Patna, the capital city of Bihar, is not only a hub of culture, heritage, and diversity, but also a sacred destination for Sikhism. Patna is home to several gurudwaras, which are places of worship and service for Sikhs. Among them, the most prominent and prestigious one is the Patna Sahib Gurudwara, also known as Takhat Sri Harimandir Ji. This gurudwara is one of the five takhts (seats of authority) of Sikhism, and the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last Sikh guru. Patna Sahib Gurudwara is a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience the spiritual and historical richness of Sikhism.
In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about Patna Sahib Gurudwara, including its history, significance, features, and how to reach and enjoy this sacred place. We will also introduce you to some other gurudwaras and tourist attractions in Patna that you can explore during your trip. Whether you are a devout Sikh, a curious traveller, or a history buff, you will find something to inspire and enlighten you at Patna Sahib Gurudwara.
History and Significance of Patna Sahib Gurudwara
Patna Sahib Gurudwara has a long and illustrious history that dates back to the 17th century. It was here that Guru Gobind Singh was born on December 22, 1666, to the ninth Sikh guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, and his wife, Mata Gujri. Guru Gobind Singh spent his early childhood in Patna, where he received his education and training in various fields, such as religion, philosophy, martial arts, and languages.
He also witnessed the martyrdom of his father, who was executed by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb for refusing to convert to Islam. Guru Gobind Singh later became the leader of the Sikh community and established the Khalsa, a collective body of initiated Sikhs. He also declared the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhism, as the eternal guru of the Sikhs.
Patna Sahib Gurudwara was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the founder of the Sikh empire, in the early 19th century, to commemorate the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh. The gurudwara is a magnificent structure that combines the Mughal and Rajput styles of architecture. It has a white marble facade, a golden dome, and a spacious courtyard.
The gurudwara houses several relics of Guru Gobind Singh, such as his cradle, weapons, clothes, and handwritten manuscripts. The gurudwara also contains a copy of the Guru Granth Sahib, which is placed on a throne and revered as the living guru. The gurudwara also has a langar (community kitchen), where free meals are served to all visitors, regardless of their religion, caste, or status. The gurudwara also has a museum, where you can see the paintings, photographs, and artifacts related to the life and teachings of Guru Gobind Singh and other Sikh gurus.
Patna Sahib Gurudwara is a place of immense significance and reverence for Sikhs, as it is one of the five takhts of Sikhism. The other four takhts are Akal Takht in Amritsar, Keshgarh Sahib in Anandpur, Damdama Sahib in Talwandi Sabo, and Hazur Sahib in Nanded. The takhts are the highest seats of authority and decision-making in Sikhism, where the matters of religious and temporal importance are discussed and resolved. The takhts also serve as the centres of learning and dissemination of Sikh values and principles. Patna Sahib Gurudwara is also the venue of the annual celebrations of the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh, which is known as Prakash Parv or Prakash Utsav. Thousands of devotees from across the world flock to Patna Sahib Gurudwara to pay their respects and participate in the festivities, which include prayers, hymns, processions, and fireworks.
How to Reach and What to Do at Patna Sahib Gurudwara
Patna Sahib Gurudwara is located in the heart of Patna, in the Patna City area. It is easily accessible by various modes of transportation, such as:
By air:
The nearest airport is the Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport, which is about 12 km away from the gurudwara. You can take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or bus from the airport to the gurudwara.
By train:
The nearest railway station is the Patna Sahib Railway Station, which is just 500 meters away from the gurudwara. You can walk or take a rickshaw from the station to the gurudwara.
By road:
Patna is well-connected by road to other cities and states of India. You can take a bus, car, or bike to Patna and then reach the gurudwara by local transport or on foot.
Some rules and etiquette
The gurudwara is open from 4 am to 10 pm every day. There is no entry fee, but you need to follow some rules and etiquette while visiting the gurudwara, such as:
- Cover your head with a scarf, cap, or bandana. You can also get a free head covering from the gurudwara premises.
- Remove your shoes and socks and keep them in the shoe rack. You can also get a free token for your shoes.
- Wash your hands and feet in the water tank before entering the gurudwara.
- Bow your head and touch the floor in front of the Guru Granth Sahib, as a sign of respect and devotion.
- Do not talk loudly, take photos, or use your phone inside the gurudwara.
- Do not smoke, drink, or eat non-vegetarian food in or near the gurudwara.
Things To Do at Patna Sahib Gurudwara
There are many things that you can do at Patna Sahib Gurudwara to make your visit memorable and meaningful, such as:
1. Attend the prayers and hymns that are recited throughout the day, especially the morning and evening ones. You can also join the singing of the hymns, which are called kirtans, and feel the divine bliss and harmony.
2. Volunteer in the langar, where you can help in preparing, serving, or cleaning the food. You can also enjoy the delicious and nutritious vegetarian food that is offered to everyone for free. The langar is a symbol of equality, generosity, and community service in Sikhism.
3. Donate clothes, money, or any other items that you can afford to the gurudwara. You can also make a wish or a prayer and tie a thread or a ribbon on the tree or the wall of the gurudwara. The gurudwara is a place of fulfillment and gratitude in Sikhism.
4. Seek blessings from the Guru Granth Sahib and the relics of Guru Gobind Singh. You can also ask for guidance or advice from the granthi, the person who reads and explains the Guru Granth Sahib. The gurudwara is a place of wisdom and inspiration in Sikhism.
