The Beginnings of Bangla Sahib

There are several ways in which our cultures converge with history. One of the major representations of the Sikh culture and diaspora is through its religious epicentre. Bangla Sahib in Delhi's bustling Connaught Place is the site of restitution for many. Here is a brief account of its beginnings.

Takht Sahib  |  Source: dreamstime

Revered by devotees as a shrine and lauded by enthusiasts as the epitome of cultural heritage, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib continues to be one of the most famous sacred sites for Sikhs in India. If the white enclosures and hallows of Connaught Place’s central circle are the heart of Delhi’s commercial and social life, not too far away near Kharag Singh Marg, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib continues to serve as a recluse to devouts.

Once known as the Jaisinghpura Palace, the Gurudwara was owned by a Hindu Rajput ruler Raja Jai Singh. Today, the marble-topped shrine continues to host scores of devotees in its wide expanse. However, when in 1664, the eighth Sikh guru Har Krishan had come to Delhi, there were mass outbreaks of smallpox and cholera everywhere. When Guru Har Krishan made his way to the palace, he set out to treat the affected and help them heal.

From the sarovar that upholds sacred importance today, the guru used water to treat the afflicted. Common lore recalls the guru sitting in the sarovar with his feet dipped in the water with everyone, Hindu or Muslim. Alas, during his act of seva he ended up contracting the disease himself and subsequently died. Fascinated and taken aback by the sheer dedication of the guru, Raja Jai Singh ended up dedicating the palace to the guru and named it Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.

In an interview with Hindustan Times, Gyani Kuldeep Singh of the gurudwara recounted the expanse of the palace in the 17th century. As a common palace, a bangla (bungalow) was constructed for the guru where he’d address his devotees. Today, the Takht Sahib, the site where the Guru Granth Sahib is kept is precisely the very place where the Eight Sikh guru would hold his sangat.

Today, the gurudwara isn’t just a host to cultural and religious history, it is also the site of seclusion for many. Far from the hustle of the city that unfolds at the site, the gurudwara has become a place for a recluse in many ways. The langar seva by the gurudwara serves thousands of devotees every day; the sarovar, with its religious significance, upholds divine importance.

Post the independence of the country, the site saw several changes. From an artificial pond to changes to the outer structure and sanctorum, the gurudwara became a sight to behold for many. As the gurudwara continues to host countless and offer more than a moment of peace and serenity, understanding its humble beginnings would do us good.