यह संग्रहालय कभी शेरशाह का किला था

1540 में मुग़ल साम्राज्य पर नियंत्रण के बाद शेरशाह पटना आया। गंगा किनारे बसा पटना उन दिनों एक छोटा सा क़स्बा भर था। मौर्य और गुप्त साम्राज्य की राजधानी रहा पाटलिपुत्र अपना प्राचीन गौरव खो चुका था। पटना के सामरिक महत्व को देखते हुए शेरशाह ने यहाँ एक किला बनवाने का फैसला किया। 

पांच लाख रुपयों की लागत से एक किले का निर्माण हुआ। इसके बाद शेरशाह ज्यादा दिनों तक जीवित नहीं रह सका। 13 मई 1545 को वह कालिंजर के किले में मारा गया। मुग़ल फिर से सत्ता में आये। यह किला मुग़लों के अधीन रहा। वक्त बदला। मुग़लों को ईस्ट इंडिया कंपनी ने हिंदुस्तान की सत्ता से बेदखल किया। उन दिनों इस किले का मालिकाना हक़ एक मुस्लिम नवाब के पास था। ईस्ट इंडिया कंपनी ने इसे नवाब से खरीद लिया। 

दीवान बहादुर राधा कृष्ण जालान पटना के एक समृद्ध व्यापारी थे। उन्होंने 1911-1912 के आस पास इस किले को ईस्ट इंडिया कंपनी से खरीदा। तब तक किले की हालत ख़राब हो चुकी थी। उचित रखरखाव न होने से इसकी दीवारें ढह रहीं थीं। दीवान बहादुर ने किले को एक नया रूप दिया। 

समृद्ध दीवान बहादुर कला प्रेमी थे। उनकी ख्याति एक उत्कृष्ट कलाप्रेमी ग्राहक की थी। उन्हें दुर्लभ चीजों के संग्रह का शौक था। पांचवें किंग जॉर्ज के सिल्वर जुबली समारोह में उन्हें लंदन से बुलावा आया तो उन्होंने उसका भरपूर फायदा उठाया। लंदन में उन्होंने दुर्लभ वस्तुओं की खरीदारी तो की ही साथ ही पूरी दुनियां में घूम- घूम कर उन्होंने दुर्लभ कलाकृतियां, पुरातात्विक महत्व की वस्तुएं, दुर्लभ तस्वीरें, प्राचीन फर्नीचर इत्यादि खरीदे। इन्हीं दुर्लभ वस्तुओं से उन्होंने किले को समृद्ध बनाया जो अंततः एक संग्रहालय के रूप में मशहूर हो गया। 

प्राचीन वस्तुओं का शौक दीवान बहादुर को इतना था कि एक बार वे मिस्र से ममी ही उठा लाये। लेकिन पत्नी के विरोध करने पर उन्हें इसे वापस लौटना पड़ा। दीवान बहादुर का यह संग्रह दुर्लभ कलाकृतियों से भरा पड़ा है। चीन जाकर उन्होंने शुंग और मिंग साम्राज्य काल के बहुत से पर्सेलीन की कलाकृतियां भी खरीदीं।1885 में फ्रांस जाकर उन्होंने कई दुर्लभ वस्तुएं खरीदीं। लुइ'स 15वें और लुइ'स 16 वें के फर्नीचर, फ्रांस की साम्राज्ञी मारी अंटोइनेट का वाइन कूल, नेपोलियन के इस्तेमाल में लाई गयी वस्तुएं इत्यादि। 

मुग़ल बादशाह अकबर और हुमायूँ की तलवारें, बीरबल के भोजन और पूजा के बर्तनों के साथ- साथ बीदरी वर्क के कई शानदार नमूने भी इस संग्रहालय में हैं। एक रोचक किस्सा बीरबल के बर्तनों से जुड़ा है। 1953 में पंडित जवाहर लाल नेहरू जब पटना आये तो उन्हें दीवान बहादुर ने खाने पर निमंत्रित किया। उनके साथ तत्कालीन राज्यपाल आर.आर दिवाकर, तत्कालीन मुख्यमंत्री श्रीकृष्ण सिंह भी थे। वहां उन्हें बीरबल के चांदी  के बर्तनों में खाना पड़ोसा गया। चांदी के बर्तनों को देख पंडित नेहरू बिफर पड़े। लेकिन जब उन्हें यह बताया गया कि ये बर्तन बीरबल के हैं तो उन्होंने बड़े शौक के साथ खाना खाया। 

