Explore Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib in New Delhi
Have you ever wondered how many people sacrificed their lives in the past for the life we are living today? India is filled with historical places telling tales of the freedom fighters who fought political and religious wars. Today, we will visit a place built in commemoration of hommage one such hero who shed without flinching, laid down his life for his community. Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi is the symbol of sacrifice and valor and tourists on a trip to India, make sure to pay homage at this sacred site.
The glorious history of Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib
Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi was initially founded in 1783 in Chandni Chowk, bearing the name Sis Ganj Gurudwara, in memory of Guru Tegh Bahadur.
The current structure was constructed in 1930, showcasing a large hall and a central, expansive canopy that houses the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhism.
The complex features 250 rooms and 200 lockers for pilgrims seeking accommodation within Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib Delhi. It offers contemporary amenities to accommodate visitors.
The Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib location is also significant as it was the site where Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, was martyred, and his head was later taken by his devoted followers to Anandpur Sahib, where his son, Gobind Rai, also known as Guru Gobind Singh, became the tenth Sikh Guru.
Guru Tegh Bahadur’s head was severed when he stood firm against converting to Islam, leading to the ruthless act of beheading by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
However, this courageous act has been instrumental in the survival and integration of Sikhism into Hindu culture. Another of his followers even sacrificed his own home to cremate his master’s body.
Things to do at Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib
- Explore the history of Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib: This holy monument is an extremely sacred and revered building for the Sikh community people as well as other Indians. Understanding its history and learning of the major sacrifices made by the Sikhs is one of the most important things to do at Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib.
- Offer prayers at the shrine: As the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur was beheaded at this location, it is said to be blessed and purified with his presence, even to date. People offer their prayers and offerings here and seek the Guru’s blessings.
- Visit the sacred tree and the well: One of the major attractions at Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib is witnessing the historic ‘Tree’ under which Guru Tegh Bahadur was beheaded and the ‘Well’ from where he used to take water for his daily bath and routines.
- Take a dip in the Sarovar: Within the premises of Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib Delhi is the holy ‘Sarovar’ or pond, which is an integral part of any Gurudwara and the followers take a holy dip in this pond, to get purified and absolved of their sins and transgressions.
- Have food at the Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib Delhi Langar: Along with the purification of the soul, at the Gurudwara, the visitors get a chance to quench their thirst and appetite.
People take the holy prasad/food at the ‘Langar’ which is open for all and serves food to anyone and everyone, irrespective of their faith, ethnicity, or status. - Shop at the iconic Chandni Chowk Market: This Gurudwara is located in Chandni Chowk, one of the most busy and popular places for shopping in Delhi. After offering prayers at the Gurudwara, exploring the Chandni Chowk market is one of the best things to do in Delhi.
Places to visit near Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib
- Chandni Chowk Market: Known as “Moonlit Market,” is a bustling center filled with markets, stands, and ancient temples, that play a crucial role in the area’s way of life. Enjoy a meal from the street, haggle over goods from the locals, or simply immerse yourself in the lively and intriguing atmosphere of this neighborhood.
- Shri Digamber Jain Atishey Kshetra Lal Mandir: Right outside the Chandni Chowk Market, is the most beautiful and ancient Jain temple in Delhi, known as Shri Digamber Jain Atishey Kshetra Lal Mandir. It is a must-visit when exploring this area.
- Parathe Vai Gali: On a narrow, unnoticed road in the Chandni Chowk region of Delhi, a crowd of food stalls offering Indian stuffed bread (paratha is a popular attraction for both residents and tourists alike. Gali Paranthe Wali is a lively alley filled with vendors and stores that serve this flatbread delicacy right off a hot griddle (tawa).
- Red Fort: The Red Fort is a well-liked spot for tourists, drawing in numerous guests annually. Its peak season is August 15, a day when the Indian prime minister raises the national flag at the fort to mark the country’s liberation from British rule.
- Fatehpuri Masjid: The Fatehpuri Masjid was constructed in the year 1650 by Fatehpuri Begum, who was one of the wives of Shah Jahan. This mosque is constructed entirely from red sandstone and features a single dome on top.
It serves as a stunning example of the grandeur of Mughal architecture and remains a silent observer, recording all historical events from the Mughal era to the present day.
Tips For Visiting Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib
- Ensure that you wear a headgear before entering the Gurudwara.
- The Gurudwara is a place of high respect and spirituality, dress appropriately and wear covered clothes.
- Remove your footwear at the shoe stand and follow the rules.
- Be respectful towards the customs and traditions of the Sikh community and behave properly on-premises.
- Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib timings are from 12:00 Noon to 11:30 PM.
- The best time to visit in Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib is from October to March when the weather in Delhi is cool and comfortable.
How to reach Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib?
Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib near metro station is Chandni Chowk, which is a 2 min walk from the location. As this area remains busy and crowded, it is advisable to visit the Gurudwara by metro or by other public transport like a bus or an auto.
Is Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib open to people of all faiths?
Yes, Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib is open to people of all faiths. It is a religious temple revered by the Sikh community but is visited by people of all castes, faiths, and ethnicities. This place welcomes everyone with open arms.
What is the historical significance of Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib?
This place holds major significance, as the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur was beheaded on the orders of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb at this very location. This Gurudwara is built to honor his valor and sacrifice for the Sikh and Hindu Community.
What are the main features of Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib?
The Gurudwara features the main hall, the canopy where the holy book Guru Granth Sahib is kept, the holy sarovar (pond) and a hall where the Langar takes place.
What services and activities are available at Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib?
At the Gurudwara, people volunteer for various activities and services like cleaning, cooking, managing the shoes, offering water etc.