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Gurudwara Rakab Ganj




This historically significant Gurudwara is located close to Parliament House in the capital city, Delhi. The Gurudwara was constructed in 1783 by Baghel Singh (1730-1802), a renowned Sikh leader after capturing Delhi on March 11th 1783. During his elaborated stay in this capital city, he initiated the construction of various Sikh temples inside the city. Among them, Gurudwara Rakab Ganj was built on the cremation site of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the 9th Sikh Guru after being executed by Aurangzeb on November 1675. It took about 12 years to complete this shrine close to Old Raisina village besides Raisina Hill, currently known as Pandit Pant Marg. This place was earlier occupied by a nearby mosque. Later, Shah Alam II, the prominent Mughal emperor sanctioned permission to construct Gurudwara at this place. Delhi’s Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee also functions from this place.

History

The Gurudwara was constructed at the spot where Bhai Naghaiya and his mother Lakhi Shah Banjara burnt their personal house to cremate the expired Guru Tegh Bahadur, the renowned Sikh guru. He was executed on 11th November 1675 at Chandni Chowk following the orders of Aurangzeb, the known Mughal emperor as the former objected to convert him to Islam religion. The exact spot where the guru was executed stands iconic as the Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib. The separated head of the Guru was transported to Punjab’s Anandpur Sahib by Bhai Jiwan Singh (earlier known as Bhai Jaita) and later cremated by Gobind Rai, his son. His son then became Guru Gobind Singh, the last and 10th guru of the Sikh population.

A plan has been put forth by the Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee to construct a memorial to all the Sikh people who sacrificed their life at the time of Anti-Sikh riots in 1984. Though, they have already proceeded with the foundation stone, Delhi High Court has kept the memorial construction as pending file.

Major Attractions

The powerful Gurudwara has been constructed using white marble which supplements the beauty and also the serenity of this spot. Large domes embellished with complex structure of floral motifs with the inscription of holy mantras on its walls make a significant impact. The sanctum of Guru Granth Sahib is decorated with gold-plated vault carving. Along with this, there is a stunning view of well-designed lawns and sprawling gardens.At evening times, this place shines with thousands of bright lights that add to the beauty of this temple.

The perfect time to tour this temple is anytime during October to March as the climate is somewhat pleasant and one can definitely enjoy this holy site to its maximum.

How to Reach

The capital city is well linked with all the other parts of India by rail, road and airways.

By Air

There are both international and domestic flight services from Indira Gandhi International Airport. After reaching the airport, one can opt for an auto-rickshaw or a taxi to reach Gurudwara.

By Train

There are 3 major railway stations in Delhi - Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, New Delhi Railway Station and Old Delhi Railway Station. From any of these stations, one can hire a taxi or a rickshaw to reach this shrine. There are also bus services from all three railway stations.

By Road

Delhi is well connected with all other parts of India through established national highways and roadways. The major bus terminus is at Kashmiri Gate in the name of Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT). Along with this, there are other bus depots in the name of Anand Vihar Bus Terminus and Sarai Kale Khan Bus Terminus. From these terminuses, one can opt for private or public bus to reach this holy shrine.

By Metro

There is powerful network of metro train services in Delhi. After reaching airport or any of the railway stations, one can prefer metro service till Central Secretariat Metro Station and from there they can travel to Gurudwara.

OUR PLANING

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