Gurudwara Sisganj

[1]Gurudwara Sisganj Sahib

Located on the main Chandni Chowk road, is one of the most sacred places of the Sikh community in the capital, Gurdwara Sisganj. The gurdwara commemorates the site where, on the orders of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, Guru Tegh Bahadur - the ninth guru of the Sikhs - was beheaded. He was martyred here in 1675 under a banyan tree because he objected to emperor's use of force against the Hindus, who refused to renounce their faith and religion.

To visit the gurdwara, the visitant should leave their shoes outside at the counter and cover their head. Though one can go to the main worship place directly but it would be better if one first visits the 'Information Office', located near the entrance, from where a member of the Gurdwara Management Committee will accompany and show the visitant all-important places within the gurdwara. The main worship room of the gurdwara, which is very spacious and flood lit has the Sikh Holy Book, the Guru Granth Sahib under a beautifully carved golden canopy. Near the room is also kept the part of the banyan tree under which the ninth guru was killed. There is also an enclosed structure where the guru was held prisoner before beheading.

Throughout the day religious hymns are sung near the golden canopy and devotees, which include both men and women, come and listen to these with deep devotion. An important feature and attraction of all the gurdwaras are their community kitchens (Guru ka langar), which oppose discrimination based on caste and stress the concept of equality. Here people of any background, religion, caste, color and creed eat together. The community kitchen of the Gurdwara Sisganj too feeds around 2000-4000 people everyday and one must try the food for the experience as well as the taste which is quite simply delicious.

The Address: Main Chandni chowk Road, Opposite Baptist Church, Delhi

How to Reach: The best way to reach here is to take the Metro to the Chandni Chowk station. One could also tale local buses or hire an auto but not recommended due to the chaotic traffic situation in this area.