Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib Chandni Chowk
The ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur was beheaded here on 24 November 1675 on the orders of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. However, before their body could be quartered and exposed to public view, it was stolen under the cover of darkness by one of his disciples, Lakhi Shah Vanjara who, then burnt his house to cremate Guru’s body; today, at this site stands Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib.
The trunk of the tree beneath which the head of the Guru was severed and the well used by him for taking bath during his prison term have been preserved in the shrine. Also, adjoining the gurudwara, stands the Kotwali (police station), where Guru was imprisoned and his disciples were tortured. Located close to it is the Sunehri Masjid (Chandni Chowk).
On 11 March 1783, Sikh military leader Baghel Singh (1730–1802) marched into Delhi along with his army. He occupied the Diwan-i-Am, the Mughal emperor Shah Alam II made a settlement with them agreeing to allow Baghel Singh to raise gurudwaras on Sikh historical sites in the city and receive six annas in a rupee (37.5%) of all the octroi duties in the capital. Sis Ganj was one of the shrines built by him, within the time span of eight months, from April to November 1783. However, due to volatile political climate in the coming century, the site alternated between being a mosque and a gurudwara. It became a site of dispute between two communities, and litigation followed. Eventually, after prolonged ligation the Privy Council during British Raj ruled in the favour of the Sikh litigants and the present structure was added in 1930; gold gild of the domes was added in the coming years. The Mughal-era Kotwali was handed over to the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee around 1971
The severed head (“Sis” in Hindi or Punjabi) of Guru Tegh Bahadur was brought to Anandpur Sahib by Bhai Jaita, another disciple of the Guru. Another gurudwara by the same name, Gurudwara Sisganj Sahib at Anandpur Sahib in Punjab, marks this site, where, in November 1675, the head of the martyred Guru Teg Bahadur, brought by Bhai Jaita (renamed Bhai Jivan Singh according to Sikh rites), in defiance of the Mughal authorities, was cremated.
To reach Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Chandni Chowk, Delhi, you can use different modes of transportation depending on your convenience. Here are some common modes of transportation you can consider:
By Metro: Delhi Metro is one of the most convenient and efficient ways to reach Chandni Chowk. You can take the Yellow Line of the Delhi Metro and get off at the Chandni Chowk Metro Station. From there, the Gurudwara is within walking distance. Follow the signs or ask locals for directions to Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib.
By Car/Taxi: If you prefer a private vehicle, you can drive to Chandni Chowk. However, parking can be challenging in the crowded area. You can use navigation apps or follow the directions to reach Chandni Chowk. Once you are in the vicinity, ask locals for guidance on parking facilities and directions to the Gurudwara.
By Bus: Delhi has an extensive bus network connecting various parts of the city. You can check for buses that pass through or terminate at Chandni Chowk. Get off at the Chandni Chowk bus stop and then walk to the Gurudwara, which is nearby.
By Cycle-Rickshaw or Auto-Rickshaw: Chandni Chowk is known for its narrow lanes and bustling markets, making cycle-rickshaws and auto-rickshaws popular modes of transportation. You can hire a cycle-rickshaw or auto-rickshaw from nearby areas to reach Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib. Confirm the fare before starting the ride.
It’s always a good idea to check the local traffic conditions, plan your visit during less crowded hours if possible, and be prepared for the vibrant atmosphere of Chandni Chowk. Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib is a prominent historical Sikh shrine, and you can easily spot it in the bustling Chandni Chowk area with the help of locals
