Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib Delhi

Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib, Delhi: Hallowed Ground of Martyrdom & Unwavering Faith! ☬⚔️🕊️

Key Details:

• Official Name: Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib
• Location 📍: Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi, Delhi, 110006, India. (Prominently located in one of the busiest and oldest markets of Delhi).
• Significance/Known For 🌟:
  • A historic and highly revered Gurudwara marking the exact site where the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, was martyred (beheaded) on November 11, 1675, under the orders of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
  • Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji sacrificed his life to protect the religious freedom of Kashmiri Pandits who were being forcibly converted to Islam. He is revered as “Hind ki Chadar” (The Shield of India).
  • One of the nine historical Gurudwaras in Delhi.
  • A major pilgrimage site for Sikhs worldwide and a place of deep spiritual significance for people of all faiths who respect religious freedom and human rights.
  • Houses sacred relics, including the trunk of the banyan tree under which Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was martyred and a well from which he drank water during his imprisonment.
• Commemorates: The martyrdom (Shaheedi) of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. “Sis” means head, referring to the site of his beheading.
• Built By/Year Established 🗓️:
  • First Shrine Established: In 1783 by Baghel Singh Dhaliwal, a Sikh military leader who conquered Delhi for a brief period. He identified the sacred sites and raised small shrines.
  • Present Structure: The current imposing structure was built in 1930 after a prolonged legal battle over the site (which was also claimed for a mosque).
• Architectural Style: A blend of Mughal and Sikh Gurudwara architecture, featuring domes (often gilded), intricate marble work, and spacious halls. The current structure is a beautiful example.
• Key Features ☬🌳💧📖:
  • Darbar Sahib (Main Prayer Hall): A large, ornate hall where the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of Sikhs) is enthroned. Kirtan (devotional singing) and religious discourses are held here. It features a high ceiling and beautiful chandeliers.
  • Langar Hall (Community Kitchen): A dedicated building where free vegetarian meals (Langar) are served to thousands of visitors daily, embodying the Sikh principle of selfless service (Seva) and equality.
  • Preserved Tree Trunk ⭐: The trunk of the banyan tree under which Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was martyred is preserved within the Gurudwara complex and holds immense sacred significance.
  • Historical Well (Jal ka Kuan) ⭐: A well from which Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji drank water during his imprisonment nearby is also preserved.
  • Sarovar (Holy Tank): The Gurudwara complex also has a Sarovar (holy water tank) where pilgrims can take a dip.
  • Nishan Sahib: The tall flagpole with the Sikh pennant, a distinct marker of a Gurudwara.
  • Accommodation (Sarai): The complex includes facilities with around 250 rooms and lockers for pilgrims wishing to stay.
• Timings 🕰️ (For darshan/visits):
  • Gurudwaras are generally open 24 hours a day for pilgrims.
  • Specific prayer timings (Nitnem, Kirtan, Ardas) occur at set times in the early morning and evening. Langar is also served throughout most of the day.
• Entry Fee 🎟️: Free (Entry to all Gurudwaras is free for everyone).
• Special Observances/Festivals 🎉:
  • Shaheedi Divas of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (Martyrdom Day) ⭐: Observed with great solemnity and devotion in November/December, attracting vast congregations.
  • Gurpurabs: Birth anniversaries of all Sikh Gurus, especially Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
  • Vaisakhi: Marks the formation of the Khalsa.
  • Nagar Kirtans (Religious Processions): Often originate from or pass by this Gurudwara on important occasions.
• Contact Number 📞:
  • 011-23285117, 011-23288118.
  • DSGMC Head Office Reception (24 Hours): 011-23712580-81-82, 011-23737328-29.
• Website 🌐 (Authentic – DSGMC): https://www.dsgmc.in/ (This is the official website of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, which manages historical Gurudwaras in Delhi).

