Do not hesitate to contact the reception where they give you a thousand explanations of the religion founded by Guru Nanak.
How to Reach: Located on Ashok Road, adjacent to the modern-day Gol Dak Khana near Connaught Place, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is centrally located in Delhi, making it accessible from all quarters of the city. The nearest metro station is Shivaji Stadium on the Airport Express Line, just a five-minute walk away. Rajiv Chowk (Blue and Yellow Lines) and Patel Chowk (Yellow Line) are also within a short walking distance. The gurdwara is easily accessible by taxi, auto-rickshaw, and city buses. Indira Gandhi International Airport is roughly 16 km away, while New Delhi Railway Station is barely 2 km distant.