The Gurdwara Sahib Mata Sundri ji is one of the most historically important Gurudwaras of the Sikh in Delhi located near the JP Nayak Hospital. This Gurudwara was built as a tribute to the wife of the 10th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, Mata Sundri who is considered to be the first wife of the Guru.

An imposing shrine was constructed by the Delhi Gurudwara committee at a site of a Haveli where Mata Sundari stayed after the Guru departed to the Deccan. It is also said that a shrine was raised in her loving memory by the sangat or public of Delhi as she spend half of her life here.

History

Mata Sundari also known as Mata Jito was the daughter of Kumarav Khatri who knew Guru Tegh Bahadur. They lived in Hoshiairpur and Sundari was extremely beautiful. Her marriage was settled with Guru Gobind Singh, the son of Tegh Bahadur Singh and their marriage took place at Anandpur on April 4th in the year 1684. She gave birth to a son in the year 1687, who was named Ajit Singh and he was the eldest son of Guru Gobind Singh. Her son died in the battle that was fought between Aurangzeb and Guru Gobind Singh and later she adopted a child, who looked similar to her own deceased son.

When Guru Gobind Singh went to the Deccan, she came to Delhi and stayed at Bhai Jawahar Singh’s haveli for some time. It is said that Guru Gobind Singh left for this heavenly abode in the year 1708 and while some believe he was assassinated, others claim that he died a natural death in Nanded in Maharashtra. Mata Sundari started living in a newly constructed haveli from the year 1727 and that is now known as the Gurdwara Sahib Mata Sundri ji. After the death of her husband, she guided the Sikh community for many years and her grateful followers built a shrine in the place where she lived more than half of her life.

Architecture of the Gurudwara

The Gurdwara Sahib Mata Sundri ji has been built from mortar and brick and there is a marble-paved gallery at one of its end. There is weed beam inside the gallery that is carved and bears some Gurumukhi inscriptions written in bold letters. At the center of the Gurudwara, there is a slab made from marble and is surrounded by the emblem of the Sikhs that is considered to be sacred and holy. The entrance to the Gurudwara has a traditional outlook and there is a square dome shaped sanctums and arched copings. There is a staircase leading to the main Darbar Hall. It is surrounded by beautiful lawns and gardens that are well maintained.

Significance of the Gurudwara

The Gurdwara Sahib Mata Sundri ji has great historical significance as Mata Sundar Ji is still now considered to be the true mother of all Sikhs all across the world. This Gurudwara is a landmark for the Mata Sundari Road that lies in the heart of the country’s capital.

Mata Sundari guided the Khalsa for more than 40 years and the Khalsa members respected her and looked up to her for guidance.  She died in the year 1747 at the same place where now the Gurudwara resides.

Facilities to the Gurudwara

The Gurdwara Sahib Mata Sundri ji was constructed on the site of the house where Mata Sundari ji spent all her life after her husband’s departure to the Deccan and is still being maintained by them. All Sikh festivities are celebrated here with full enthusiasm and people start visiting the Gurudwara from early in the morning. It has all the basic facilities for the visitors.

Best time to Visit

The Gurdwara Sahib Mata Sundri ji remains open from early morning to late night. People visit this place to pray, meditate or simply to listen to the prayers and hymns that are recited at specific time of the day.

Ways to Reach

By Air

Delhi is the capital of the country and its airport, the Indira Gandhi International Airport is connected to rest of the world and to all the other cities of the country as well. There are state-run buses, auto-rickshaws and private taxis that connect the airport and the Gurudwara.

By Road

Delhi is well connected city as it has a good network of roads that connects with the rest of the country. The buses are available to the Gurudwara from different places of Delhi and other nearby places as well.

By Local Transport

DTC and State operated buses are available for local transport. Rented cars, taxis, auto-rickshaws are also available.