Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib is located in Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi. It is one of the nine historical gurudwaras of the capital of India.

It is built at the spot where Guru Tegh Bahadur, the revered 9th Sikh Guru, was beheaded in November 1675. This was done on the orders of Aurangzeb the Mughal Emperor, when the Guru refused to convert to Islam.

Tourists visit Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib from across the globe to seek blessings, achieve spiritual awakening, and get peace of mind. This historical place attracts about 15,000 devotees daily. It is a common sight to see long queues of devotees and tourists waiting for the “langar” or community kitchen.

History

Baghel Singh set up Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in 1783 to honour the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur.

“Unless a holy man lays down his head for the sake of the poor Brahmins, there is no hope for their escape from imperial tyranny.” These are the words of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahibji, who fought fiercely against Mughal’s atrocities on Hindus.

According to reports, the Guru’s beheaded body was secretly carried away by Lakhi Shah Vanjara, one of his disciples. He set his house on fire to cremate the body of the Guru. Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib is built on this spot.

Another disciple of the Guru, Bhai Jaita, brought the severed head of Guru Tegh Bahadur to Anandpur Sahib. The head was cremated by Gobind Rai, the Guru’s son. He, later, became Guru Gobind singh, who was the 10th and the last Guru of the Sikhs. “Sis” means “head.”

Architecture

The present day structure of Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib was constructed in 1930. The structure features medieval style architecture. Tourists can see a guild of domes built in gold. Over 4000 workers labored to build the gurudwara.

The structure has a spacious hall with a bronze canopy in the center.  Shri Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs, is placed under this canopy. The enormous complex accommodates 200 lockers and 250 rooms for visitors who can stay there overnight. Visitors can use modern facilities here.

Guru Teg Bahadur was beheaded under a tree. The trunk of this tree is still preserved here. The well from which the Guru took bath during his imprisonment is also preserved. Adjacent to the gurudwara is ‘kotwali’ or police station. This is where the Guru was imprisoned. His disciples were also tortured here. In 2000, the police station was transferred to the Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee.

There is a museum opposite Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib. Tourists can learn deeper about the history of this holy place. Sunheri Masjid is situated close to the gurudwara.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib is on the birth anniversaries of all 10 Gurus, particularly those of Guru Gobind Singh and Guru Nanak. The entire place is soaked in celebrations, music, and song at this time. Diwali and Baisakhi are also great times to come here.

Gurudwara Timings

Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib is open from 12 noon to 12 midnight.

While visiting the gurudwara, tourists must be bare feet with their heads covered with a scarf or handkerchief. They must never refuse the “karah Prasad.” It is a blessing from the Guru. Tourists must also not miss the “Guru ka Langar,” which is served here daily.

How to Reach

Delhi, the capital of India, is well connected by air, rail, and road to major cities of India. Chandni Chowk metro station is near the gurudwara. It is at walking distance, which takes just a few minutes to reach the holy place.