Old Delhi’s Hallowed Ground: The Historic Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib ☬⚔️

Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib, standing majestically amidst the vibrant chaos of Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, is one of the most sacred and historically significant shrines in Sikhism. It marks the hallowed spot where the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, made the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of religious freedom and human dignity on November 11, 1675. He was publicly beheaded on the orders of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb for refusing to convert to Islam and for championing the right of Kashmiri Pandits to practice their faith. The name “Sis Ganj” literally means “place of the head,” immortalizing the Guru’s martyrdom. This revered Gurudwara is not just a place of worship but a powerful symbol of courage, resilience, and the unwavering Sikh commitment to justice and righteousness.

A Martyr’s Legacy: History and Unwavering Faith 📜🛡️

• The Supreme Sacrifice: In 1675, a delegation of Kashmiri Pandits, facing persecution and forced conversion under Aurangzeb, sought Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s help. The Guru, moved by their plight, resolved to confront the Emperor. He, along with several devoted Sikhs (Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das, and Bhai Dayala Ji, who were also martyred with extreme cruelty before him), traveled to Delhi.
• Imprisonment and Martyrdom: In Delhi, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was arrested and imprisoned. He was given the choice to convert to Islam or face death. Unwavering in his faith and his commitment to protecting the religious freedom of others, he chose martyrdom. He was publicly beheaded at Chandni Chowk.
• Retrieval of “Sis” and “Dhad”: After the Guru’s martyrdom, his head (“Sis”) was courageously retrieved by Bhai Jaita (later Bhai Jivan Singh) and taken to Anandpur Sahib, where Guru Gobind Singh Ji (then Gobind Rai) performed the cremation. The Guru’s torso (“Dhad”) was cremated by Lakhi Shah Vanjara, who set his own house on fire to disguise the cremation, at the site where Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib now stands in Delhi.
• Construction by Baghel Singh: In 1783, when the Sikh military leader Sardar Baghel Singh conquered Delhi for a brief period, he ensured that historical sites connected with the Sikh Gurus were identified and shrines were constructed. Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib was first established by him as a modest structure.
• The Present Edifice: The grand structure seen today was largely built in 1930 after a significant legal dispute concerning the land.

A Blend of Devotion & Design: Architectural Highlights 🏛️✨

• Mughal & Sikh Influences: The architecture of Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib showcases a blend of Mughal and traditional Sikh Gurudwara design elements.
• Imposing Structure: The Gurudwara is a prominent multi-storeyed building with gilded domes that rise high above the bustling Chandni Chowk skyline.
• Darbar Sahib (Main Prayer Hall): The spacious main prayer hall is adorned with intricate marble work, beautiful chandeliers, and a high ceiling. The Guru Granth Sahib is placed on a raised platform (Palki Sahib) under an ornate canopy (Chanani) in the center.
• Historical Relics ⭐:
  • The Sacred Banyan Tree Trunk: The most revered spot within the Gurudwara is the preserved trunk of the banyan tree under which Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was martyred.
  • The Historical Well: A well (Jal ka Kuan) from which the Guru drank water during his imprisonment in the nearby Kotwali (police station) is also preserved and considered sacred.
• Sarovar: A holy water tank (Sarovar) within the complex allows pilgrims to take a purifying dip.

Sanctuary of Service & Spirituality: Atmosphere & Community Life 🙏❤️🍲

• Deep Spiritual Ambiance: The Gurudwara resonates with continuous Gurbani Kirtan (singing of hymns from Guru Granth Sahib) and the presence of devout pilgrims, creating an atmosphere of deep spirituality and peace.
• Langar – The Guru’s Free Kitchen ⭐: A massive Langar Hall serves free, simple, and nutritious vegetarian meals to thousands of people daily, without any distinction of caste, creed, religion, or social status. This embodies the core Sikh principles of equality, selfless service (Seva), and sharing.
• Community Hub: Serves as a vital spiritual and community center for Sikhs in Delhi and for visiting pilgrims from around the world.
• Welcoming to All Faiths: The Gurudwara doors are open to everyone, offering solace and an experience of Sikh traditions.

