Reflections of faith.

[Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi]

Built by a Sikh general in 1783, this gurudwara, or Sikh temple, has an expansive compound and a large sarovar (holy pond).

Dedicated to Guru Har Kishan, the eighth Sikh guru, it was so named because it is on the site of the bungalow of the Mughal noble Mirza Raja Jai Singh, where the guru stayed during a visit to Delhi in 1664.

The gold-plated dome reflects beautifully in the rippling pond, which teems with goldfish.

A corridor, skirting the pond’s entire length, has a small white dome on each corner. Up the stairs from the pond is a marbled courtyard with a nishan sahib, a tall flagpole that marks every gurudwara. This traditional symbol of Sikh identity is draped in a saffron cloth and topped by a two-edged dagger, and worshippers flock to pay respects to it.

Inside the prayer hall raagis (musicians) sing with their harmoniums and tablas all day long, as a priest fans the holy book, Guru Granth Sahib. Devotees sit cross-legged, lost in their own thoughts. The hall’s upper floor has glass-paneled cabins where scholars read the holy book.

The gurudwara’s famous langar (kitchen) offers puffy rotis, earthy daal, subzi and piping hot kheer at a sit-down meal at regular intervals.

Where Opposite Gol Dak Khana, near Connaught Place Nearest Metro Station Patel Chowk Open 24 hours

The company of Sikhs

Daily pilgrims

Can you see God?

Pure like him

By the pond

Family women

Color me yellow

In you we trust

Praying

Guru’s people

Siesta

Alone, together

Nishan sahib

Holy halwa

Serving His followers

Langar kitchen

Portrait of a marriage

Turban envy