कालांतर में शेरशाह का बनाया हुआ किला थोड़े से रूपांतरण के बाद एक ऐसे कला संग्रहालय के रूप में पूरी दुनियां में मशहूर हो गया जो सिर्फ एक व्यक्ति के शौक का नतीजा था।   

तब बग्घी ही पटना के रईसों का वाहन था

19 वीं सदी के मध्य में पटना शहर का विस्तार पश्चिम दरवाजा के पश्चिम में दूर तक हो चला था। नए शहर के वाशिंदे, जिनमें यूरोपियन और संपन्न स्थानीय निवासी थे, की निर्भरता अलग अलग जरूरतों के लिए पुराने शहर पर थी और पुराने शहर के वाशिंदों का सरकारी दफ्तरों और शिक्षण सुविधाओं के लिए नए शहर पर निर्भरता थी। दोनों की परस्पर निर्भरता को देखते हुए तेज गति वाले वाहन की जरूरत महसूस की गयी।

अब तक लोग टमटम की सवारी ही कर रहे थे। यह दो घोड़ों द्वारा खींचा जाने वाला सदियों पुरानी व्यवस्था थी। लेकिन अब आम लोगों के लिए तेज गति वाले वाहन की जरूरत थी। अमीर और संपन्न लोग तेज घोड़ों की या घोड़ों द्वारा खींचे जाने वाले बग्घी की सवारी करते थे।

यह जानना रोचक होगा कि पटना के उल्फत हुसैन फ़रयाद पहले हिंदुस्तानी थे जिसके पास बग्घी थी। पटना के तत्कालीन कमिश्नर मेटकॉफ़ ने यह बग्घी इंग्लैंड से मंगवा कर फ़रयाद को तोहफे में दिया था। नवाब लुफ्त अली खान दूसरे रईस थे जिनके पास यह बग्घी थी। उन्होंने इसे कलकत्ता से मंगवाया था। इसे बाद शीघ्र ही यह शहर के रईसों का पसंदीदा वाहन बन गया। कौन कितने घोड़ों के वाहन की सवारी करता है, यह उस व्यक्ति की सम्पन्नता का मापदंड बन गया। विलियम टेलर चार मजबूत और शानदार अरबी घोड़ों की बग्घी पर चढ़ता था।

पालकी का प्रयोग सार्वजनिक परिवहन के तौर पर होता था। शहर के अंदर या बाहर जाने के लिए आम लोग इसका प्रयोग करते थे। अमीर लोगों की अपनी पालकी होती थी। बिशप हेबेर ने अपने पटना प्रवास में तोंजों नाम के एक अन्य वाहन को देखा था। यह कुछ कुछ टमटम की तरह होता था। इसमें एक तम्बूनुमा शामियाना लगा होता था जो पर्दा का काम करता था। यह एक घोड़े या दो बैलों द्वारा खींचा जाता था।

शहर के अमीर और रईस शाम की तफरीह के लिए चांदी के जेवरों से सजे हाथियों की सवारी भी करते थे। कुछ लोग बैलों द्वारा खींचे जाने वाले वाहन की भी सवारी करते थे। इन बैलों के सींग चांदी से मढ़े गए होते थे। रात के वक्त यात्रा के दौरान नौकर मशाल लेकर साथ साथ रास्ता दिखाते चलते थे। कई बार जब रईसों की सवारी निकलती थी तो वर्दियों में सजे, हाथों में तलवार लिए उनके मुलाज़िम साथ होते थे।

थोड़े से वक्त के लिए तेज आवागमन के लिए अशोक राजपथ पर घोड़ों द्वारा खींचे जाने वाले ट्राम की भी शुरुआत हुई थी लेकिन 1903 में ही इसे बंद कर दिया गया।

