India GOGurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib, Chandni Chowk
Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Chandni Chowk marks the place where the ninth Sikh Guru, Tegh Bahadur, was beheaded in 1675 on Aurangzeb's orders. Entry is free and it is open from early morning to late evening. Cover your head and leave your shoes at the counter; the nearest metro is Chandni Chowk.
In the middle of Chandni Chowk's traffic stands one of Sikhism's most sacred places: the spot where the ninth Guru, Tegh Bahadur, was executed in 1675 on Aurangzeb's orders after standing up for the right of others to practise their faith. General Baghel Singh raised the first gurudwara here in 1783; the present building dates from 1930 and still shelters the trunk of the banyan under which it happened and the well the Guru used while imprisoned. Free, open from early morning to late evening; cover your head and leave shoes at the counter.
The place a Guru died defending someone else's right to worship, inside the Chandni Chowk crush
What happened here
On 11 November 1675, according to the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), Guru Tegh Bahadur was beheaded here on Aurangzeb's orders. He had stood up for the right of others to practise their faith, which is why the Guru is remembered as a martyr for other people's freedom of religion, not only his own. A disciple, Bhai Jaita, carried the Guru's head to Anandpur Sahib; his body was taken away and cremated by Lakhi Shah Vanjara at the place where Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib now stands.
The Sikh general Baghel Singh raised the first gurdwara here in 1783. The present building dates from 1930. Inside are preserved the trunk of the tree under which the Guru was beheaded and the well he used for bathing while imprisoned.
✅ Rules and etiquette
- Head covered for everyone, men and women. A scarf or bandana works.
- Shoes off and left at the shoe counter before you enter.
- Modest dress: covered shoulders and legs.
- Entry is free. There is no ticket.
- In the prayer hall, sit on the floor like everyone else and keep your voice low while the kirtan goes on.
Langar and staying at the sarai
The gurdwara is open from early morning to late evening, and kirtan (devotional singing) is heard in the hall. By Sikh tradition a gurdwara serves langar, a free community meal open to everyone.
Yes, you can stay: the DSGMC runs the Bhai Matidas Yatri Niwas at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib, Chandni Chowk. The DSGMC lists the phone numbers 011 2328-5117 and 2328-5118 for it.
👣 How to get there
- Metro: Chandni Chowk station on the Yellow Line. Delhi Tourism lists Sis Ganj among the sights from this station.
- From the Red Fort: the gurdwara is on Chandni Chowk, the street that runs west from the fort.
- Combine: the walk fits with the Red Fort and the old lanes of Chandni Chowk, including the Khari Baoli spice market further west.
❓ FAQ
Why is Sis Ganj Gurudwara famous?
It stands where the ninth Sikh Guru, Tegh Bahadur, was beheaded in 1675 on Aurangzeb's orders for defending others' right to their faith.
What happened in Sis Ganj Gurudwara?
Guru Tegh Bahadur was executed here on 11 November 1675; the tree trunk and the well from his imprisonment are preserved inside.
Can we stay at Sis Ganj Sahib?
Yes. The DSGMC runs the Bhai Matidas Yatri Niwas at the gurdwara; the DSGMC lists 011 2328-5117 for it.
What are Sis Ganj Sahib's timings?
It is open from early morning to late evening, and entry is free.
Which metro station is closest to Sis Ganj Gurudwara?
Chandni Chowk on the Yellow Line.