Today I thought I should also take you around places in Delhi. One of the most peaceful places in Delhi is Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, whenever I feel low, I come here and sit in a corner to reconnect with myself. Throughout the day, soothing Gurbani (devotional music) echoes here, which can sooth you and connect to him like nothing else. This gurudwara has a lot of religious value and history to it. Gurdwara Bangla Sahib was originally Raja Jai Singh’s (a ruler in the 17th century India) bungalow then known as Jaisinghpura Palace, the Gurudwara and its Sarovar are now a place of pilgrimage for both Sikhs and Hindus.
The eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan resided here during his stay in Delhi in 1664. During that time, there was a cholera epidemic, and Guru Har Krishan helped the suffering by giving aid and fresh water from the well in this house. Guru Har Kishan too contracted the illness and eventually died on March 30, 1664. Raja Jai Singh then constructed a small tank over the well. It’s a belief that the water in this tank has healing properties and Sikhs throughout the world take it back to their homes. The Gurudwara complex has a higher secondary school, Baba Baghel Singh Museum, a library and a hospital. The Gurudwara serves 24 hours “langar” to it’s devotees and needy, regardless of their religion and social status.
The key message of Sikhism is, equality and a belief that, god is one. Every corner of this gurudwara reflects it, from the way people who come for shelter being taken care of or the people who volunteer to help people or do any kind of “sewa” for Gurudwara. It sure is a place where one gets to learn a lot to be a better human being. It’s a must visit for everyone, for those who live in Delhi and those who ever travel to Delhi…
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