Table of Contents
Introduction
Sikhism has five takhats or Seats of Temporal Authority and Takhat Sri Patna Sahib, Patna (Takhat Sri Harimandir Sahib, Patna) is one of those five. The name of Five takhats is as below:
- Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, Golden Temple, Amritsar.
- Takhat Sri Harmandir Sahib, Patna, Bihar.
- Takhat Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Anandpur Sahib.
- Takhat Sri Damdama Sahib Bathinda (Talwandi Sabo).
- Takhat Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded, Maharashtra.
You can read about other takhats by clicking on the name of Takhat above mentioned.
It was here at Takht Sri Patna Sahib, Bihar where Sri Guru Gobind Singh, 10th Sikh Guru was born in the year 1666. Guru Gobind Singh spent his early days of life here before moving to Sri Anandpur Sahib.
I made a visit to this holy place once in my lifetime and the experience is amazing. Through this article, I will share the whole journey with you which might be useful for you to understand this Sikh shrine in depth.
To make things easily navigable and understandable, I have designed this article in FAQ format.
Where Takhat Sri Patna Sahib is located?
Takhat Sri Sachkhand Harimandir Sahib is situated in Patna city, the capital of Bihar state in the Northern-Eastern part of India.
What is the history behind Takhat Sri Patna Sahib?
The place where the modern building of Gurudwara is located was the residence (Haveli) of Salas Rai Jouri. Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru reached Patna during his first Udasi (Holy Trip). At that time, Salas Rai requested Guru to visit his haveli. Guru Nanak Dev Ji established this place as the biggest headquarter for Sikh religion learning.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji spent 4 months here and started the custom of Langer sitting in a row from here.
After that, the sixth Sikh guru, (Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji) regarded this place as “SANGAT OF EAST- GURU KA KHALSA”.
Then, the ninth Sikh guru (Guru Teg Bahadur Ji) regarded this place as “PATNA – GURU KA GHAR”.
Guru Gobind Singh was born here in the year 1666 and Guruji himself named this place “Sri Harimandir Sahib”. Guru Gobind Singh spent 6 and a half years of his early life here.
The renovation of this gurudwara was done by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Sikh Emperor in the year 1837-39.
Construction of the present building of Takhat Sri Patna Sahib was completed during the year 1954-57.
What are the historical artefacts which are lying inside Takhat Sahib?
Takht Sri Patna Sahib has the following historical artefacts :
- Guru Granth Sahib in which Guru Gobind singh has written Mool Mantra with his hands.
- Childhood bed (Cradle/Pangura) of Guru Gobind Singh.
- Sword of Guru Gobind Singh
- Small Iron Khanda
- The comb of Guru Gobind Singh
- The “Hukamnamas” of Guru Gobind Singh and Guru Tegh Bahadur.
- Four iron arrows of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
Which is the best time to visit Takhat Sri Patna Sahib?
You can visit Takhat Sri Patna Sahib at any time of the year. However, the weather is pleasant during the winter season (October to April). Moreover, the Gurupurb of Guru Gobind Singh Ji is celebrated with great enthusiasm every year.
How to reach Takhat Sri Patna Sahib?
Takhat Sri Patna Sahib is situated in Patna city. It is well connected with three modes of transportation and you can reach here by following means:
By Air: The nearest airport is Jayprakash Narayan International Airport, Patna which is at a distance of 18 Km from Takhat Sri Patna Sahib. You can easily reach here by booking Cab/Taxi or local bus from Airport which would take approximately 45 minutes.
You can book your tickets through Makemytrip.com or IXIGO app which I personally use.
By Road: It is well connected with roads and you can reach here by Bus/taxi/cab or your own private vehicle from any nearby major city like Amritsar, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Agra and Delhi. It is at a distance of approx. 1040 Km from Delhi, the National capital of India and the journey will take around 18 hours via Agra-Lucknow Express and Purvanchal Express highway.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Rajindra Nagar Terminal but PATNA JUNCTION is a better option because of easy availability of conveyance & longer stay of trains. Takhat Sahib is approximately 11 KM from Patna junction station and it is only 15 minutes journey. You can book a train to Patna from the major cities of India. It is the most economical way to reach here. For more information and booking the train, you can visit the official website of IRCTC or download the app IXIGO.
What to wear in Gurudwaras?
There is no special dress code for visiting gurudwaras. But it is a religious place and devotees have feelings attached to these holy shrines.
So you are advised to wear simple, sober clothes which cover your maximum body (Avoid short skirts in case of females). Moreover, you have to cover your head with any piece of cloth or handkerchief. Without head covering, you will not be allowed inside the main gurudwara premises. If by chance, you do not have any piece of cloth with you, then you can take that from the main shrine entrance point.
