AKAL TAKHAT SAHIB-TAKHAT SRI DAMDAMA SAHIB–TAKHAT SRI ANANDPUR SAHIB–TAKHAT SRI PATNA SAHIB–TAKHAT SRI HAZOOR SAHIB

ITINERARY:  

DAY 01 ARRIVAL AMRITSAR

DAY 02  AMRITSAR

HARMANDIR SAHIB

After breakfast visit Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple). The Harimandir, now called the Golden Temple, is a living symbol of spiritual and historical traditions of the Sikhs. It is said that Guru Amar Das found at the edge of the pool the desired herb to cure the skin ailment of Guru Angad (the second Guru of the Sikhs). However, the persistent local tradition best highlighting the medicinal properties of the water of the pond is the story of Rajni, daughter of Rai Duni Chand, and the subsequent cure of her leprous husband after taking a dip into the pond. It is said that Ram Das (at that time on a visit to a nearby area) visited the place in connection with the above episode and was so much impressed with the beauty of the site that he decided to found a place of pilgrimage here. The plan of the Harimandir was conceived by Guru Arjan Dev jee. It was decided by the Guru to build the temple in the middle of the tank.

Guru Arjan Sahib got its foundation laid by a muslim saint Hazrat Mian Mir ji of Lahore on December, 1588. The construction work was directly supervised by Guru Arjan Sahib himself and he was assisted by the prominent Sikh personalities like Baba Budha ji, Bhai Gurdas ji, Bhai Sahlo ji and many other devoted Sikhs. Unlike erecting the structure on the higher level(a tradition in Hindu Temple architecture), Guru Arjan Sahib got it built on the lower level and unlike Hindu Temples having only one gate for the entrance and exit, Guru Sahib got it open from four sides. Thus he created a symbol of new faith, Sikhism. Guru Sahib made it accessible to every person without any distinction of Caste, creed, sex and religion. The building work completed in 1601 A.D.  Guru Arjan Sahib installed newly created Guru Granth Sahib, in Sri Harmandir Sahib and appointed Baba Budha ji as its first Granthi i.e. the reader of Guru Granth Sahib. After this event it attained the status of ‘Ath Sath Tirath’. Now the Sikh Nation had their own Tirath, a pilgrimage center

 It was in 1802  that Maharaja Ranjit Singh gilded the roof of the temple with gold. It was then that the temple came to be known as the Golden temple.

AKAL TAKHAT SAHIB,

Akal Takhat  means the Throne of the Immortal and is the highest political institution of the Sikhs. "Akal" means "The Timeless One" - another term for God. "Takhat" means "throne" in Persian. The Akal Takhat is an impressive building that sits directly in front of the causeway leading to the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The Akal Takhat was founded by Guru Hargobind on June 15, 1606 and was established as the place from which the spiritual and temporal concerns of the Sikh community could be acted upon.

The Akal Takhat was built a fraction lower than the Harimandir Sahib, implying the order of importance, that the search for spiritual grace was always to lead. A similar balancing of assertion and submission was built into Guru Hargobind’s daily routine, which alternatively highlighted the shrine, with its spiritual function and self-effacing architectural symbolism, and the throne platform, with its assertion of sovereignty and temporal authority. The Guru started the day with worship in the Harimandir; he would then go on a hunt in the late morning and grant audience from the Akal Takhat in the afternoon; in the evening he would return to the shrine for prayers and hymns, and at night he and his followers would return to the Akal Takht to listen to martial songs of heroic deeds.

It is from the Akal Takhat that Hukamnamas (edics or writs) are announced to provide guidance or clarification on any point of Sikhdoctrine or practice. It may lay under penance persons charged with violation of religious discipline or with activity prejudicial to Sikh interests or solidarity. It may place on record its appreciation of outstanding services rendered or sacrifices made by individuals espousing the cause of Sikhism or of the Sikhs. Importantly, no individual is above the Akal Takhat.

