Six Historic Gurudwaras of Delhi Where Sikh Gurus Lived and Taught

Delhi holds a profoundly sacred place in Sikh history, having witnessed the presence of five Sikh Gurus over nearly three centuries. The city became both a spiritual refuge and a site of ultimate sacrifice, where two Gurus attained martyrdom. These historic gurudwaras stand as enduring monuments to their extraordinary lives, preserving stories of devotion, healing, courage and sacrifice.

1. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib: The Healing Touch of the Child Guru

Location: Connaught Place, Baba Kharak Singh Marg
Associated Guru:Guru Har Krishan (8th Guru)

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib stands as one of Delhi's most magnificent Sikh shrines, instantly recognisable by its gleaming golden dome and towering flagpole. Originally a seventeenth-century bungalow belonging to Raja Jai Singh of Amber, this site became forever sanctified when the eighth Guru, Guru Har Krishan, stayed here in 1664.

At merely five years old when he became Guru, Har Krishan remains the youngest spiritual master in Sikh history. Summoned to Delhi by Emperor Aurangzeb to defend his legitimacy as Guru against his elder brother Ram Rai's claims, the child stayed at Raja Jai Singh's bungalow. When smallpox and cholera ravaged Delhi, the young Guru dedicated himself tirelessly to healing the afflicted, irrespective of caste or creed. His selfless service earned him the title "Bala Pir" (child prophet) from the local Muslim population.

Tragically, Guru Har Krishan contracted smallpox himself and passed away on 30 March 1664, at just eight years old. Raja Jai Singh constructed a small tank over the well whose waters the Guru had blessed whilst healing the sick. Today, this sacred pool, known as the Sarovar, remains a place of deep reverence, with devotees taking its waters home as amrit(blessed nectar) believed to possess healing properties.

The present structure was rebuilt by Sikh General Sardar Baghel Singh in 1783, alongside eight other historic shrines in Delhi. The gurudwara complex now encompasses a sprawling campus including the main prayer hall where Shabads and Paaths (sacred hymns and prayers) continue round the clock, a world-renowned langar serving thousands daily, a hospital, a school, the Baba Baghel Singh Museum, and the holy Sarovar.

2. Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib: The Ultimate Sacrifice

Location: Chandni Chowk
Associated Guru: Guru Tegh Bahadur (9th Guru)

In the heart of Old Delhi's bustling Chandni Chowk lies Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib, marking one of Sikhism's most sacred martyrdom sites. Here, on 11 November 1675, Guru Tegh Bahadur was publicly beheaded on the orders of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb for refusing to convert to Islam.

The ninth Guru's martyrdom stemmed from his courageous defence of religious freedom. When Aurangzeb's forces began forcibly converting Kashmiri Pandits to Islam, a desperate delegation approached Guru Tegh Bahadur for help. The Guru stood firmly against this religious persecution, ultimately offering his own life to protect the Hindus' right to practise their faith. For this supreme sacrifice, he earned the title "Hind di Chadar" (Shield of India).

The martyrdom was preceded by the brutal execution of three of the Guru's devoted companions—Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Dayala, and Bhai Sati Das—at a nearby kotwali (police station). Bhai Mati Das was sawn in half between two pillars, whilst Bhai Dayala was boiled alive and Bhai Sati Das was burnt to death.

After the Guru's beheading, his devoted disciple Lakhi Shah Vanjara courageously retrieved the body during a sudden storm and transported it to his home. Unable to perform proper cremation rites without attracting Mughal attention, Lakhi Shah made the ultimate sacrifice—he set his entire house ablaze to give his Guru an honourable cremation. Meanwhile, another brave Sikh, Bhai Jaita, carried the Guru's severed head 400 kilometres to Anandpur Sahib, where Guru Gobind Singh, the martyred Guru's son, performed the final rites. Guru Tegh Bahadur remains unique in history as the only person whose head and body were cremated separately.

Built in 1783 by Baghel Singh, Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib features a historic well known as "Baal Sahib" or the "Chandni Chowk well", believed to possess healing properties. The shrine stands as an eternal testament to steadfastness in one's beliefs and the defence of religious freedom for all.

3. Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib: Where Heroes Sacrificed All

Location: Near Parliament House, New Delhi
Associated Guru: Guru Tegh Bahadur (9th Guru)

A short distance from India's seat of democracy stands Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib, marking the exact spot where Lakhi Shah Vanjara cremated Guru Tegh Bahadur's headless body by burning down his own house in November 1675. The name "Rakab Ganj" refers to the stirrup of a horse, possibly indicating the area's connection to cavalry or the Guru's retinue.

During British colonial rule, when New Delhi was being constructed, authorities demolished part of the gurudwara's wall as it obstructed a planned road. This sparked fierce protests from the Sikh community, who threatened a morcha (peaceful agitation). The British government eventually relented, restoring the wall and accepting a bend in the road instead—a testament to the Sikh community's unwavering devotion to their sacred sites.

