Sri Bangla Sahib Gurudwara: Visiting Delhi’s Most Inspiring Temple

A gurudwara is a Sikh temple, and Sri Bangla Sahib is the largest gurudwara in Delhi. It’s actually one of the most important Sikh places of worship in the world!

I have visited Sri Gurudwara Bangla Sahib countless times. When I first lived in Delhi in 2018 a Sikh neighbour brought me there, and I have been going ever since. It is a lovely, peaceful and welcoming temple. In fact, I make a point of stopping by whenever I am in the area.

The gurudwara is visited by thousands of devotees and tourists every day. In fact, it features on many Delhi tour itineraries. There’s even a visitors centre and museum. This guide will help you make the most of your visit to Sri Bangla Sahib Gurudwara.

Visiting Sri Gurudwara Bangla Sahib: Overview

Sri Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is one of the most important places of worship in Delhi.  It is dedicated to the Eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishnan.

The Gurudwara is special because Guru Har Krishnan stayed at this site in 1664. In Sikhism there are 10 gurus, the first leaders of the Sikh faith. The present and final guru is the Sikh holy scripture, Guru Granth Sahib.

Many devotees come to this gurudwara on special days, even if far from their local temples. Families actually come for hours, spending time in the prayer hall, and then lounging or socializing on the grounds.

Bangla Sahib (as it’s often called) is a large complex, much more than a prayer hall. There’s the beautiful sarovar (holy pond), two langar dining halls, a massive kitchen, library, museum, visitors centre, accommodation for devotees, and MRI and diagnostic centre.

What To Expect

This is the busiest Sikh temple in Delhi, and they get thousands of visitors every day. Afternoons and weekends are the most crowded. If you want to avoid the crowds go in the morning.

Before entering a gurudwara, visitors must cover their heads and remove their shoes. There are bandanas in bins outside the prayer hall. You can borrow one for free. Women can use a scarf or dupatta (Indian scarf). If you want to buy a dupatta, there are roadside shops outside the main entrance that sell them. Shoes can be left in the secure shoe storage facility for free.

You can also leave you shoes and find bandanas in the visitors centre.

You should plan on being at the Gurudwara at least an hour. This will give you time to visit the prayer hall, stroll around the sarovar and see the kitchens where they prepare free meals for up to 100,000 people a day. You can easily spend longer at the Gurudwara if you want, it’s entirely up to you.

There is a large toilet facility across from the prayer hall by the sarai niwas (accommodations for devotees).

They get a lot of tourists at Sri Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. Don’t worry about feeling out of place or not being welcome. The Sikh community are very welcoming, and they are happy to have you visit their Gurudwara.

👉 Insider tip: If you really want to experience something special, visit between 4 and 5:00 am. This is when the morning ardas (prayers) are performed and the Gurudwara is absolutely serene.

Tips for Visiting Sri Bangla Sahib Gurudwara

I know I said this is a very welcoming gurudwara, and it is – but you have to do your part too. Keep in mind this is a very sacred place of worship for the Sikh faith. Here’s how to visit the Gurudwara in a culturally respectful way:

• dress conservatively
• remove shoes and cover your head when you arrive
• wash your hands before entering the prayer hall (there are sinks with soap outside)
• walk through the small pool of water at the bottom of the stairs leading to the prayer hall (to wash your feet)
• photography is not allowed inside the prayer hall, or around the sarovar
• do not sit with your feet pointing toward the Guru Granth Sahib
• if you take prasad (blessed offering) on your way out, consume it all – you can share it, but under no circumstances throw it away

If you do something wrong don’t worry, you will likely just be gently advised on the correct way! I had visited Bangla Sahib 3 or 4 times before I realized I should be washing my hands. Everyone was too polite to say anything – even my Sikh friend that first took me there!

Having Langar at the Gurudwara

After visiting the prayer hall and sarovar, do what so many Indians do and have langar. Langar is the free community meal served at gurudwaras. You don’t have to be Sikh or Indian to join, everyone is welcome.

There are two langar halls at Bangla Sahib, one near the prayer hall and one near the sarovar. Before entering the dining hall, you will sit and queue up for the next seating. 

Everyone sits on the floor and eats the same thing for langar. This is because Sikhs believe everyone is equal in the eyes of God. If you can’t sit on the floor, chairs are available. The food is vegetarian, and delicious.