On one occasion the Sarbat Khalsa met at the Akal Takhat and decided to penalize Maharaja Ranjit singh for his misdemeanours with a certain number of lashes on his back. The Gursikh in Ranjit Singh surrendered to the discipline and presented himself at the Akal Takhat to receive chastisement. However, corporal punishment to the sovereign was converted into a heavy fine.

In the afternoon visit other historical gurdwara’s of Amritsar, Gurdwara Sahida Sahib (Baba Deep Singh Jee Sahid), Gurdwara Ramsar Sahib, Gurdwara Lohgarh Sahib, Gurdwara Chheharta Sahib. Overnight at Amritsar.

DAY 03 AMRITSAR TO BATHINDA

TAKHAT SRI DAMDAMA SAHIB

After breakfast drive to Talwandi Sabo , Bathinda visit Gurudwara Damdama Sahib

Takhat sri damdama sahib, Talwandi Sabo, Bhatinda, is the fifth seat of the authority of Sikhs. This place owes its importance to the literary work of Guru Gobind Singh Ji done here during his stay in 1706. It was at Damdama Sahib that Guru Gobind Singh Ji prepared the revised & authentic version of the Adi Granth which is now being honored by the Sikhs as Guru Granth Sahib ji. He added to the original version prepared by Guru Arjan Dev Ji the verses of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji. A large number of new converts joined the fold of the Khalsa here. Guru Gobind Singh Ji stayed at Damdama Sahib for nearly a year.

After leaving the fort of Sri Anandpur Sahib & passing through Chamkur Sahib, Maachiwara, Deena Kangar followed by historic war of battle in Mukatsar. Guruji arrived in Talwandi Sabo in the Year 1705 on a high elevated small piece land. On that place Guruji took a break & relaxed. Due to this reason this pious piece of land is famous as Damdama Sahib. From Damdama sahib Guruji released orders(Hukamnama) for Sikh Desciples & announced or rather declared this sacred place as a Takhat. In 1706 Guruji Baptised around 1.2 lac devotees on the occasion of Baisakhi's Get together(Jor Mela). Maintaining the same custom, every year Baisakhi's festival is celebrated in same way here & lacs of devotees come here to get Guruji's blessings even today. Overnight at Hotel in Bathinda.

DAY 04 BHATINDA TO ANANDPUR SAHIB

TAKHAT SRI KESHGARH SAHIB

After Breakfast Drive to Anandpur Sahib , visit Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib is situated at Anandpur Sahib. It is the birthplace of the Khalsa. The order of the Khalsa was founded here by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. Some of the weapons of Guru Gobind Singh are displayed here. The most precious of these is the actual Khanda (double edged sword) used by Guru Gobind Singh to prepare amrit used in the first Khalsa initiation ceremony. Later drive to Ponta Sahib.

The word 'Paonta' means 'Space for a foot hold'. This place holds significance as it has been the holy Guru Gobind Singh's abode for over 4 years. It is here, where he penned the `Dasam Granth'. The Gurudwara houses some interesting spots that trace the events in the life of Guru Gobind Singh. There is Shri Talab Asthan where he disbursed salaries, and the Shri Dastar Asthan where he judged the turban - tying competitions. The Kavi Durbar was the venue of the poetic symposia. A memorial dedicated to Kalpi Rishi, and a museum showcasing the pens of the Guru and the weapons of those times, are also located within the precincts of the Gurudwara.  Evening drive to Ambala to board train to Patna. Overnight at Train.

DAY 05 PATNA

Full day in the train, evening Reach Patna, check in the Hotel, Overnight at Patna Hotel.

DAY 06 PATNA

TAKHAT HARMANDIR, PATNA SAHIB

After Breakfast full day Gurudwara Darshan tour of Patna sahib, It was here that Guru Gobind Singh was born in 1666 and spent his early years before moving to Anandpur. Besides being the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, Patna was also honored by visits from Guru Nanak  Dev Jee as well as Guru Tegh Bahadur.

