Gurudwara Rakabganj Sahib

Gurudwara Shri Rakabganj Sahib

Gurudwara Rakabganj Sahib is a prominent Sikh shrine located opposite the Lok Sabha, about 5 km from New Delhi Railway Station. It was established in 1783 A.D. when the Jathedar of the Karorsinghia Misl, Baba Baghel Singh, captured Delhi and oversaw the construction of several historical Gurudwaras, including this one. This sacred site holds a significant place among the spiritual and historical landmarks of Delhi, attracting countless devotees and tourists throughout the year.

This sacred site is associated with the martyrdom of the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. After the Guru was executed on the orders of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb on November 11, 1675 (according to the Gregorian calendar), a date observed as 24 November in the traditional lunar calendar, at Chandni Chowk—where Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib now stands—Bhai Jaita Ji carried the Guru’s severed head with utmost respect to Anandpur Sahib so that the family could perform the final rites. At the same time, two brave Sikhs—Bhai Lakhi Shah Banjara and his son, Bhai Naghiya—also risked their lives to preserve the Guru’s body.

Under the cover of a fierce dust storm, Bhai Lakhi Shah and his son rescued the headless body from Chandni Chowk. They cleverly concealed it in one of several bullock carts loaded with cotton and food, avoiding detection by Mughal soldiers. The storm provided the perfect distraction, allowing them to escape unnoticed.

They transported the sacred body to their home in Raisina village. Knowing the risks, Bhai Lakhi Shah Banjara made the ultimate sacrifice—he placed Guru Ji’s body on his bed and set his entire house ablaze. This selfless act ensured the Guru received a proper cremation while avoiding suspicion. The site of this sacrifice came to be known as Rakabganj.

Today, Gurudwara Rakabganj Sahib stands as a powerful reminder of the courage, devotion and sacrifice shown by the Guru’s followers. It remains a revered destination for Sikhs and a must-visit for anyone interested in Delhi’s spiritual heritage.

How To Reach

To reach Gurudwara Shri Rakab Ganj Sahib, you can use various modes of transportation. Here are different options:

1. By Car or Taxi: If you’re in Delhi or arriving at a nearby location, you can use a car or hire a taxi. You can input the gurudwara’s address into a GPS navigation system or a maps app to guide you to the destination.

2. By Metro: Delhi has an extensive metro system. You can take the Delhi Metro to the nearest metro station, which is Central Secretariat Metro Station, located nearby. From Central Secretariat Metro Station, you can hire an auto-rickshaw or take a short taxi ride to reach Gurudwara Shri Rakab Ganj Sahib.

3. By Bus: Delhi has a well-connected bus network. You can check for local buses that have routes passing through Pandit Pant Marg. Ask for guidance from locals or bus station staff. Get off at the nearest bus stop to Guru Gobind Singh Bhawan, Pandit Pant Marg, and then walk to the gurudwara.

4. By Air: If you are arriving by air, the nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL). After arriving at the airport, you can take a taxi or use a ridesharing service like Uber or Ola to reach Gurudwara Shri Rakab Ganj Sahib. The airport is approximately 15-20 kilometers away from the gurudwara.

Please note that New Delhi’s traffic conditions can be congested, so travel times may vary. It’s advisable to check for real-time traffic updates and use a navigation app for the most accurate directions. Gurudwara Shri Rakab Ganj Sahib is a prominent landmark, so asking for directions from locals or passers by should also be helpful once you are in the vicinity.