डचों की कोठी से पटना कॉलेज तक

1632 में जब पुर्तगालियों को हुगली से बाहर निकाला गया तो पटना के साथ भी उनका व्यापारिक सम्बन्ध अचानक ख़त्म हो गया। ठीक उसी वर्ष पटना के बाजार में डचों ( हॉलैंड के निवासी ) का  प्रवेश हुआ। डच ईस्ट इंडिया कंपनी1602 में स्थापित एक चार्टड कंपनी थी, जिसे नीदरलैंड के राज्यों से  एशिया के बाज़ारों में 21 वर्षों तक व्यापार करने की अनुमति मिली हुई थी। 

डच ईस्ट इंडिया कंपनी को दुनियां का पहला बहुराष्ट्रीय कंपनी माना जाता है। यह पहली  ऐसी कंपनी थी, जिसने बाजार में शेयर जारी किये थे।  डच ईस्ट इंडिया कंपनी ऐसी शक्तिशाली कंपनी थी जो युद्ध छेड़ने की क्षमता रखता था। इसे उपनिवेशों की स्थापना का अधिकार था और इसके स्वयं के सिक्के भी थे।

डचों ने गुजरात में कोरोमंडल समुद्र तट, बंगाल, बिहार तथा उड़ीसा में अपनी व्यापारिक कोठियां खोलीं। डच लोग मुख्यत: मसालों, नीम, कच्चे रेशम, शीशा, चावल, शोरा व अफीम का व्यापार भारत से करते थे।

पटना में उन्होंने अशोक राजपथ पर अपनी पहली व्यापारिक कोठी बनाई। पटना उन दिनों शोरा, अफीम, सूती और सिल्क के कपड़ों के लिए मशहूर था। पटना और कसिमबाज़ार इन वस्तुओं के व्यापार के लिए काफी समृद्ध और मुनाफे वाला केंद्र माना जाता था। डचों की रूचि शोरा और अफीम में ज्यादा थी। उसके बाद सूती और सिल्क कपड़ों में।  

18 वीं सदी के शुरू के वर्षों तक डचों ने बिहार में पटना, दौलतगंज, छपरा, सिंघिया और हाजीपुर में जमकर व्यापार किया और खूब मुनाफा कमाया। किन्तु 1712  में पटना में  फ़र्रुख़सियर की ताजपोशी ने डचों के व्यापार पर प्रतिकूल प्रभाव डाला। उधर यूरोप में भी डच कमजोर होते जा रहे थे। उसका प्रभाव हिंदुस्तान पर भी पड़ा।

1717 में फ़र्रुख़सियर से फरमान हासिल करने के बाद ईस्ट इंडिया कंपनी ने डचों को निष्प्रभावी बना दिया। शोरा के व्यापार पर से डचों का नियंत्रण समाप्त हो गया। धीरे-धीरे ईस्ट इंडिया कंपनी ने बंगाल और बिहार के बाजार में अपने को स्थापित कर लिया। डचों ने पटना में जो अपनी कोठी बनाई थी वह अंग्रेजों के अधीन हो गया। काफी दिनों तक यह अफीम के एजेंट मिस्टर विल्टन का आवास रहा। 

1828 तक इस डच भवन में पटना के कलेक्टर का कार्यालय चलता रहा।  2 फरवरी 1835 को जब मैकॉले के मशहूर प्रस्ताव 'भारत में अंग्रेजी पढ़ाया जाय'  को पारित किया गया तब उसके चार महीने के बाद जुलाई 1835 में इस भवन में पटना हाई स्कूल की स्थापना हुई। 1862 में यह कॉलेजिएट स्कूल बना। 9 जनवरी 1863 को इसे एक नया नाम दिया गया, पटना कॉलेज। 

Patna Museum: Down the ages

Situated on Budha marg in the ancient city of Patna, Patna Museum is one of the most important museums in India. It is famous all over world for its rare and priceless collections.

The Patna Museum was established in the year 1917 by sir Edward Gait, the then lieutenant governor of Bihar and Orissa. In the early days it was housed in one of the wings of the Patna High court. With increase in collection, the wing of Patna High court proved to be very much inadequate for the display of exhibits and so the entire collection was moved to the new building which was built in the indo-sarcenic style. It is one of the finest architecture examples in India.

