How Delhi’s Famous Majnu Ka Tilla Got Its Name – News18

As soon as you get out of the Vidhan Sabha Metro Station in Delhi you often hear the e-rickshaws and auto-rickshaws drivers calling out the name Majnu ka Tilla. If you have recently started staying in the capital city or planning to visit the place, this name can sound strange to you. But those who have visited the place or stay nearby know about the uniqueness of the place.

Majnu ka Tilla is the house of a large number of Tibetian refugees. The place is also known as Little Tibet Delhi among the locals. It is famous for a wide range of Tibetan restaurants serving some authentic Tibetan dishes. We all know about the food of the place but do you know where this unique name came from and what is the history behind the name of the place?

Located in the district of North Delhi, the official name of the place is New Aruna Nagar Colony. Though the place is mainly covered with narrow and shady lanes, it attracts a huge crowd. If you are visiting, you can see various Tibetan settlements like Tibetan worship places, Authentic Tibetian restaurants, Tibetan clothing shops etc.

It is believed that during the rule of Sikandar Khan Lodi in the 15th Century, a Sufi Saint from Iran named Majnu stayed at this place. He lived on a mound that was located in this area. As the area was near the Yamuna River, the saint used to ferry people across the river for free in the name of God. Since then, the locals of the people started calling this place Majnu Ka Tilla.

During the 15th century, it is believed that Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, visited this place and was pleased with the service of Majnu. So, he decided to stay at this place for some days. In the year 1783, the Sikh military General Baghel Singh built the Majnu ka Tilla Gurudwara to pay respect to Guru Nanak.