Patna Sahib

• The road from Patna to Patna Sahib is congested and busy with limited parking facility. Start early or take a train to Patna City and from there take an auto-rickshaw.
• A walk to holy Ganges through Kangan Ghat is a good idea but takes some time as the river has receded further.
• Visit Agam Kuan and Kumharar en route, famous for events related to Emperor Ashoka who used to run his vast empire from Patliputra.

It may sound strange that I was born and brought up in Patna and yet I never visited Patna Sahib before. The birth place of the Tenth Sikh Guru Govind Singh is something I was not keen to keep out of my blog for long. Hence the visit this winter was a relief.

Inside Patna Sahib

Patna Sahib is a buzzing little suburb of the capital city of Patna. Wholesalers throng the main street which is narrow enough to create perpetual traffic jams. There are less Sikhs visible than expected. My uncle tell me they were forced to leave by the local goons who over took the business and lands later.

Main Complex, Patna Sahib

The gurdwara is among the biggest I have seen. It was clinking with construction work thanks to an upcoming Gurpurab which is the birthday of the Tenth Guru. A huge hanger shaped tent was being erected to welcome the large number of expected visitors in the coming week.

Exit Gate, Patna Sahib

The main structure is similar to all gurdwaras. A high ceiling hall with pacifying chants from Guru Granth. We took the inner and outer round and appreciated the gold and marble work.

Kanha Ghat, Patna Sahib

Coming out of the gurdwara we were directed to Kangan Ghat. It is said that once young and brave Gobind jumped into a well to fetch his Kangan which had fallen in, only to come out of Ganges flowing nearby, with it. The well is now carved and covered next to his remains inside the gurdwara.

Agam Kuan, Patna

We decided to move back to Patna. Enroute we had the famous Agam Kuan where Emperor Ashoka is said to have killed and thrown his 99 brothers to ascend the throne undisputed. Nearby is the Kumharar known for archaeological finding from the time of Ashoka.