The Patna museum, during the period of ninty nine years of its existence has collected more than fifty thousand objects and thus occupies a very prominent position as a repository of ancient Indian culture and tradition. It is a multipurpose museum and so the collections are varied in nature. There are several sections-such as Archaeology, Ethnology, Natural history, Coins, old arms and trophies, art and miscellaneous. Thangka paintings and rare manuscripts of Tibet brought by great scholar and wanderer Rahul sankritayan is also a very prized possession of the museum.

The archaeology section contains varied antiquities such as pre-historic objects, stone sculptures, bronzes, terracotta, seals and sealing and beads etc. The pre historic objects contain pal eoliths, microliths and neoliths from different parts of Bihar and other places including foreign countries.

The museum preserves few of the important finds of harappan civilization which included the terracotta figurines, potteries, copper and bronze objects, seals and sealing of different size. The museum posses the rare collection of bronze images in India. These bronzes were discovered from chausa (Buxar), Kurkihar (Gaya) Nalanda, Belwa, Aluara (Dhanbad), Sonepur (Orissa), Negapattam (Tangore) etc. A large number of bronzes were discovered from Nalanda. These depict. the deities of all the three religion i.e. Buddhism, Jainism and Brahmanism prevalent at that time in India. The figures are dated from post-gupta to pale period.

Museum has a good collection of terracotta, seals and sealing from vaishali, Nalanda and Dharawat. Various sealing have inscriptions, which are important for the study of the economic, political and religions condition of that period.

In the art section in consists of painting on paper of different schools such as the mughal school, Pahari School, Rajput School, Gujrat School and Patna School of Painting. They range in date from the beginning of the 13th century. to the end of the 19th century.

The museum has got a very rich collection of coins, silver and copper punch marked and cast coins are in good number. Indo-greek, Indo-parthian coins are also preserved in this museum.

Numerous tourists and research scholars visit this museum to see the extremely rare and valuable antiquates and art objects from all over the world.

Sikki art: A traditional handicraft

The sikki grass articles made by women of north Bihar are entirely different from anything else, which you see in any other part of the country. They transport you into another world. As the very name indicates, sikki is a plant, which automatically grows by the riverside or roadside of rural area. The places where there is moisture are also suitable for the growth of this plant.

After the rains, it is cut down and divided into thin pieces and preserved in the house for use throughout the year. Though it has its own golden colour, which is very attractive but the village women also dye the grass in red, black, blue and green colours to give the articles made of this – a presentable look.

The manufacture of sikki article is very simple. Women of artistic caliber, settling the different parts of this dried grass in desired shape do stitching work with a thick needle known as Takua. The women make small tray for serving fruits, dry also make large trays known as Dagra. Small baskets are made for their domestic use and organic designs are worked in different colours.

They display human figures, animal’s birds thereon. Each one is unique piece, naive yet highly expressive and most decorative. The elephant with a rider, horse with a rider is fabulous. The clothes box is in the shape of an elephant. While the back of a horse becomes the stand for a large tray set off by gay tasels; a fish serves the purpose of a make up box: an owl whose head can be detached turns into a jar; a bird is made into tray and so on.

It is difficult to trace out the origin of this unique craft, but from a study of social customs and the manner of its manufacture one comes to the conclusion that this must be an ancient craft. 

The fact that sikki is closely connected with the marriage ceremonies is perhaps the main reason why so many different patterns and deigns have been worked into it. It is essential the young bride should learn the art of making objects out of sikki from her childhood, so that at the time of her departure for her new home(sasural), she could carry a good collection with her , It was and is a custom that , along with the dowry, these subjects would also be displayed and villagers would assess the ability of the young bride, from the imagination she had shown in creating new designs.

Bodh Gaya – The abode of enlightenment

Strolling Through the bank of ancient Niranjana (Falgu) river, the first thing that arrested my eyes happen to be the riot of colours. Some monks wearing yellow robes, other Buddhist pilgrims wearing maroon and the tourist donning sundry other colours added brilliance to this holy river.