One another thing, you have to put off your shoes and socks in the Jora Ghar (Shoe rack room) before entering the temple.
Contact information for Takhat Sri Patna Sahib.
Location: Takhat Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib, Patna
Pin Code: 800008
Official Website: https://www.takhatpatnasahib.com
Official E-Mail ID:
info@takhatpatnasahib.com
Phone Number: 0612-2641821, +91-9698621313, +91-9709631506
Where to Stay at Takhat Sri Patna Sahib?
There are a number of Sarai (Places to stay) near Takhat Sri Patna Sahib where you can live at a reasonable price. These places are under the control of the Gurudwara Management committee and offer facilities like a 5-star hotel.
You can also book rooms here through the official website of Takhat Sri Patna Sahib, Bihar 15 days prior to your visit. But they will also provide you room even if you have not done booking earlier.
There are approximately 5 Sarais around the Takhat Sri Patna Sahib. I stayed at Bala Pritam Yatri Niwas which is in the premises of the Gurudwara Bala Pritam Sahib.
The other Sarais are:
- Guru Teg Bahadur Yatri Niwas
- Salas Rai Johri Niwas
- Mata Gujri Niwas
- Miri Piri Niwas
They will charge from INR 500 to 1000 per night.
Hotels near Takhat Sri Patna Sahib Gurudwara.
I would recommend you to stay in the Gurudwaras buildings but if for any reason you would like to stay in hotels then you can book great hotels near takhat sahib by using booking.com.
Which historical gurudwaras you must visit around Takhat Sri Patna Sahib?
There are main 6 historical gurudwaras around takhat Sri Patna Sahib which you must visit. These gurudwaras are in the distance of 30 KM from the main takhat sahib. The list is as below:
- Gurudwara Bal Lila Maini Sangat Sahib.
- Gurudwara Kangan Ghat Sahib.
- Gurudwara Sonar Toli Sahib.
- Gurudwara Guru ka bagh.
- Gurudwara Gao Ghat Sahib.
- Gurudwara Handi Sahib.
GURUDWARA BAL LILA MAINI SANGAT SAHIB
This is the second-largest gurudwara after Takhat Sri Patna Sahib. It is located just at a 200 m distance from takhat sahib.
This gurudwara marks the house where Raja Fateh Chand Maini lived.
HISTORICAL ASPECT:
The Raja’s childless Rani (Queen) had developed special fondness for the young Gobind Rai (Guru Tegh Bahadur’s son, the future Guru Gobind Singh), who often came here to play and sit in the Rani’s lap giving her immense delight and spiritual solace. The Rani prayed to God to have a son like Guru Ji. One day she was praying to God when Guru Ji came and sat in her lap.
Guru Ji addressed her as mother. She was amazed and overjoyed to hear this as nobody had called her with that name before. The Rani fed the the child Gobind Rai and his playmates, at their demand, with boiled and salted gram. Even now boiled and salted gram is served as prasad (consecrated food) in this Gurdwara, which, unlike the other Gurdwaras in Patna Sahib, is served by Nirmala Sikhs. A pair of Kheen Khaab which Guru Ji wore in his childhood are preserved here.
A ‘Ber’ tree, which grew as an off-shoot of Guru Ji wooden teeth cleaning stick, still exists. This ‘Ber’ tree is well maintained and guarded. A wood carving above the old front door is dated Assu sudi 1, 1725 Bikrami corresponding to 28th August 1668, but the hall housing the sanctum and other blocks of rooms in the inner compound have been reconstructed during recent decades.
The Source of historical information is : discoversikhism.com
GURUDWARA KANGAN GHAT SAHIB
This gurudwara is located on the bank of river GANGA and is at a distance of 700 m from the main Takhat Sahib.
HISTORICAL ASPECT:
Once young Gobind Rai ji was given a gift of some very expensive Gold Kangan (bangles). Gobind Rai did not value maya (material possessions) and threw one of his Kangan into the river. When Mata Gujri asked him where he had thrown his Kangan, the young Gobind Rai removed his remaining Kangan and threw it after the first.
Mata Gujri loved her son very much and was never cross with him. She asked him why he threw his Kangan away, Guru Ji explained that they were worthless to him as was all Maya.
By throwing his Kangan away Gobind Rai taught people to reject maya.
The Source of historical information is: discoversikhism.com
GURUDWARA SONAR TOLI SAHIB
Gurudwara Sonar Toli Sahib is situated at a distance of 2 KM from the main Takhat Sahib.
