Patna Sahib

As the birth place of the tenth Guru Sri Guru Gobind Singh, Takht Patna Sahib Gurudwara, also known as Takht Sri Harmandir Ji, is one of the most important Sikh shrines in the world. It is located in Harmandir Gali in Patna city, Bihar. Patna sahib Gurudwara is regarded as the epicenter of the spread of Sikhism to eastern India. Patna Sahib is the second accepted and acknowledged Takht of the Sikhs, which is the 'seat of power' or 'throne of authority'. The shrine manages a museum, which exhibits the relics related to the tenth and last Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, which significantly adds to its importance. This Gurudwara had enjoyed the presence of the First Guru, Guru Nanak Ji and the ninth guru, Tegh Bahadur Ji, and hence, it has an unmatched reverence among other Gurudwaras. It receives a large number of pilgrims from all over the world every year. Read on to know more about this shrine.

History
Maharaja Ranjit Singh built many famous Gurudwaras, which are now spread over India and Pakistan. Gurudwara Patna Sahib was built in1666 but it was damaged in 1839 due to a fire. Raja Ranjit ordered the reconstruction of the temple but sadly, he did not survive to see its completion. Bad luck struck the Gurudwara again, in the form of a mass earthquake, in 1934. In 1954, the existing structure was raised. It is believed that Patna Sahib is the birth place of the tenth Sikh guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. As a place visited by the first Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Nanak Ji, and also the ninth Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, this shrine is of extreme importance to the Sikhs all over the world. It is believed that this place is the symbol of valiance and fearlessness.

Guru Nanak, the first Guru visited this place on his way to the holy land Gaya, the place where Buddha was enlightened. Guru Nanak was a great scholar of history and hence, was aware of the importance of Pataliputra. Guru was then trying to resurrect the glory of Indian culture and met Salis Rai Jouri, a great devotee of him. Influenced by Guru Nanak's teachings, Salis Rai Jouri converted his huge house into a Dharamsala (school of Dharma). It is said that Guru Tegh Bahadur stayed here during his visit to Patna.

Major Attractions
Gurudwara Patna Sahib is famous for its architectural design. The gurudwara accommodates a museum where some relics of the tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh are preserved. The most important one among them is a gilded cradle used by the tenth Guru. Other relics include his iron arrows, sacred sword and sandals, swing and Sikh paintings, small iron kanda, earthen goli, and a wooden comb. A book containing the Hukamnamas of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is also preserved with great reverence.

Important Places Near Patna Sahib
Gandhi Sarovar or Mangal Talab is a big pond protected with fences on all sides. The four corners of the pond are made into a Ghat with stairs.
Guru ke Baag is a beautiful garden situated near the gurudwara. It is believed that Guru Tegh Bahadur stayed here for some days. The owner of this garden gifted this beautiful place to him and hence, the name Guru ke Baag, which means Guru's garden. Bazaar Samiti is a shopping hub for the pilgrims and tourists who visit Patna Sahib.
The best time to visit Patna Sahib is from October to March.

How to Reach Patna Sahib
The Patna Sahib gurudwara is situated near Patna, the capital of Bihar. It is easily accessible by road, rail and air.
By Air:
The nearest airport is Jaiprakash Narayan International Airport, Patna (restricted international airport), and it is connected with the rest of the country by frequent flight services. All major aviation companies in India provide their service here.

By Rail:
The shrine has a railway station named Patna Sahib railway station, located near to the place. This provides great convenience to the visitors and connects the shrine to other parts of the country.

By Road:
NH-31 connects Patna with the rest of the country. One can reach the shrine by bus, taxi or by private vehicles.

Gurudwara Patna Sahib is one of the most important Takht. As a place that enjoyed the presence of three Sikh Gurus, Gurudwara Patna Sahib is worth visiting. This shrine is one of the most important centers for the Sikhs in eastern India. The various relics preserved here also make it very important.