GURDWARA PATNA SAHIB

Gurdwara Patna Sahib

Takhat Shri Harimandir Sahib ji Patna Sahib

Patna city has the unique distinction of being honoured by the holy presence of the Mahatama Buddha, Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Guru Tegh BahadurJi . Besides, it is also the birthplace of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. He was born here on December 22, 1666.

History of Gurudwara Patna Sahib :- It was here at Takhat Patna Sahib, that Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru was born in 1666. He also spent his early years here before moving to Anandpur. Besides being the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, Patna was also honored by visits from Guru Nanak as well as Guru Tegh Bahadur. This is one of only five Takhats or Holy Seats of Authority of the Sikhs. The Gurdwara Patna Sahib is in remembrance of the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs. Like many historical Gurdwara's in India and Pakistan, this Gurdwara was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Originally,this is the place where Guru Nanak visited before going to the holy place Gaya.He was a great scholar of history and knew the importance of Pataliputra, which already was almost forgotten by Hindus. He tried to revive the glory of Indian culture.At this place stood the haveli of Salis Rai Jouri, who was a great devotee of Guru Nanak. He was so much influenced by the teachings of the Guru that he converted his palatial home into a dharamsala (place where dharam is learned). When Guru Tegh Bahadur visited Patna, he stayed in this exact site. A magnificent house was built above the dharamsala of Salis Rai. Mullah Ahmed Bukhari, the author of Mirat-ul-Ahwal Jahan Nama, who stayed at Patna for some time at the close of 18th century, has made a reference to Harmandir Sahib. He writes, "Over the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, the Sikhs have raised a public edifice, made it a place of power and strength, and call it 'Harmandir'. It is also called 'Sangat' and is held in great esteem and veneration. They have made it a place of pilgrimage. Maharaja Ranjit Singh started the work of reconstructing the Harmandir in 1839 following destruction by fire, but did not survive to see the new structure. Again in 1934, when an earthquake rocked the entire state of Bihar, some portions of the Harmandir fell down. Construction of the present building was taken up on November 19, 1954 and was completed in about three years.

The following worth seeing historical relics/articles are preserved at Takhat Patna Sahib.
	"Sri Guru Granth Saheb" called Bare Saheb containing signature of Sri Guru Gobind Singhji Maharaj.
	"Chhabi Saheb" oil painted very big picture of Sri Guru Gobind Singhji Maharaj of his young age.
	Panghura Saheb" a small cradle with four stands covered with gold plates on which Sri Guru Gobind Singhji Maharaj used to sit or sleep, when he was a boy.
	A small "Saif" (Sword) of Sri Guru Gobind Singhji Maharaj.
	Four iron "Arrows" of Sri Guru Gobind Singhji Maharaj.
	One earthen round "Goli" of Sri Guru Gobind Singhji Maharaj.
	One small iron "Chakri" of Sri Guru Gobind Singhji Maharaj.
	One small iron "Khanda" of Sri Guru Gobind Singhji Maharaj.
	One small iron "Baghnakh-khanjer" of Sri Guru Gobind Singhji Maharaj.
	One wooden "Comb" of Sri Guru Gobind Singhji Maharaj.
	Two iron "Chaker" of Sri Guru Gobind Singhji Maharaj.
	One pair "Sandal" made of elephant teeth of Sri Guru Gobind Singhji Maharaj of his boyhood.
	One pair "Sandal" made of sandalwood of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadurji Maharaj.
	Three wooden spinning instruments of Sri Kabir Saheb.
	One book containing "Hukumnamas" of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadurji Maharaj and Sri Guru Gobind Singhji Maharaj and their pictures, writings etc.

Other attractions in Patna Sahib
Golghar :- The Golghar is a huge beehive shaped structure built by captain John Garstin in 1786 to primarily serve the purpose of a granary, following the famine of 1770. A series of steps wounding the 29 mts high structure leads to the top, from where a breathtaking view of the nearby Ganga river and the entire Patna city can be had.
Martyrs Memorial :- Situated at the compound of the old secretariat, the memorial houses seven life like statues of brave men who sacrificed their lives in 1942 in India's struggle for independence.
Sher Shah Suri Mosque :- Built in 1545 by the famous Mughal ruler Sher Shah Suri, the beautiful mosque is built in a typical Afghan architectural style and constitutes one of the major landmarks in Patna.
State Museum:- Situated on the Buddha Marg, the museum contains a rare collection of coins, miniature paintings, terracotta, bronze and stone sculptures dating back centuries to the Gupta and Maurya periods. Amongst the most famous artifacts contained here are the Mauryan Didarganji Yakshi dating back to 3rd century BC, Ashes of Buddha, a cannon from the First World War, a 15 mts long fossilised tree and other finds from Bodhgaya and Nalanda. The Tibetan and Chinese sections are also worth appreciating.
How to reach
	By Air:- There are 2 means to travel from Patna Airport to “Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib Ji”. Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib Ji is 18.6 Kilometer, If travelling through Bypass Road. And 17.4 kilometers travelling throught NH 30 and Ashok Rajpath. And 15.4 Kilometers travelling through Rajendra Nagar Railway Station and SH1.
	By Rail:- There are 3 means to travel from Patna Train Station to “Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib Ji”. Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib Ji is 12.0 Kilometer, If travelling through Ashok Rajpath. And 11.3 kilometers travelling throught NH 30 and Ashok Rajpath. And 10.6 Kilometers travelling through Rajendra Nagar Railway Station and SH1.
	By Road:- Good roads connect Patna with other cities across Bihar. State transport corporation operates regular buses between Patna and other major cities in Bihar.