5. Visit the museum and learn more about the history, culture, and teachings of Sikhism. You can also see the paintings, photographs, and artifacts related to the life and legacy of Guru Gobind Singh and other Sikh gurus. The museum is a place of education and awareness in Sikhism.
Other Gurudwaras and Tourist Attractions in Patna
Patna Sahib Gurudwara is not the only gurudwara in Patna that you can visit. There are several other gurudwaras in Patna that are related to the life and teachings of Guru Gobind Singh and other Sikh gurus. Some of them are:
Gobind Ghat Gurudwara:
This gurudwara is located on the banks of the Ganges river, near the Patna Sahib Gurudwara. It is the place where Guru Gobind Singh used to take a bath and meditate. It is also the place where his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur, was cremated after his martyrdom. The gurudwara has a beautiful view of the river and the city.
Bal Leela Gurudwara:
This gurudwara is located near the Patna Sahib Gurudwara, in the same complex. It is the place where Guru Gobind Singh spent his childhood and performed many miraculous deeds, such as healing a snake bite, reviving a dead bird, and blessing a poor woman. The gurudwara has a small garden and a pond, where you can see the statues of Guru Gobind Singh and his childhood friends.
Handi Sahib Gurudwara:
This gurudwara is located near the Patna Sahib Railway Station, about 1 km away from the Patna Sahib Gurudwara. It is the place where Guru Gobind Singh and his family stayed for a few months before leaving for Anandpur. It is also the place where a large earthen pot (handi) of rice pudding (kheer) was prepared and distributed to the people by Mata Gujri, the mother of Guru Gobind Singh. The gurudwara has a simple and serene atmosphere, where you can feel the warmth and hospitality of the Sikh community.
Kangan Ghat Gurudwara:
This gurudwara is located on the banks of the Ganges river, about 2 km away from the Patna Sahib Gurudwara. It is the place where Guru Nanak, the first Sikh guru, visited and met a poor woman named Jairaj, who offered him a pair of gold bangles (kangan) as a token of respect. Guru Nanak accepted the bangles and gave them to his disciple, Bhai Mardana, who later returned them to the woman. The gurudwara has a peaceful and scenic location, where you can see the river and the boats.
Other tourist attractions
Apart from the gurudwaras, Patna also has many other tourist attractions that you can visit and enjoy. Some of them are:
Patna Science Centre:
This is a state-of-the-art science museum and planetarium that offers interactive and educational exhibits and shows on various topics, such as astronomy, physics, biology, and mathematics. You can also see the 3D theatre, the dinosaur park, the mirror maze, and the fun science gallery. The science centre is a great place to learn and have fun for all ages.
Biscomaun Bhawan:
This is a 25-storey building that houses the headquarters of the Bihar State Cooperative Marketing Union. It is also the tallest building in Patna and the second tallest in eastern India. You can visit the revolving restaurant on the 18th floor, which offers a panoramic view of the city and the river. You can also enjoy the delicious food and drinks at the restaurant, which rotates 360 degrees in an hour.
Golghar:
This is a historic granary that was built by the British in 1786, after the famine of 1770. It is a dome-shaped structure that resembles a beehive, and has a spiral staircase that leads to the top. You can climb the stairs and enjoy the view of the city and the river from the top. You can also see the plaque that commemorates the engineers and workers who built the Golghar.
Patna Museum:
This is a museum that showcases the rich and diverse history and culture of Bihar, from ancient to modern times. You can see the artifacts, sculptures, paintings, coins, manuscripts, and weapons that belong to various periods and dynasties, such as the Mauryan, Gupta, Pala, Mughal, and British. You can also see the sacred relics of Lord Buddha, which are kept in a special chamber. The museum is a treasure trove of knowledge and heritage for anyone who loves art and history.
Indira Gandhi Planetarium:
This is a planetarium that offers spectacular shows and simulations of the celestial bodies and phenomena, such as the stars, planets, comets, eclipses, and constellations. You can also see the models and exhibits of the solar system, the space missions, and the satellites. The planetarium is a fascinating and informative place for anyone who is interested in astronomy and space exploration.
Patna Sahib Gurudwara is a sacred and historic shrine of Sikhism that attracts millions of visitors every year. It is a place where you can experience the spiritual and historical richness of Sikhism, and pay your respects to Guru Gobind Singh and the Guru Granth Sahib. It is also a place where you can enjoy the hospitality and generosity of the Sikh community, and participate in the langar and the celebrations. Patna Sahib Gurudwara is not only a religious site, but also a cultural and educational hub, where you can learn more about the history, culture, and teachings of Sikhism.
Patna is also a city that offers many other gurudwaras and tourist attractions that you can explore and enjoy during your trip. You can visit the other gurudwaras that are related to the life and teachings of Guru Gobind Singh and other Sikh gurus, such as the Gobind Ghat, the Bal Leela, the Handi Sahib, and the Kangan Ghat. You can also visit the other tourist attractions that showcase the culture, heritage, and diversity of Patna and Bihar, such as the science centre, the revolving restaurant, the Golghar, the museum, and the planetarium.
We hope that this article has given you a comprehensive and engaging overview of Patna Sahib Gurudwara and the other gurudwaras and attractions in Patna. We also hope that this article has inspired and motivated you to plan your trip to Patna and experience the beauty and charm of this city. If you have any feedback, questions, or experiences to share, please feel free to leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you and help you in any way we can.
Thank you for reading this article and for your interest in Patna Sahib Gurudwara and Patna. We hope that you have a wonderful and blessed trip to this holy and historic city.