Come winter this abode of enlightenment really blooms like garden of flowers where all hues of colours and shades add sublime beauty to this ancient place. The most important chapter of Buddhism it was this Falgu river where Siddharta used to bathe regularly. Besides it was this river where he had thrown the bowl of kheer (Rice pudding) given to him by the village lass Sujata. Soon after eating this kheer Siddharta had attained his enlightenment.

Leaving the banks of Phalgu as I started moving towards the Mahabodhi Temple, the sound of the Buddhist holy mantra “Buddham Sharnam Gachchami, Sangham Sharanam Gachchani’ entered into my ears. In and around the Mahabodhi Temple a large number of little shops selling cassettes and CD’s of religious songs and various other items related to Buddhism really create a divine ambience to it.

This holy mantra really transformed my thought process. It took me to the ancient past when this holy words in Pali language beaconed thousands of people from the Tibet (roof of the world), china and other places of South East Asia to this land where Siddharta became Sakya Muni after attaining his Sambhodhi (enlightenment).

Braving hailstorms and very adverse climatic conditions, the foreigners had set foot to Bodh Gaya. Even the Chinese scholar Hiuen Tsiang and Fa Hian had endangered their lives for the sake of these words that says “We take shelter to Buddha’s lotus feet, we belong to Dhamma (Dharma) and we belong to Sangha (Monasteries)” and this holy tradition continues. Bodh Gaya is the supreme pilgrimage of Buddhism.

A flight of steps led me to the inner courtyard of Mahabodhi Temple. On looking at this 170 ft high shrine anybody would praise the nameless ancient masons who had created this architectural wonder centuries ago. This truncated pyramidal shape temple dates back to the 2nd century A.D. This is the oldest and most venerable of all Buddhist shrine. Hiuen Tsiang and Fa Hian had profusely praised the architectural cum sculptural art of this temple.

In the courtyard, I found a large number of monks moving around barefoot, others deeply meditating without even noticing my presence. Tranquility prevailed everywhere. I had a feeling of boarding in a time machine and entering into the time of Emperor Ashoka, who revived Buddhism. In the premises of Temple the multi coloured flags were fluttering to mutely tell the universe that peace should prevail over anarchy. In his days (2550 Year ago) Buddha also had pleaded against war and fought to establish peace. Looking at the Mahabodhi tree lies near the shrine one really feels that Bodhgaya continues to remain a living page of history. Under this peepal (Bunyan) tree Siddharta attained enlightenment. He became Taltagat the great.

This Mahabodhi tree still appears to be radiating an aura of abiding serenity, spiritual solitude and peace. It is believed that the original Bodhi tree sprang up on the day of Siddharta’s birth.

Bodhgaya may be lying thousands of kilometers away from South East Asia yet it offers the look of typical Asiatic nations (Buddhist countries). The temples, Chaitya and monasteries of various Buddhist nations are built in architectural and sculptural style of those countries of South East Asia. They reflect the very essence of ancient Java, Sumatra, Bali Anuradhapuram (Sri Lanka) and other pockets where Buddhism was carried in 3rd BC by Sanghmitra and Mahindra daughter and son of Emperor Ashoka. Really Bodhgaya appears to be a replica of South East Asia.

The Sun had already set. I could not resists the temptation of witnessing the Arti (showing of lamp) carried out in the Mahabodhi Temple by the devout Lama’s, Monks and others who consider Shakya Muni their supreme solace. Hurriedly I walked to the premises of the shrine to find hundreds of butter lamps and candles lighting there to create a divine atmosphere. The statues of Buddha attained serene glow due to the light of those lamps and candles. The holy sight arrested me. I stood still against a ancient wall. A group of monks were slowly moving with lamps in their hand and chanting “Buddham Sharanam Gachchami, Sangham sharanam Gachchami” in their leaps.

After experiencing this enlightening of Buddhism in its purest essence, that too at the spot of its birth, I started walking towards the hotel through the series of kiosks. The tourists and shop keepers were bargaining with each other. Why to blame them? They are all mundane creatures. After leaving the crowded market place as a moved to the hotel nearby, suddenly “Buddham Sharnam Gachchami…” Echoed in my ears. Really how different is the mundane world with the realm of spirituality.

