We arrived in Delhi around 9 a.m. Again the station impacts us, it is enormous, thousands of people from one side to the other, the smell and the heat, a lot of heat.
Main Bazar
Main Bazar
We take a taxi to the backpackers' street in Delhi. On the way we see India Gate and the avenue..... We stay in the Durtan Palace Hotel, located in a corner of Main Bazaar, here we take room with air conditioning, fortunately the light does not go away at night.
Jama Masjid Mosque
We take a rickshaw and we go to the Jama Masjid Mosque, the biggest in the country. In order to enter you have to literally disguise yourself, they force you to put on a robe and a headscarf. We were already wearing the handkerchief and they tried to charge us for the robe but they didn't succeed. The patio is immense, on the sides there are arcades where people are resting, others are washing themselves. It is built of marble and red sandstone, and has two enormous minarets.
Jama Masjid Mosque
Jama Masjid Mosque
Jama Masjid Mosque
We take another rickshaw to go to Sunder Nagar to visit the marble shrine of Saint Nizam-ud-din-Auliya (Hazrat Nizamuddin Darga), they are of Sufi belief. To get to the temple you have to go through a network of streets. There are hundreds of people lying on the ground begging, blind people, cripples, children... one of the courtyards is full of water and people bathing. Petals and offerings are also sold.
Streets near the Sanctuary
We arrive at the main square, there are hundreds of people sitting on the ground playing instruments and singing what is known as qawwali. It is a magical and very spiritual place. Access to the dargah with the ascetic's tomb is only allowed to men.
Access to the Sanctuary
Hazrat Nizamuddin Darga
Hazrat Nizamuddin Darga
Hazrat Nizamuddin Darga
Temple
Surroundings Hazrat Nizamuddin Darga
There are other temples around the square and tombs like that of Jahanara, daughter of Shah Jahan. A really authentic place. Indispensable.
We take a rickshaw and visit a temple of the Sikh community. The Gurdwara Bangla Sahib. Again we leave our shoes in a locker. The building is huge with thousands of people, inside it's spectacular.
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib
Sikh men
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib
Sikh community
Highlights the prayer room (you have to look for the Holy Book and leave an alms) guarded by guards with their turban, indigo clothes and dagger characteristic, also the kitchen and dining room to which everyone is invited. In the building the golden dome on the white marble stands out. Outside, there is a huge pond in which only men can bathe. Totally recommendable.
Interior Gurdwara Bangla Sahib
The Sikh community is known for following the teachings of Nanak (their guru), they wear a turban (they never cut their hair), they always carry a steel bracelet, a small dagger and a wooden comb. A must.
Sikh man
At sunset we visit the Tomb of Humayun surrounded by some wonderful gardens, known as the small Tah Majal, as it seems to be the inspiration for the latter.
Tomb of Humayun
Surroundings Tomb of Humayun
Surroundings Tomb of Humayun
We return to have dinner at Main Bazaar, we finish the day at the terrace of our hotel with a hot beer, it is 48 degrees and it is 10 o'clock at night.
Accommodation: Hostel Darpan Palace 900 rupees double room with air conditioned bathroom.
Entrance Mosque: Rs.300 / photo camera.
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