Gurdwara Bahadurgarh

The Gurudwara Bahadurgarh is one amongst the most visited Sikh shrine of Punjab constructed in the 17th century AD. It is located in Patiala District of Punjab State in India on the main roads of Patiala – Rajpura. This Gurudwara is built in the same place where Guru Tegh Bahadur took a break from his journey to the Malwa kingdom to meet his friend, the Nawab of Saifabad- Saif Khan. As per the request made by Nawab, Guru Tegh Bahadur resides at his place. He used to spend some time in the garden or went to palace when he needed to take rest.

The Gurudwara has miniature paintings of the Guru with a divan hall present behind the sanctum. This holy Sikh Shrine is under the care takings of Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee.

History

The Nawab had met Guru Tegh Bahadur earlier also and became his admirer in spite of being a pious Muslim. The Guru reached Malwa region on 14th June 1675. He used to pray and preach sermons to his disciples. The garden no longer exists in its original splendor, but its remnants can still be seen. The Banyan tree under which Guru Tegh Bahadur spent his time doing meditation can be seen. The Nawab was influenced by Guru’s ideologies and wanted the ladies of his kingdom to gain knowledge from him. Hence he took Guru Tegh Bahadur inside the forts for the ladies to take his Darshan and benefit from his discourses.

This historic gurudwara was constructed by Maharaja Karam Singh of Patiala in the shape of a fortress / haweli with three gateways.

Architecture and Covered Area

The Gurudwara Bahadurgarh of Patiala is a magnificent structure built during the rule of the Malvas. The hall is supported by four square pillars, spacious in the front and has a pool amidst it. The original building is still strong and intact, radiating lotus domes and arches on the four sides with a small room and a door on each of the side. This is a three storied building with three massive gateways which are functional in all aspects. The wooden gate is heavy with a frame under an arch and door sized niches which forms the flank to the gates on both sides with artistic pavilions on the top floor, while the first floor has projected windows all over.

On the outer walls, octagonal steeples are built at equal distances from each other. The interior has many rooms inside the cemented courtyard. The Sanctum on which Guru Granth Sahib occupies the center room is mounted on a square base. This is surrounded by a marble made veranda with the dome on the sanctum designed in the form of a lotus. The interior ceilings and walls bare decorative mirrors and artistic pieces symbolizing the then Malva culture.

Location and Its Surroundings

Gurudwara Tegh Bahadur is located in the northeastern part of Punjab, Patiala district famous for turbans, parandas, jutti (shoes), salwar (trousers for women), and the "Patiala Peg".

The surrounding is serene and quiet thereby creating an aura of happiness. Small markets and commercial streets can be seen around this Gurudwara where vendors sell the sacred scarf, headbands, chains and other accessories.

Celebrations

Important Sikh festivals like Vaisakhi, Khalsa day, Guru Nanak Jayanthi, Bandi Chhor Divas are celebrated with great grandeur. However the martyrdom day of the great Guru Teg Bahadur is observed as a religious day for the Sikh community here. Gurudwara is well illuminated and decorated during festivals and several other religious occasions.

Visitors info

Best time to visit

Gurudwara Bahadurgarh is one of the most visited Shrines in Patiala. November to March is the best time to visit this place considering the pleasant weather conditions.

Traveling To Amritsar

By Air

Chandigarh domestic airport is the nearest airport to reach Patiala which is about 51 kms away from Patiala railway station. The second nearest airport is the Amritsar airport, about 72 kms away from Patiala railway station.

By Train

Amritsar city has a vast railway network, connecting it to most of the major cities in the country like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bangalore.

By Road

Patiala has one of the highest vehicles per capita of the country. It is well connected with major cities like Delhi, Amritsar, Chandigarh and other big cities of North India. NH 64 connects Bhatinda, Sangrur, Patiala, Zirakpur and NH1 are connected with Delhi, Patiala to Amritsar.

Services

The Gurudwara provide langars where free food is provided as Prasad for all devotees and visitors.