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Gurdwara
Bangla Sahib is an important historical
and religious place in India. Dedicated
to the eighth Sikh Guru, Sri Harkishen Sahib,
it is situated near Connaught Place Market
in New Delhi. Its main hall is kept simple,
except for the open central shrine, covered
by a small golden dome sporting a sculpted
bronze cupola. Devotional music is relayed
throughout the complex continuously. There
is a higher secondary school, Baba Baghel
Singh Museum, a library and a hospital in
the Gurdwara complex. Holy water of Bangla
Sahib Gurudwara, known as 'Amrit, is said
to have miraculous powers of curing the
sick.
Before entering the shrine,
the devotees take a holy dip in the holy
pond, known as 'sarovar'. The birth of Guru
Sri Harkrishan Sahib and death anniversary
of Maharaja Ranjit Singhji is celebrated
here every year. 'Langar' or Community Kitchen
Hall is organized on the east side of the
complex. Here, free food is served to all
the devotees, without any distinction of
caste, creed or status. One can visit the
main complex bare-footed only, covering
one's head and wearing conservative clothes,
covering legs and shoulders.
According to the legend
related to this Gurdwara, the seat of Guru
Sahib was disputed and Ram Rai, brother
of Harkishen, sought the help of Aurungzeb.
Aurungzeb called Guru Harkishen to Delhi,
where he was entertained royally by Mirza
Raja Jai Singh in his own palace, along
with Diwan Dargah Mull, Bhai Gurditta Ji,
Bhai Mati Das Ji and the mother of the Guruji.
Later, this fabulous mansion was converted
into a Gurdwara in the memory of the Guru
Sahib and was called as Gurdwara Bangla
Sahib. This shrine has also had the honor
of hosting sixth Guru Sri Hargobind Sahib,
on his arrival in Delhi.
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