The second-most important gurudwara in India, the Takht Harmandir was built by Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th guru of the Sikhs. The gurudwara built in white marble with kiosks on the terraces consecrates the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh. is an important Gurudwara for the Sikhs. The Gurdwara is situated in the Chowk area of Patna City (the older part the city)and has a museum on it's third floor. Later move for the local sightseeing in Patna. Overnight at Patna Hotel.

DAY 7 PATNA SAHIB TO NANDED SACHKAND SRI HAZOOR SAHIB

After breakfast the rest of the day at your leisure till transfer to Railway Station to Board Train to Mumbai, Overnight in the Train.

DAY 8 A REST DAY AT NANDED SACHKAND SRI HAZOOR SAHIB

Day at Train change train from Mumbai and Board train to Nanded. Reach Nanded in the evening check in the Hotel, Overnight at Nanded Hotel.

DAY 9 DARSHAN OF HISTORICAL GURDWARAS IN NANDED

After breakfast visit GURDWARA TAKHT SRI HUZOOR SAHIB-

Tenth Guru Sri Gobind Singh, before his death on October 7, 1708 at Nanded in Maharashtra. At the site where the Guru breathed his last, was built a Gurdwara between 1832 and 1837, under instructions from Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It is called "Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchal Nagar Sahib". It is a two-storey building. The architectural design resembles that of the Golden Temple. It's' interior is artistically ornamented in the style of Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar. The walls of the inner room called Angitha Sahib have been covered with golden plates On the first floor, recitations from Sri Guru Granth Sahib, go on day and night. The dome is polished and on the pinnacle  is the kalash made of gold plated copper. Some of the sacred relics of Guru Gobind Singh are also preserved here. These are, a golden dagger, a matchlock gun, an archer with 35 arrows, two bows, a steel shield studded with precious stones and five golden swords. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 10 NANDED TO BIDAR(NANAK JHIRA) AND BACK TO NANDED

After Breakfast , drive to Bidar 200Km visit gurdwara Nanak-Jhira , During his second 'Udasi' (missionary tour) of the South India, Guru Nanak after sojourning through Nagpur and Khandwa visited the ancient Hindu Temple of Om Kareswar on the Narbada and reached Nanded, where 200 years later Guru Gobind Singh spent his last days. From Nanded he proceeded towards Hyderabad and Golkonda where he met Muslim saints and then came to Bidar to meet Pir Jalaluddin and Yakoob Ali. The Guru accompanied by his disciple Mardana stayed in the outskirts of the Bidar town where 'Nanak Jhira' Gurdwara is now located. In the nearby were huts of Muslim fakirs, who took keen interest in the sermons and teachings of the great Guru. The news soon spread throughout Bidar and its surrounding areas about the holy Saint of the North and large number of people started coming to him to have his "Darshan" and seek his blessings.. There used to be acute shortage of drinking water in Bidar. All efforts of the people to dig wells were of no avail. Even where the wells were dug the water was found to be unfit for drinking. The Guru was greatly moved by the miserable condition of the people. With divine name on his lips and the mercy in his heart he touched the hillside with his toe and removed some rubble from the place. To the utter surprise of all, fountain of sweet, cool water gushed out of the hillside. The place soon came to be known as 'Nanak-Jhira'. visit other gurdwara in Bidar, later drive back to nanded. overnight at nanded hotel.

DAY 11  NANDED TO AMRITSAR

After early Breakfast , transfer to railway station to board sachkand express to Amritsar. Overnight in the train.

DAY 12 AMRITSAR

Full day in the train, evening reach Amritsar, Check in the Hotel, Overnight at Amritsar Hotel.

DAY 13 DEPARTURE

After breakfast , full day at your leisure for shopping, later drop to Rajasansi International Airport for onward/return journey.