History: The origins of Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib are steeped in profound sacrifice. In 1675, under the oppressive rule of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, Guru Teg Bahadur was publicly executed for refusing to convert to Islam and for standing in protection of Kashmiri Pandits, who were being coerced into religious submission. His martyrdom took place at the very spot where the gurdwara stands today. Following the Guru’s execution, his severed head (‘sis’ in Punjabi) was heroically carried by Bhai Jaita (later known as Bhai Jiwan Singh) to Anandpur Sahib, where it was ceremoniously cremated by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. His body was cremated clandestinely by Lakhi Shah Vanjara and his son by setting fire to their home (Gurudwara Raqab Ganj) to avoid detection by the Mughals. Both sites today are revered and commemorated with gurdwaras, marking the widespread significance of the Guru’s martyrdom. The Sis Ganj site remained unmarked for over a century until Sikh military commander Baghel Singh captured Delhi in 1783 and established the gurdwara at the site of the martyrdom. Since then, it has evolved into a prominent centre of Sikh worship and remembrance. However, the present building of Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib was built in the year 1930 by Rai Bahadur Narain Singh, a contractor of colonial renown who built all the roads of Lutyen’s Delhi.
Architecture: The architectural design of Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib is a sublime blend of Sikh aesthetics and Mughal influences, reflective of its historical roots. The entrance opens into a modest yet striking façade clad in white marble, adorned with gold-leaf domes and traditional Sikh emblems. Inside, the sanctum sanctorum holds the Guru Granth Sahib, the eternal Sikh Guru, placed with utmost reverence under a richly embellished canopy. A sense of serenity pervades the marble hall, where devotees bow in veneration. The preserved relics within the gurdwara—such as the well used by Guru Teg Bahadur during his imprisonment and the tree to which he was bound before execution—are solemn markers of history. The architecture facilitates both the spiritual and communal functions of Sikh worship.
Activities: Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib is a vibrant hub of Sikh religious life. The day begins in the early hours with the recitation of Nitnem (daily prayers), followed by continuous kirtan (devotional hymns) throughout the day. The Ardas (supplication) and Hukamnama (daily command from the Guru Granth Sahib) are essential spiritual components observed with unwavering discipline. A cornerstone of Sikh practice, langar—the free community kitchen—serves thousands daily, offering wholesome vegetarian meals irrespective of caste, creed, or status. Volunteering in the kitchen is both a religious and moral act, reflecting the ethos of seva (selfless service). Special events mark Sikh festivals such as Gurpurab, Baisakhi, and Shaheedi Diwas (Martyrdom Day of Guru Teg Bahadur), during which the gurdwara is illuminated, and spiritual processions fill the streets with devotional fervour.
Significance: Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib is not merely a place of worship; it is a symbol of unwavering courage and the enduring Sikh commitment to upholding righteousness and protecting the downtrodden. Guru Teg Bahadur’s sacrifice embodies the principle of Dharma Yuddh—a righteous battle fought without desire for personal gain. For Sikhs and adherents of justice across the world, the gurdwara remains a pilgrimage site imbued with historical and spiritual gravity.
In a tribute of immense honour, since 1979 the Sikh Regiment of the Indian Army has paused before this shrine in salute, even before addressing the nation’s President on Republic Day—a rare and solemn gesture, steeped in reverence.