Glorious and Magnificent Pilgrimage of Sikhs: Takhta Har Mandir Sahib

The founder and the first Guru of Sikhs Guru Nanak Dev,while undertaking his first journey towards eastern direction of the country came to Patna in the year 1507. During his sojourn in Patna he stayed with his devotee Jaitamal. During his stay in Patna he came in contact with Jauhari Salis Rai, who later became his devotee.Remaining four months in Patna, Gurunanak Dev offered preaching’s almost every day in morning and evening. At the time of his departure from Patna and giving the status of Sangat ( Sacred Place of Worship ) he declared Salis Rai his successor .

Ninth Guru of Sikh – Guru Teg Bahadur was the another first Guru of his sect , who undertook journey outside of the Punjab for the expansion of his sect . Those days he was on the journey of Assam. He was accompanied by his mother Nanki Devi. wife Gujari Devi, Brother Kripal Chandra and other Sikh courtiers . In way to his destination passing through Varanasi, Sasaram and Bodh – Gaya he halted at Patna for a few days. His family stayed at the same Sangat. On this very place on 26th of December, 1666 accordingly Poush Sudi 7 of 1723 Vikram era, Govind Rai (the original name of boyhood of Guru Govind Singh . ) took his birth . At the same time a Muslim Fakir Sayyed Bhikhan Shah residing at Ghoran of Patiala – hundred miles away from Patna visualized unique light on the horizon. Noticing that light he bowed down in worshiped form and uttered that the almighty has sent a new brilliant illuminating light on the earth in shape of a child , he set out towards the direction of that light with a view to have a glimpse of that sacred and newly born pious soul performing a long and tedious journey he reached Patna . To test the newly born baby he carried two pots with him – one filed with milk and other of water. Covering both of them properly he placed them before the child and realize that if he ( the child ) touches the pot of containing milk he would consider him to be follower of Islam and simultaneously on event of his touching pot of water – he would take him to be Hindu . But to the utter surprise the boy placed his both hands on twin pots simultaneously. This filled the Fakir with immense pleasure and he exclaimed with cheers – this country really needed a person like this .

Guru Govind Singh spent his first seven years of his infancy in Patna. He mentioned in his autobiography “ Vichitra Natak “ that this is the same place where I was born in Patna In course of time at the place of his birth a magnificient harimandir was constructed. But when this mandir was actually constructed there is no specific authentic information in this regard. However there is a record of some repair carried out for the first time in building by local king Raja Fateh Chand maini in 1722. is available. Mulla Ahmed Babahani who came here in Patna towards last days of 18th century has mentioned in his book Mirat ul Ahiwal the following facts -‘ devotees of Guru Govind Singh has built a palatial magnificent building in the memory of Guru Govind Singh and named as Hari Mandir. This has became the center of strength and power of Sikhs. This is also famous by the name Sangat ( a sacred place of assembly for religious discussion and discourses ) Sikhs have made it a seat of their pilgrimage . It has become a symbol of respectful dedication and devotion of Sikh community.

In 1781 Charles Willikins who has witnessed a building of Sikh college here has mentioned – “ the construction of building on the birth place of Guru Govind Singh is scattered in about 40 sq.m which is about 6 to7ft above the surface of the land. In the center there is a big room which is surrounded by other rooms. All the arch and wooden pillars there are beautiful attractive and ornamental carvings. The building is of greater length in comparison to his breadth. Whole surface is covered with carpets. By the side of the wall about 6 to 7 palanquin are placed on which the Guru Granth Sahab – the holy religious scripture book is placed . One small room is decorated with golden cloths where Manji Sahab ( palanquin with Guru Granth Sahab ) is placed in well arranged gorgeous decoration. Just above the palanquin a golden chain is having various bouquet are arranged. By the side by which there are three donation pots in which visitors inserts their donations and gifts. Letters inscribed on the Guru Granth sahab are all golden. But the present building of Hari Mandir Shaeb does not exist in the previous original form. Suitable changes have all along been done in it . Now the whole structure made of marble presents a very attractive and marvelous look. Depicting the memories of Guru Govind Singh various objects used by him such as his cradle, his wooden footwear ( Kharaun), his apron, books and other memorable commodities are well preserved there. It is said Guru Govind Singh had inscribed his name on the Dharma Granth by sharp point of his arrow.


