Central Sikh Library, Bangla Sahib, New Delhi

Origin

Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is one of the most prominent gurdwara of Sikhism in Delhi. It is associated with 8^th Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan. Actually it was a bungalow belonging to Raja Jai Singh of Rajasthan. Guru Har Krishan resided here during his stay in Delhi in 1664. During that period Delhi was hit by smallpox and cholera epidemics. Guruji served the suffering patients and offered fresh water from the well that can be still found at the Gurdwara. It is believed that the water from the well has medicinal powers. During his selfless service Guruji himself contracted the infection and eventually died on March 30, 1664. A small tank was later constructed by Raja Jai Singh over the well to commemorate the memory of the selfless service by the Guru. A shrine was constructed at the place by Sikh General Sardar Bhagel singh in 1783.

The Library was established in 1987-88 at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, New Delhi. The library is being maintained and run by Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC).

Building

The library is housed in a cosy and comfortable room on the ground floor. A huge central reading table has been provided for the readers and books are stacked on the sides along the walls. Cirtulation desk is on the front at the entrance.

Location

The Gurdwara is situated near Connaught Place, New Delhi on Baba Kharak Singh Marg.

The library is located on the ground floor of the Gurdwara, near the main Management Committee Administrative Office.

Staff

The library is maintained by a staff of four people working in two shifts, i.e. 7am to 12noon and 12noon to 7pm.

Collection

The library has collection of more than 4200 books on and about Sikhism. The collection is arranged according to DDC and a manual catalogue card is also available. Also the library subscribes to many newspapers in Punjabi, English, Hindi and Urdu.

Membership

The library offers regular membership free of charge at a refundable security of Rs. 500/-. There are already 465+ registered members who are availing services of the library

Apart from the registered members the library also offers reference services to unregistered visiting scholars who visit the library for refering to the valuable resources on Sikhism. Such visiters are welcome to consult the resources within the premises of the library.

Information Technology

The library is offering its services manually, however automation is in planning phase.

Working Hours

The library opens for 12 hours a day i.e. 7am to 7pm all seven days a week. The staff works in two shifts from 7am to 12noon and 12noon to 7pm.

Contact

Central Sikh Library,
Bangla Sahib Gurdwara Complex,
New Delhi - 110001.
INDIA.
Phone: +91 11 2371 2580/81/82, 2373 7328/29