Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
Sacred Serenity in the heart of Delhi
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is one among the popular sites of Sikh pilgrimage and religious tourism in the modern city of New Delhi, India. One of the most sacred Sikh places, regarded with reverence by the Sikhs and appreciated by people of all faiths, this imposing temple has great history, culture, and religious history. The facility is characterized by a white exterior, a tall flag mast and the Sarovar (holy water body) which invites everybody to embrace the temple’s calmness and elegance.
A short history of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib:
Bangla Sahib, a Sikh shrine, has its roots elaborating to the earlier 17th century when Guru Harkrishan Sahib was the eighth Guru of the Sikhs. At the request of Mughal King Aurangzeb and through the persuasion of Mirza Raja Jai Singh of Amber, SHRI GURU HARKARISHAN JI agreed to come to Delhi. When he visited Raja Jai Singh at Jaisinghpura Palace ( Present Bangla Sahib), Rajas wife thought of testing the spiritual powers of the GURU and disguised herself as maid servant and sat among the attendants. GURU SAHIB at the age of 8 years identified the RANI and sat in her lap. Thus convincing her of the spiritual powers of GURU and his True Disciples. In those days smallpox was raging in the city of Delhi in an epidemic form. The citizens of Delhi suffered grief and death as a result of calamity that had befallen there. it is believed that Guru Harkrishan Sahib lived here during his Delhi visit in order to treat the sick who were suffering from smallpox and cholera. In the Gurudwara there is a pond where GURU JI out of love and compassion for suffering humanity dipped his holy feet in water and poured charan amrit into a small chaubatia (tank). The people have a strong belief that the water in there has some healing abilities. The Gurudwara has been enlarged and expanded many times and has emerged into the more beautiful shrine it presently is. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib today is a worship place for Sikh community but also targets the humanitarian service to the people irrespective of caste color and creed and therefore it illustrates the edifice of the main tenets of Sikhism.
Best Time to Visit Bangla Sahib:
The best time to visit Bangla Sahib Gurudwara is on weekdays and particularly in the morning or afternoon, as the place gets crowded with tourists and devotees later on. Weekends and holidays are Always the busiest times particularly during festivals and religious holidays. Moreover, one should visit during important Sikh festivals like the birthdays of the Sikh Gurus known as Gurpurabs or Vaisakhi, if one is interested in observing the festivities. Nevertheless, whichever time one may choose to come to the Gurudwara, the doors are open to everyone who is in need of some peace, a prayer or just to spend some time in the spirituality draped environment.
Things to do in Gurudwara Bangla Sahib:
The Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, is a Gurudwara in Delhi, India with considerable religious and historical standing for Sikhs. Here are some things you can do when visiting:Here are some things you can do when visiting Gurudwara Bangla Sahib:
- Pay your respects: Like in any other place of worship, the main motive or purpose to visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is to bow down to show your respects. Visit the principal hall or Darbar Sahib for offering prayers or performing rites of passage.
- Listen to Gurbani: Gurbani is the devotional music and hymns that are sung throughout the Sikh faith; join the congregation in singing these songs. Such is the beauty of these holy scripture that chanting these verses can be very soothing and gearing the heart up for devotion.
- Partake in Langar: Gurudwaras are known for their communal kitchen popularly known as langar where food is served to all irrespective of their color, religion, status, gender, and even the situation be they a king or a beggar they are all equal in the presence of the guru. So be a part of this beautiful tradition by having a plain wholesome meal with those people in the community.
- Volunteer: Gurudwara Bangla Sahib does not employ staff for most of the tasks, and people are expected to willingly participate in activities such as cooking, washing dishes, or even the management of the place and offer donations. You can volunteer yourself and your services to help maintain the cleanliness of the Gurudwara.
- Visit the Sarovar: There is a holy tank known as the Sarovar which is present within the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib complex and it is also believed to have spiritual healing powers. If you wish to experience something divine, take a stroll around the Sarovar, indulge in a little meditation or just bask in the sanctity of the place.
- Explore the Museum: Most Gurudwaras, including the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, have a museum or some form of display that will help one to learn more about the basic principles of Sikhism. Concerning such depictions – one can visit these and the other displays to gain more understanding on the religion, its founders and importance.
- Attend a religious ceremony: If you are lucky, you may get to see or even be involved in a religious function or parade while you are there. These events provide a better understanding of the Sikh beliefs and customs.
- Seek spiritual guidance: For matters concerning the beliefs of Sikhism or for a spiritual direction, one should feel free to approach any Sevadar or Granthi in the Gurudwara.
Conclusion:
The Bangla Sahib Gurudwara serves as a predominant religious shrine showcasing its divine nature having an open-door policy to all faiths. It is another place, which reflects antiquity and offers a calm and peaceful environment to the visitors in New Delhi. Whether you are seeking a place to pray, seeking spiritual knowledge or just trying to have a time of solitude the Gurudwara is a haven in the busy city.