The present building, a striking multi-storey structure of pyramidal design built on a raised plinth, showcases rich architectural embellishments. The complex hosts significant annual observances, particularly the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh and the martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, attracting thousands of devotees.

Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib stands as a poignant reminder of Lakhi Shah Vanjara's extraordinary devotion and courage—a man who sacrificed his home and livelihood to honour his Guru even in death.

4. Gurudwara Nanak Piao Sahib: The Founder's Compassion

Location: Grand Trunk Karnal Road (NH-1), Rana Pratap Bagh
Associated Guru: Guru Nanak Dev (1st Guru)

Gurudwara Nanak Piao Sahib commemorates the first Sikh Guru's visit to Delhi in the late 1490s. When Guru Nanak Dev arrived near Sabzi Mandi along the historic Grand Trunk Road, he established himself near a well. The word "Piao" means a place where water is served freely to the thirsty.

Here, Guru Nanak and his devoted companion Bhai Mardana derived great spiritual joy from serving travellers and those in need. They drew water from a deep well and offered it to all who passed by, regardless of their social status, caste, or religion. Simultaneously, the Guru propagated his revolutionary teachings of monotheism, equality, and humanitarian service—principles that would form the very foundation of Sikhism.

The site became recognised as sacred by the local people, and even after Guru Nanak resumed his extensive travels (Udasis), the tradition of serving water continued. The location retained the name Nanak Piao in his honour.

The present gurudwara stands within a walled compound with a flat-roofed building. The main annual function observed here is the death anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev (typically falling in August-September according to the lunar calendar), when devotees gather to remember the founder of their faith and his message of selfless service.

5. Gurudwara Majnu Ka Tilla: The Meeting of Mystics

Location: Banks of River Yamuna, near Chandraval village
Associated Gurus: Guru Nanak Dev (1st Guru) and Guru Hargobind (6th Guru)

Perched on the banks of the Yamuna River, Gurudwara Majnu Ka Tilla holds a unique place in Sikh history, fassociated with two Gurus and bearing a fascinating story behind its unusual name.

When Guru Nanak Dev visited Delhi on 20 July 1505 during his first Udasi (spiritual journey), he encountered a Persian Sufi mystic named Abdulla, locally nicknamed "Majnu" (meaning "one lost in divine love"). This frail, devout man had spent years in spiritual contemplation at this spot, yearning for a glimpse of the Divine. Guru Nanak held profound spiritual discourses with Majnu, and the mystic became a devoted follower. The site became known as Majnu Ka Tilla (Majnu's mound or hillock) in his honour, and even after Guru Nanak's departure, it remained a place of spiritual significance.

Over a century later, in the early 1600s, the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind, was "invited" to Delhi by Emperor Jahangir. Guru Hargobind chose to stay at this very spot, Gurudwara Majnu Ka Tilla, honouring the sacred ground where the first Guru had held his spiritual dialogues. During his stay, the Guru developed a friendship with Emperor Jahangir, even accompanying him on hunting expeditions and famously saving the emperor from a tiger attack.

When the gravely ill emperor's court astrologers suggested that a holy man should pray for his recovery at Gwalior Fort, Jahangir requested Guru Hargobind to undertake this task. The Guru agreed and travelled to Gwalior, though this gesture would later lead to complications in their relationship.

The gurudwara retains its historic charm, offering a serene retreat on the riverbank where two great spiritual masters once graced the earth.

6. Gurudwara Bala Sahib: The Child Prophet's Final Rest

Location: Hari Nagar Ashram, beside River Yamuna
Associated Guru: Guru Har Krishan (8th Guru)

On the southern banks of the Yamuna River stands Gurudwara Bala Sahib, marking the cremation site of Guru Har Krishan, who passed away from smallpox on 30 March 1664, aged merely seven years and eight months. The shrine is also associated with Mata Sundri, the wife of the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, who spent her later years in Delhi and is also cremated here.

The young Guru Har Krishan had arrived in Delhi after being summoned by Emperor Aurangzeb to resolve a succession dispute. Staying at Raja Jai Singh's bungalow (now Gurudwara Bangla Sahib), the child Guru devoted himself entirely to serving those afflicted by the deadly smallpox and cholera epidemic sweeping through Delhi.

Despite his tender age, Guru Har Krishan demonstrated extraordinary spiritual wisdom and healing powers. He instructed Diwan Dargah Mal to spend all daily offerings on helping the downtrodden and sick. The local Muslim population, deeply moved by his selfless humanitarian service, affectionately called him "Bala Pir"—the child prophet.

Tragically, whilst healing others, the young Guru himself contracted smallpox. As his condition worsened, he uttered his final words: "Baba Bakale" (the Guru is in Bakala), cryptically indicating that his successor would be found in the village of Bakala. He passed away shortly after, becoming the youngest Guru to serve and the shortest-reigning Guru in Sikh history, having held the spiritual leadership for just three years.

Gurudwara Bala Sahib stands as a moving memorial to a child who sacrificed his life whilst bringing healing and hope to countless others, embodying the Sikh principles of seva (selfless service) and sarbat da bhala (welfare of all).