Photo: Harishu3011 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
📍 Patna, South Bihar, Bihar
One of the five Takhts (supreme seats of authority) in Sikhism and the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, born here in 1666. A magnificent white marble Gurudwara draws pilgrims from across the world, especially during Prakash Utsav celebrations. A deeply revered spiritual and historical landmark of Patna City.
Takht Sri Patna Sahib, also called Sri Harmandir Ji, Patna Sahib, marks the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1666 and the place where he spent his early childhood. It is one of the five Takhts — the seats of highest temporal authority in Sikhism — alongside Akal Takht (Amritsar), Kesgarh Sahib, Damdama Sahib and Hazur Sahib.
The present grand Gurudwara, built largely in the 1950s in white marble with domes and a distinctive Sikh architectural style, houses several relics associated with the Guru. The complex offers langar (community meal) and is busiest during the Guru's Prakash Utsav (birth anniversary), when devotees gather in large numbers.
October to March. The Prakash Utsav (around December–January) is the most vibrant time to visit.
Historical & Ruins An ancient, unusually deep well believed to date to the Mauryan era and associated in legend with Emperor Ashoka. Its brickandwoodringed shaft descends far below ground and is steeped in folklore. Adjacent stands the popular Shitala Devi temple, making it both an archaeological curiosity and a living place of worship.
Hindu Temples One of the 51 revered Shakti Peethas, where the right thigh of Goddess Sati is believed to have fallen. Located in the Maharajganj area of Old Patna, the temple enshrines three blackstone deities — Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati. It is widely held that the very name 'Patna' derives from Patan Devi, making it deeply tied to the city's identity.
Rivers & Ghats Patna's long Ganga waterfront strings together historic ghats where the city meets its river. Gandhi Ghat, famed for its evening Ganga Aarti, marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed. The new JP Ganga Path, Patna's 'Marine Drive', now runs for over 20 km along the river, making the ghats, sunsets and Chhath celebrations easy to enjoy.
Historical & Ruins The archaeological remains of ancient Pataliputra, capital of the mighty Mauryan Empire under Chandragupta and Ashoka. The star attraction is the excavated 80pillared hall of polished sandstone from Emperor Ashoka's era. A key site for understanding one of the world's great early cities, set in a peaceful landscaped park.
