Inspiring stories about the lesser-known Gurdwaras of Delhi

Gurdwaras in Delhi are always open for people from all walks of life. While, Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is known to all, there are other Sikh shrines too that tell interesting and inspiring stories. Delhi being the only city that had been graced by the presence of five of the ten Sikh Gurus at some point in history, it is, therefore, home to a few other Gurdwaras that are worth a visit. Read on to know more.

Gurudwara Shri Bala Sahib
Located in outer ring road in Delhi, Gurudwara Shri Bala Sahib is the only Sikh shrine situated on the banks of Yamuna. When Guru Harkrishan got unwell while serving the people of Delhi, he asked the Sikhs to take him to some far away location from Delhi. The Sikhs pitched a spacious tent on the banks of Yamuna River where the Guru departed for his heavenly abode. The cremation ritual was carried out at the river bank and the ashes were taken to Kiratpur Sahib. At the same place, the last rites of Guru Harkrishan’s two wives were also performed. Afterward, a Gurudwara was built to honour the Guru and his sacred spouses.

Gurdwara Sri Nanak Piao Sahib

Gurdwara Sri Nanak Piao Sahib is located near Sabzi Mandi on the Grand Trunk (GT) Road, Delhi. When Sikander Lodhi was ruling the state, Sri Guru Nanak Sahib visited this place with his disciple Bhai Mardana. To take a rest in the afternoon during their travel, the duo took shelter in a garden. At this point, Nanak Dev dug a well to serve water to thirsty travellers. Soon after, this place became a resting place for travellers where food is also served. Slowly and gradually, many monks and spiritually-minded people started visiting the site for holding religious discussions with Nanak Dev.
Gurdwara Sri Rakab Ganj Sahib


This Gurdwara is located opposite Parliament House in Delhi. Long ago, when Sri Guru Teg Bahadur was beheaded in Chandni Chowk Guru under the order of tyrant Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, no one could dare to go near his body and head. However, as per legends, then a storm suddenly swept the city that was so intense that Bhai Jaita actually gathered strength to pick up the decapitated head and ran away with it to Punjab. It is also said that another devotee Bhai Lakhi Shah managed to escape with the headless body and bring it to his house. Since he could not cremate the body without attracting the attention of the authorities, he set his own house on fire to cremate the mortal remains of the Sikh saint. The ashes of the Guru were then buried at the same site. Later, a Gurdwara was built at the site of cremation.