A Pilgrim’s Path: Visitor Experience & Etiquette 🚶‍♀️🧣

• What to See & Do:
  • Offer Prayers (Matha Tekna): Bow before the Guru Granth Sahib in the Darbar Sahib.
  • Visit the Martyrdom Site: Pay respects at the preserved banyan tree trunk and the historical well.
  • Listen to Kirtan: Experience the soul-stirring devotional music.
  • Partake in Langar: A humbling and essential experience.
  • Do Parikrama: Circumambulate the sacred areas.
  • Volunteer (Seva): Offer to help in the Langar kitchen, Joda Ghar, or with cleaning.
• Etiquette for Visiting a Gurudwara (Strictly Observed) ⭐:
  • Cover Your Head: Mandatory for all. Headscarves are readily available at the entrance.
  • Remove Footwear: Shoes and socks must be removed and deposited at the Joda Ghar (shoe-keeping service, which is free).
  • Wash Hands & Feet: Customary before entering.
  • Dress Modestly & Respectfully: Wear attire that covers shoulders and legs.
  • Maintain Silence & Reverence: Especially in the Darbar Sahib. Avoid loud conversations.
  • No Intoxicants/Tobacco: Absolutely prohibited on the premises.
  • Sit on the Floor: In the Darbar Sahib and Langar Hall, everyone sits on the floor, signifying equality before the Guru.
  • Accept Karah Prashad: A sweet offering made of whole wheat flour, ghee, and sugar, received with cupped hands. Do not refuse it.
• Photography: Generally permitted in the outer complex. For photography inside the Darbar Sahib, especially during prayers, it’s best to be discreet and seek permission if unsure. Avoid using flash.

Heart of Old Delhi: Location & Accessibility 📍🚇🚶‍♂️

• Location: Prominently situated in the main Chandni Chowk thoroughfare, Old Delhi.
• How to Reach:
  • Metro 🚇: The Chandni Chowk Metro Station (Yellow Line) and Lal Qila Metro Station (Violet Line) are the nearest metro stations, both within walking distance or a short cycle-rickshaw ride.
  • Local Buses 🚌: Numerous DTC buses serve the Chandni Chowk area.
  • Auto-Rickshaws/Cycle-Rickshaws 🚕: Easily available throughout Old Delhi.
  • Note: Chandni Chowk is a very congested area, especially for four-wheeled vehicles. Using the metro and then walking or taking a cycle-rickshaw is often the best option.
• Nearby Landmarks: Red Fort (Lal Qila), Jama Masjid, various historical markets of Chandni Chowk.

Insider Tips for Your Visit to Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib 💡

• Visit Early Morning for Peace ⭐: To experience a calmer atmosphere and witness the morning prayers, an early morning visit (around 4-6 AM) is highly recommended.
• Be Prepared for Crowds: Chandni Chowk is always bustling, and the Gurudwara attracts a large number of devotees and visitors throughout the day.
• Explore Chandni Chowk: Combine your visit with an exploration of the historic lanes and culinary delights of Chandni Chowk.
• Understand the History: Knowing the profound history of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s martyrdom will deepen your appreciation for the sanctity of the site.
• Langar Timings: Langar is served for most of the day. Participating is a key experience.
• Footwear & Belongings: Utilize the free Joda Ghar (shoe-keeping) and be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas.

Why Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib is a Profound Delhi Landmark ❤️✨

• Site of Supreme Sacrifice: A sacred place marking one of the most significant martyrdoms in Sikh history, symbolizing the fight for religious freedom.
• Deep Spiritual Significance: A major pilgrimage destination that radiates peace, devotion, and spiritual energy.
• Living Tradition of Langar & Seva: Experience the remarkable Sikh traditions of selfless service and equality.
• Historical & Cultural Icon: An integral part of Old Delhi’s rich history and multicultural fabric.
• Architectural Beauty: The impressive structure stands as a beacon of faith in a bustling historic area.
• Open to All: Welcomes everyone with warmth and respect, offering a universal message of courage and compassion.