In the middle of the bustling lanes of Delhi’s famous Chandni Chowk, you will find Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib. A beautiful architectural marvel, this gurudwara is a sacred site for the Sikh community and is dedicated to the 9th Sikh guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur. This site of worship has a profound story of sacrifice and martyrdom, and here’s everything you need to know about it.
The Story Behind Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib In Delhi
In 1675, during the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, a lot of Kashmiri Pandits were forced to convert and give up their religion. Seeing no way out of this oppressive conversion, they sought help from the 9th Sikh guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur. Led by Kirpa Ram, the Kashmiri Pandits visited Guru Tegh Bahadur at Anandpur and requested his help to save their faith.
Guru Tegh Bahadur stepped up to help them. When the Mughals came to know about this, Tegh Bahadur ji was arrested by 12,000 soldiers of Aurangzeb. He was then brought to Delhi where the Mughal emperor was waiting for him. In Delhi, he was asked to give up his religion, to which he refused and chose death as a punishment. He chose to give up his life to help people and save humanity.
Aurangzeb beheaded Guru Tegh Bahadur in the middle of Chandni Chowk and that’s where Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib was constructed. ‘Sis’ here means head and the gurudwara has been named after the great sacrifice of the 9th Sikh guru.
Also Read: 8 Biggest And Must-Visit Gurudwaras In India
Architecture & Everything You Need To Know About This Gurudwara
Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib was first constructed in 1783 as a small shrine by Baghel Singh. It was built to commemorate the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur. The gurudwara was later expanded and built by Rai Bahadur Narain Singh. It is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture and has stunning meshwork windows, pavilions, and parapets made with sandstone.
The main prayer hall is a two-storey structure. It has a high ceiling and beautiful chandeliers right above the platform where the Guru Granth Sahib is kept. There is also a separate building for Langar sewa where food is prepared and served throughout the day. The building also has accommodation for visitors.
Did you know about this story of sacrifice behind Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib? Let us know in the comments.
Cover Image Courtesy: X/@ClasslessCULE & Canva
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