You don’t have to do anything once you are seated, except drop your tray off once you are done. Volunteers walk up and down the aisles to hand out trays and dish out food. You can eat as much as you want, but the food is considered blessed and cannot be wasted. Most people eat with their hands (common in India), but spoons are available.

Sri Gurudwara Bangla Sahib feeds 300 people every 15 minutes!  On a regular day the temple prepares 30,000 meals. On weekends and holidays they prepare up to 100,000 meals!

The food is prepared by volunteers in a massive kitchen behind the dining hall. Make sure you take a look! All food is donated by the community. My landlady is Sikh, and when we visit the gurudwara together she often stops at a nearby shop to pick up huge bags of rice, dal and tubs of ghee to donate.

Langar is served daily 9:00 am – 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm.

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib History

There was once a bungalow on the site of Sri Bangla Sahib Gurudwawra (bangla is Hindi for bungalow). It was owned by Raja Jai Singh, a 17th century military ruler.

During the smallpox epidemic in the 1660s, Guru Har Krishnan lived at the bungalow to nurse the sick and give them water from the well. The Guru caught the disease himself and died there. Raja Jai Singh built the Gurudwara in his memory.

One of the most striking features of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is the sarovar. Guru Har Krishnan healed the sick with this water (it was a well at the time), and it is considered sacred. Don’t be surprised if you see Sikhs standing in the water.

Bangla Sahib has a long history of helping those in need. During Partition in 1947 it was a place of safety and refuge for those fleeing persecution. During the Covid lockdowns thousands of meals were prepared and delivered to those in need every day.

How To Get To Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is very centrally located and easy to get to. If you are staying anywhere near Connaught Place, the easiest way is to use an auto rickshaw. This should cost no more than INR 100 for a few kilometres.

Another good option is Uber or Ola. These are the two most popular ride share apps in Delhi and they are both reliable. Bangla Sahib is extremely well known – all drivers know where it is.

If you are staying a little further away, take the Delhi metro. Delhi has one of the best metro systems in the world. It’s the cheapest, and often fastest way to move across the city. It’s easy to use, but if you want a step by step guide, read all how to use the Delhi metro.

Where To Stay

The Gurudwara is located in New Delhi, one of the nicest areas to stay in. These are my top picks for hotels that are within walking distance of Bangla Sahib:

CP Villa Bed & Breakfast (budget)

Tucked away in the quaint enclave of Gol Market, this small bed and breakfast has just 4 guest rooms. Rooms are simple, but clean and comfortable with private bathrooms. You’ll be able to walk to many sites from here, and easily explore Delhi.

📍Check prices and availability at CP Villa Bed & Breakfast

Metropolitan Hotel & Spa (mid-range)

This place is great value. Not only is the location excellent, it’s the only 5 star hotel at this price point. Guest rooms are comfortable and there’s a spa, pool, business centre and several restaurants, including the well regarded Chutney.

📍Check prices and availability at Metropolitan Hotel & Spa

Imperial Hotel New Delhi (luxury)

The Imperial is Delhi’s best heritage hotel and a personal favourite. Built during the British Raj, the Imperial exudes traditional luxury in an unpretentious way. The location is superb, right on Janpath Road, within walking distance of numerous shops, restaurants and sites.

📍Check prices and availability at Imperial Hotel New Delhi

FAQs

These are common questions about visiting Sri Bangla Sahib Gurudwara:

Why is Bangla Sahib Gurudwara important?

Bangla Sahib Gurudwara is important because the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishnan, stayed and died here, treating people during the smallpox epidemic in 1664.

What should I wear to Bangla Sahib?

You should dress conservatively to visit Bangla Sahib. It is one of the most sacred places for the Sikh community. Wear shoes you can easily remove, and something to cover your hair, like a bandana or scarf. The gurudwara has bandanas visitors can borrow.

What does gurudwara mean in English?

The word ‘gurudwara’ (or gurdwara) means ‘door to the Guru.’ A gurudwara is a place of assembly for Sikhs to worship. Everyone is welcome in gurudwaras all over the world, regardless of faith, race or age.

The Wrap-up on Visiting Sri Bangla Sahib Gurudwara

Sri Bangla Sahib Gurudwara is a very special place in Delhi. It is truly impressive how beautiful it is, and how much good work the Gurudwara does. The entire complex is run by volunteers, and from donations made by the public. Don’t miss your opportunity to see this inspiring place while in Delhi!

Don’t forget travel insurance! It’s always a good idea to carry travel insurance just in case something goes wrong. I really like and use SafetyWing

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