Takht Sri Patna Sahib

Takht Sri Patna Sahib is a Sikh Gurudwara situated at Patna, in Bihar State of India. This Gurudwara was established to mark it as the birthplace of the 10th Sikh Guru, Holy Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who was born here on 22 December 1666. The first Emperor of the Sikh kingdom, Maharaja Ranjit Singh built this historical Gurudwara, as he has done in many places in India and Pakistan.Gurudwara Takht Sri Patna Sahib is located on the banks of Ganges River.

History

It was here at the place where Takht Patna Sahib now exists, that Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru was born in 1666. The Sikh Guru had also spent his early years here before moving to Anandpur. Patna has also got the honor of the visits by the first Sikh Guru Holy Guru Nanak as well as the 9th Sikh Guru, Holy Guru Tegh Bahadur. Takht Sri Patna Sahib is one of only five Takhats or Holy Seats of Authority of the Sikhs.

First Sikh Guru Holy Guru Nanakji visited Patna before he went to Holy Gaya. Guru Nanakji had known the importance of this place as Pataliputra as he was well read and was a keen observer of History. He wanted to revive the glory of Indian heritage and culture. One of his ardent followers and devotees, the haveli of Salis Rajouri, was waiting here to see him. In fact this gentleman was a philanthropist who had converted his own palatial home into a Dharamshala.

When the 9th Sikh Guru, Holy Guru Tegh Bahadur came to Patna, he stayed in the very place where Takht Sahib of Patna now exists. While the original Gurudwara was constructed over the Dharamshala building Maharaja Ranjit Singh started the work of renovating the Harmandir in 1839 since the earlier building was destroyed by fire. Maharaja passed away before the renovation work was completed. An earthquake caused damages in the state of Bihar in 1934 and some parts of the Harmandir were affected by this. The present Construction was taken up on November 19, 1954, which was completed by 1957.

The Khalsa

Guru Gobind Singh the tenth and last living Holy Guru of Sikhism, who pronounced that the 11th and ever living Guru will be Sri Guru Granth Sahib, was the one who founded The Khalsa also.

The Khalsa is a collective body of all initiated Sikhs represented first by five beloved-ones with whom the Holy Guru initiated this cult, on March 30, 1699. Guru Gobind Singhji, the tenth Sikh Guru identified five of the highly dedicated Sikhs whom he had called in a congregation at Anandpur, along with many others, but these five were the ones who volunteered to give their heads with full trust on their Guru. They were instantly designated Panj Pyare, and gave them the nomenclature of 'Singh' meaning 'Lion'. Then on Sikhs of the Khalsa orientation were identified with five 'K's and given name suffixes of Singh for Males and Kaur for females. The Guru also pronounced that theirs will be a casteless society, with only one God, without falling prey to any of the superstitions imposed by any religion. The five Ks represent Kesh, Kangha, Kara, Kirpan and Kacchera, which imply uncut hair to keep up the natural form endowed by God, wooden comb to remind cleanliness, steel bracelet prompting to do good things, a sword to defend and an undergarment to remind chastity.

How to Reach

Patna can be reached by road, rail and by air as this destination is well connected through all the three modes of transport.

By Road

Patna is approachable by National Highway No.31 which crosses Dinapur, Patna and Patna City. UPSRTC operated buses are available in plenty, while roads are well maintained for a car drive.

By Rail

Patna Station is in the main line of the Eastern Railway three railway lines running through the district from north to south viz., the Patna Gaya Branch line, the Fatwah-Islampur Light Railway line and the Bakhtiarpur-Rajgir Branch line.

By Air

Patna Airport is connected to Kolkata and Delhi frequently and a few other destinations in India and abroad most of the days.

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