HISTORICAL ASPECT:
When Guru Nanak Dev Ji arrived in Patna he stayed at Bhai Jaita Mal’s house. One afternoon Guru Nanak and Bhai Mardana were resting on the banks of the Ganges at Patna.
Mardana was idly inspecting a stone he had picked up along the road, thinking of the vast throngs who had come to hear the Guru.
“Master,” said Mardana, “you teach a way for every person to find liberation. But many of those who listen still seem to spend much of their time in conflict, and in seeking out excitement and other idle pursuits. Why do they waste away their lives so?”
“Most people don’t recognize its value,” replied the Guru, “although human life is the dearest treasure on this earth.”
“Surly everyone can see the value of life,” said Mardana.
“No,” said Nanak. “Each individual places a value on things according to their judgement. A different individual with different knowledge will place a different value. That stone you found in the dirt will make a good example. Take it to the marketplace and see what you can get for it.”
Bhai Mardana Ji went to the Sunaar Toli market. No one rated it right. A Sunaar Murli Dhar took Bhai Mardana Ji to Salas Rai Johri. Salas Rai was amazed to see the stone, he bowed and presented 100 rupees as darshan bheta (just to see the priceless stone). Bhai Mardana Ji gave the money to Guru Nanak. Guru Nanak asked Mardana to return the money, which Salas Rai declined to accept back again.
Eventually Salis Rai Johri took Guru Nanak and Bhai Mardana back to his haveli. Salis Rai was so influenced by the teachings of Guru Nanak that he became his disciple.
The Source of historical information is: discoversikhism.com
GURUDWARA GURU KA BAGH
Gurudwara Guru Ka Bagh is located at a distance of 4 KM from the main Takhat Sahib.
HISTORICAL ASPECT:
It is the place where Guru Tegh Bahadur first stopped in a Bagh (garden) belonging to Nawabs Rahim Bakhsh and Karim Bakhsh, nobles of Patna. This was where the Sangat of Patna along with the young Guru Gobind Singh came out to receive him back from his four-year-long odyssey. After the Guru’s visit, the dry Bagh became lush and green with plant life
An old well, still in use, and a dried stump of the Imli tree (Tamarind tree), under which the sangat met Guru Tegh Bahadur, still exists.
GURUDWARA GAO GHAT SAHIB
Gurudwara Gao Ghat Sahib is located at a distance of 4 KM from the main Takhat Sahib.
HISTORICAL ASPECT:
This Bhagat Jaitamal’s old house was sanctified by Guru Nanak dev ji during his visit to East India and later Guru Teg Bahadur ji along with his family.
Guru Teg Bahadur ji stayed here for about four months and made this plae very popular among the followers of GuruNanak’s faith.
Following artefacts are preserved here:
- Tham Sahib : A place where Guru Teg Bahadur was used to sit.
- Tree: where Guru Teg Bahadur tied his horse.
- Grind Stone (Chakki) of Guru’s family.
- Window from which Guru teg Bahadur entered into the house along with his horse.
GURUDWARA HANDI SAHIB
Gurudwara Handi Sahib is located in Danapur village at a distance of 27 KM from the main Takhat Sahib.
HISTORICAL ASPECT:
When Guru Gobind ji departed the home at Patna and were going o Punjab then the first rest point was made at Danapur in the little house of an old Sikh lady. This devoted old lady prepared Khichri (rice and lentils) for Gobind Rai in a little earthen pot (Handi).
The remaining Khichri was served to a large number of Sikhs and did not finish until everyone was satisfied.
The house of the lady became Gurdwara Sri Handi Sahib after the pot named ‘Handi’.
How to plan your visit to historical gurudwaras around Takhat Sri Patna Sahib?
As you have now become aware that there are a number of gurudwaras which you can visit. To visit these shrines, you can easily book a cab/taxi/bus from the gates of Gurudwara Bal Lila Maini Sahib. They will charge a reasonable price from you for this. If you travel by other visitors in a bus or tempo travel then the freight will be around 300 to 500 INR per person per day. Taxi rent will be on the higher side.
How was my experience?
My journey to Takhat Sri Patna Sahib was amazing. I travelled to this place via air from New Delhi International Airport. I spent 3 days here exploring all the gurudwaras nearby Takhat Sri Patna Sahib. I hired a taxi to visit these Gurudwaras.
Langar (free public kitchen) is served to all visitors for 24/7. Gurbani (Kirtan & Katha) is continuous inside the Takhat Sahib. Timings are from 2:00 am to 9:00 pm. You will feel positive and meditative vibes here which relax mind.
It was my first visit and definatively I would like to visit again in future.
I hope this information would be useful. If you have any queries regarding Takhat Sri Patna Sahib visit then feel free to post a comment in the comment box. I will be glad to answer your query.
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