10 Gurudwaras in Delhi You Can Visit
Delhi, the Sikh community finds solace and connection through their Gurudwaras scattered throughout the city. These sacred places serve as hubs of spirituality, offering sanctuary from the bustling urban landscape. Gurudwaras in Delhi hold historical and cultural significance, embodying the teachings and principles of Sikhism.
They are not just places of worship but also community gathering centres, where people from all walks of life come together to partake in langar and engage in acts of seva.
List of Most Famous Gurudwaras in Delhi
Following is the list of renowned Gurudwara in Delhi that are conveniently accessible via the nearby New Delhi, Old Delhi, and Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Stations, Indira Gandhi International Airport, and ISBT, D.T.C, and Dhaula Kuan Main Bus Station:
10 Famous Gurudwaras to Visit in Delhi
Explore the list of 10 famous Gurudwara in Delhi that guide you through the spiritual heartland of India; here are those 10 Gurudwaras:
1. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib | Ashoka Road
This magnificent shrine is one of Delhi's tourist spots. It is devoted to Guru Har Krishan, the eighth Sikh guru. Constructed in 1783 by renowned Sikh General Sardar Bhagel Singh, it boasts an enormous body of water and exquisite sculptures inside the domes.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Timings: Opens daily for 24 hrs
- Nearby Places: Baba Baghel Singh Sikh Heritage Multimedia Museum, Himachal Emporium, Sacred Heart Cathedral, and Connaught Place
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2. Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib | Chandni Chowk
Bhagel Singh's tribute to the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, is another project. When he refused to become an Islamist, Aurangzeb had him put to death. After stealing the body, his followers set fire to his home and cremated his guru.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February
- Timings: Opens daily from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Nearby Places: Qutub Minar, Swaminarayan Akshardham, Humayun's Tomb, and Lodhi Garden
3. Gurudwara Baba Banda Sigh Bahadur | Mehrauli Village
Forty of the guru's disciples were killed, including his four-year-old son. Like Jesus, he endured torture, but it didn't shake his faith. Thirty thousand people attend the location for a fantastic market during Vaishakhi.
- Best Time to Visit: October to April
- Timings: Opens daily for 24 hrs
- Nearby Places: Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple, National Museum, and Red Fort
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4. Gurudwara Mata Sundri | Mandi House
Gurudwara Mata Sundri is where the Khalsa mother drew her final breath. She looked after Guru Gobind Singh Ji's followers for forty years after he left. With dignity and succinctness, she carried his five weapons in order to achieve immortality.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Timings: Opens daily for 24 hrs
- Nearby Places: Mata Sundari Lane, Ghalib Auditorium, and Giani Zail Singh (Ekta Sthal)
5. Gurudwara Bala Sahib | Hari Nagar Ashram
Mata Sundari and Guru Harkrishan Singh Ji, the eighth Sikh guru, are buried in this famous gurudwara. According to legend, his healing touch prevented cholera outbreaks in Delhi. The irony is that he passed away from smallpox before turning eight years old.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Timings: Opens daily for 24 hrs
- Nearby Places: Tughlaqabad Fort, Lotus Temple, Jama Masjid, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and Sansad Bhavan
6. Gurudwara Moti Bagh Sahib | Moti Bagh
It designates the location of Guru Gobind Singh Ji's army camp during his initial stay in the city. The intriguing narrative of the guru in 1707 is told by history. It is reported that from this camp fired an arrow at the base of the throne in Red Fort.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Timings: Opens daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Nearby Places: Jantar Mantar Delhi, Nizamuddin Dargah Delhi, and Science Museum.
7. Gurudwara Damdama Sahib | Nizamuddin East
The gigantic constructions were added in 1984, however, it was originally constructed in 1783 close to Aurangzeb's tomb. It is a homage to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth guru. Here, Hola Mohalla, often observed the day following Holi, is very important.
- Best Time to Visit: October to April
- Timings: Opens daily from 3:30 am to 10:00 pm
- Nearby Places: Maiser Khana, Bahia Fort, Qila Mubarak, and Rose Garden
8. Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib | Pandit Pant Marg
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji urf perished in 1675 while defending the Kashmiri Pandits. He was executed by Aurangzeb for not converting to Islam. To bury his decapitated remains, his followers set fire to their own home, which is today Gurdwara Rakab Ganj.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Timings: Opens daily for 24 hrs
- Nearby Places: National Museum, National Rail Museum, India Gate, and Red Fort
9. Gurudwara Majnu Ka Tilla | Chandni Chowk
When Abdullah first met Guru Nanak Dev Ji in 1505, he went by the name Majnu. The guru was moved when he offered free boat rides over the Yamuna River in the name of God. He made the decision to remain in Tilla, where Majnu became a follower.
- Best Time to Visit: September to February
- Timings: Opens daily from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
- Nearby Places: Signature Bridge, Restricted Forest, Lal Quila, and Khooni Khan Jheel
10. Gurudwara Nanak Piao Sahib | Rana Pratap Bagh
In 1505, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, set up camp in a garden and gave away free food and water to passersby and other tourists. The garden's owner considered that location to be sacred, so he built a gurudwara there.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Timings: Opens daily for 24 hrs
- Nearby Places: Majnu-ka-Tilla, Shri Aurobindo Ashram, Prachin Shri Guru Ravidas Mandir, and Jagannath Temple
Gurudwaras in Delhi stand as pillars of Sikh faith and tradition, embodying values of equality, service, and spiritual devotion. They offer a refuge from the hustle and bustle of urban life, fostering a sense of community and solidarity among believers and visitors alike. These sacred sites provide a space for worship and serve as symbols of resilience, peace, and harmony in the diverse tapestry of Delhi's cultural landscape.
FAQs about Gurudwaras in Delhi, India
What to do before entering Gurudwara?
Take off your shoes and cover your head. There is a box of scarves for men and women at the gurdwara. Volunteers will return your shoes to you if you leave them at the shoe racks.
What should we wear in Gurudwara?
It's best to wear traditional clothing that covers your legs or full-length trousers. It is not proper to wear shorts.
What not to do in Gurudwara?
Never wear shoes or enter the gurdwara without covering your head. Tobacco, alcohol, cigarettes, and smoking are all prohibited by the Sikh religion.
What food is given in Gurudwara?
The food provided in gurdwaras is referred to as "langar." Usually vegetarian, the langar may include foods like rice, chapati, and lentils.
What are the rules before entering Gurudwara?
The temple will not permit you to enter without a head scarf. Avoid visiting Gurudwaras when intoxicated or under the influence of other drugs. The Sikh faith prohibits the use of drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, and other intoxicating substances.
Can I stay in Gurudwara for free in Delhi?
Yes, lodging is available within Gurudwaras in Delhi.
Which is the most famous Gurudwara in Delhi?
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib as viewed from the Main Entrance, Connaught Place, Delhi, India.
Why do people cover their heads before entering Gurudwara?
Sikhs believe that the middle of our bodies is where our energy is found. According to beliefs, if people don't cover their heads during worship, bad things could enter our minds and affect our souls.
Can I go to Gurudwara in jeans?
Yes, jeans are generally okay to wear when visiting a gurdwara, but some people believe that the style in which they're worn might not be appropriate. Others suggest that wearing 3/4ths or full-sleeve shirts, even half-sleeves, is acceptable attire, especially in urban areas.
What is the significance of Gurudwar Rakab Ganj Sahib?
For Sikhs, the location holds immense religious and historical significance since it honours the death of Guru Tegh Bahadur, who defended the right to practice any religion freely during the Mughal era in India by opposing forced conversions.