The Sikh temple, Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is situated at the intersection Baba kharak Singh Marg and Ashoka Road in the heart of Connaught Place area in Central Delhi. It was built as small temple by Sikh General ‘Baba Bhagel Singh in 1783. In the same year he also supervised the construction of nine other sikh shrines . Initially, this was the private Bungalow of Mirza Raja Jai Singh (The ruler of the kingdom of Amber and military General of the Mughal Empire). He was an ardent admirer of the Sikh Guru, Guru Harkrishan Sahib.The 8th Guru Harkishan Sahib ji was only 5years old when he was was put on the “Gaddi” and made the leader of all Sikhs at the time. When he was in Delhi for few months as a guest of Raja Jai Singh in 1964 a small pox and cholera epidemic broke out in the city. Due to guruji’s blessings, a dip in the pool in bangla sahib helped devotees over come the diseases. He also distributed medicines, food and clothes to the needy. Processions and Prayers mark Gurpurab Day, and thousands of devotees visit the Bangla Sahib Gurdwara to celebrate the birth anniversary of Guru Harkrishan Sahib. Before entering the Gurdwara premises, one needs to cover ones head and for the unprepared, scarves are available for free, just outside the main hall. Shoe service (Jora Ghar Sewa) is very significant in all gurudwaras. Before entering a gurdwara, devotees remove their shoes, which are collected, neatly stored and cleaned by those doing this service, which is considered to be an act of Humanity. This service evokes nimratah or humility. As we move towards the main hall of the Gurdwara, one can spot counters, to buy coupons starting from Rs 10 to whatever amount one may wish to offer. One then moves to the next counter to pick the bowl of the Karah Prasad. To take as an offering to god and then consume the rest as Prasad or divine blessings. One then moves to the pond (sarovar) maintained within the gurdwara permises. A pond of 225x235 feet has been built solely with the donations from devotees. The devotees then do the Parikrama or circumambulation of the sarovar or sit and listen to the kirtan and take a dip in the holy pond and proceed to have the Amrit. The Amrit seva being served at the Gurdwaras is believed to have the divine power of healing ailments if consumed with faith. The free meal or langar in the gurudwara is also served by volunteers. During the langar, devotees sit in orderly rows on the floor. The meal usually contains the Indian flatbread chapatti, and dahl (lentils) and some vegetables. Sometimes, rice and a sweet rice pudding are also served. 10-15,000 people are served free food here on a daily basis, irespective of religion caste or color. This number doubles on the occasion of Gurpurab. The kitchen serves food up till 3-4pm in the afternoon and then again from 8pm till 10 or 11 at night. The Delhi sikh Gurdwara Management Committee has built a hospital in the basement of the Gurdwara. There is also a Bhagel Singh Sikh history Mu
