Takth Sri Harimandir Sahib is one of the most sacred Sikh shrines of the Sikh Gurus, which is situated in Patna, Bihar. This gurudwara was built on the birth place of Sri Guru Gobind Singh, who was the tenth Guru of the Sikhs. This magnificent marble holy shrine is one of the five Takhts or seat of Sikh Gurus that is honoured everywhere. Takth Sri Harimandir Sahib is one of the most celebrated places of worship among the Sikhs of Patna. It is also known as the Patna Sahib Gurudwara.

History of Takth Sri Harimandir Sahib
The holy shrine is built on the site of Salis Rai John, who was a great devotee of Guru Tegh Bahadur. He was so much influenced by the teachings of Guru Tegh Bahadur that he changed his Patiala House into a Dharmshala. The holy shrine was later on constructed on the same site which was visited by Guru Tegh Bahadur when he visited the city of Patna. In 1839 Maharaja Ranjit Singh started the reconstruction of the Harimandir though he did not survive to see the completion. Then it was again reconstructed after the devastating earthquakes of Bihar in which a major part of the shrine fell down. This reconstruction started from 1954 and took almost three years to get completed. This reconstruction gave the present structure to the shrine that is one of most attractive buildings of Patna.

Takth Sri Harimandir Sahib as the Follower of Panj Pyara
Takth Sri Harimandir Sahib follows the revised version of Khalsa Panth that was propagated by Guru Gobind Singh. He baptized the Panj Pyaras on Baisakhi day at Anandpur Sahib and laid the foundation of new Khalsa Panth, the religious text of the Sikhs. Panj Pyaras represent all the sections of a society and does not remain restricted to any one particular class of the society. The main aim of this granth is to protect the downtrodden and deprived sections of Sikh society. Takth Sri Harimandir Sahib had been one of the leading gurudwaras that followed Panj Pyara as new Sikh Philosophy.

Relics in Takth Sri Harimandir Sahib
Takth Sri Harimandir Sahib also preserves some of the relics of Guru Gobind Singh`s childhood. The artifacts include a cradle covered with gold plates, four iron arrows, sacred sword of the master and a pair of sandals which are preserved in this Gurudwara. The Hukumnamas of both Guru Gobind Singh and Guru Tegh bahadur are also preserved in this holy shrine that help to guide its followers.

Shrines of Takth Sri Harimandir Sahib
Guru Tegh Bahadur, during his visit, at first landed at Bari Sangat from where he was escorted to the place of Salis Haveli. Guru Tegh Bahadur left his family in this place where Guru Gobind Singh was born. He also spent his childhood in this place. The house of Salis Rai John was maintained as one of the holy places of Patna till it was replaced by the new building which was constructed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Takth Sri Harimandir Sahib also includes the site of Choti Sangat.

Structure and Architecture of Patna Sahib Gurudwara
The present day five storey structure includes a large sanctorum which represents the birth place of Guru Gobind Singh. Along with this, there is a hall, which includes massive arch with decorative doors. The interior walls are decorated with marble sculptures and three canopies. Among the three canopies, Guru Granth Sahib is placed on the middle one. The canopy which is placed on the left of Guru Granth Sahib carries Dasam Granth which is attended by the granthis at the time of worship. Overall the campus of Takth Sri Harimandir Sahib includes a number of adjoining rooms for staffs as well as visitors. Along with this, it also includes a hall that is used at the time of Langar bhojan.

Thus Takth Sri Harimandir Sahib is one of the most decorative sacred places of worship. With its impressive marble structure it attracts a number of visitors who not only visit the place for their religious beliefs but also for tourism.

Visiting Information to Patna Sahib Gurudwara
Patna Sahib Gurudwara can be reached by two ways. One is by taking a car from Patna Junction railway station, another way is to reach there by train; nearest railway station to the gurudwara is Patna Sahi railways station.