The birth of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, in Patna, Bihar, on December 22, 1666, is a cornerstone event in Sikh history. Born Gobind Rai, his arrival ensured the continuation of the Guruship lineage and set the stage for his transformative leadership. At the time of his birth, his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur, was on a preaching tour, while his mother, Mata Gujri, resided in Patna, a city already significant to the Sikh community due to Guru Nanak's earlier visit.
The early years of Gobind Rai's life in Patna were marked by anecdotes highlighting his innate leadership, compassion, and spiritual inclination. Stories recount his interactions with local children, his distribution of sweets, and his playful reenactments of religious ceremonies. These formative experiences shaped his character and foreshadowed his future role as a spiritual and temporal leader.
In 1670, Guru Tegh Bahadur summoned his family to Anandpur Sahib, marking the end of Gobind Rai's time in Patna. Before departing, he appointed Bhai Dayal Das as the caretaker of the site of Gobind Rai's birth. This site would later become Takht Sri Patna Sahib, one of the five Takhts in Sikhism, solidifying the city's enduring connection to the tenth Guru.
Takht Sri Patna Sahib stands as a testament to the historical and spiritual significance of Guru Gobind Singh's birth. The Gurdwara complex houses relics associated with his childhood, including a cradle and a small iron bangle. As a major pilgrimage site, it serves as a reminder of his early life and his profound impact on the Sikh faith, inspiring Sikhs worldwide to connect with his teachings and legacy.
Key Details
- Birth Date December 22, 1666
- Birthplace Patna, Bihar, India
- Father Guru Tegh Bahadur
- Mother Mata Gujri
- Early Name Gobind Rai
- Significance Birthplace of the tenth Sikh Guru
Timeline
Birth of Gobind Rai
Gobind Rai (later Guru Gobind Singh) is born in Patna, Bihar.
MilestoneMove to Anandpur Sahib
Gobind Rai and his family move from Patna to Anandpur Sahib.
EventEstablishment of the Khalsa
Guru Gobind Singh establishes the Khalsa, transforming the Sikh faith.
MilestoneSources & Research
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View All Sources (4)
| Field | Source | Tier | Retrieved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singh, Patwant. *The Sikhs*. Alfred A. Knopf, 2000. | Alfred A. Knopf (opens in a new tab) | A | 2024-01-01 |
| McLeod, W.H. *The Sikhs: History, Religion, and Society*. Columbia University Press, 1989. | Columbia University Press (opens in a new tab) | A | 2024-01-01 |
| Fenech, Louis E. and Pashaura Singh, eds. *The Oxford Handbook of Sikh Studies*. Oxford University Press, 2014. | Oxford University Press (opens in a new tab) | A | 2024-01-01 |
| Takht Sri Patna Sahib Official Website | Takht Sri Patna Sahib Management Board (opens in a new tab) | B | 2024-01-01 |