The four most important pilgrimage of Sikh are Amritsar, Anandpur Saheb, Naded Saheb and Patna Saheb . All these were established by Guru Govind Singh. Patna Saheb is his birth place . Beside there are some additional places here which are places of importance for Sikhs.

Gurudwara Ghat Sahab- It is an old house of Guru Nanak Dev’s devotee bhakta Jaitamal . This place was made sacred firstly by the visit of Guru Nanak Dev and nextly by Guru Teg Bahadur . Guru Teg Bahadur has stayed there with his whole family in the year 1666. This is stationed at Ashok Rajpath at the distance from 4 km from Harmandir . Guru dwara Govind Ghat- It is located at the bank of river Ganga at the distance of only 200 hundreds yards from Harmandir. This is famous with the name Kangan Ghat . it is the same Ghat from where boy Govind singh has thrown the golden bracelet in to the river Ganga . The local king of the time Raja Fateh Chand Maini together with his queen was great admirer and devotee of Guru Govind Singh . Due to being issueless, both of them were very sad. One day he narrated his agony to Pandit Shivdutta . Pandit Shivdutta was having held respectful position among the Hindus. Pandit Shivdutta informed them that a boy gifted with divine qualities Govind Rai by name will transform their dejected and disappointed life into joyful one. On this assurance lives of the couple was filed with pleasure . They use to look after Govind Rai with affection and respect . One day while the queen was busy in her worship in her prayer room Govid rai suddenly appeared there and set in the lap of the queen . He was playing with his colleagues else were and together with all of them he reached there . Govind Rai spoke to the queen that they got tired due to playing and feel hungry. He demanded some edible from the queen. This was an occasion of pleasant surprise for the queen. She embraced Govind Rai . Both king and queen were quite happy. The king got prepared bread baked in Ghee ( Puri ) and fried gram . The same was served on child Govind Rai and his companion . Since than it has become a tradition to serve the Sikh devotee with fried bread and gram.

Guru Ka Bag – Towards east of Har Mandir Sahab there was spacious garden of trees belonging to two Nawab brothers – Rahim Baksh and Karim Baksh. These two brothers were admirer of Guru Nanak Dev. They were very much impressed by Govind Rai also . Guru Teg Bahadur , when arrived at Patna from Punjab , he stayed in the same garden for a while . Before arrival of Guru Teg Bahadur the garden was presenting a deserted look as all the trees were dried. The dried garden change into green once soon after the entrance of Guru Teg Bahadur . Getting the information of this miracle both Baksh borthers ran up the garden and made earnest request to Guru to accept the ownership of the garden which they willingly offered to him. Guru accepted the offer and garden has become famous as Guru Dwara Guru ka Bag which has a pond. This is located at the distance of 4 km from Hari Mandir Sahab .

Guru Dwara Handi Sahab – At the time of his departure from Patna together with his family members Guru Teg Bahadur made a first halt at a place near Danapur , about 20 km west of Patna in the house of an old lady Yamuna Devi . She prepared in a earthen pot a mixture of boiled rice and pulse food preparation to serve only Govind Rai .But miraculously enough the limited food preparation became such in as even after serving all the members of the party , the quantity remained intact . A Gurudwara has been made here also and once in a year, a holy performance is held here by Takht Hari Mandir Sahab .

Preserved memorable materials associated with the life of Guru Govind Singh in Takht Hari Mandir Sahab .

1. Guru Granth Sahab with the signature of Guru Govind Singh .

2. Oil paintings depicting the childhood activities of Guru Govind Singh known as picture Chhabi Sahab .

3. A small cradle – on which child Guru Govind Singh used to sleep known as Pandhura Sahab .

4. Small sword of Guru Govind Singh .

5. Four small arrows used by Guru Govind Singh .

6. Clay round marbles with which Guru Govind Singh used to play .

7. Small iron chakri which Guru Govind Singh used .

8. Small spear like double blade sword – known as Khanda .

9. Tiger nailed shaped dagger.

10. Wooden comb of Guru Govind Singh .

11. One pair of wooden foot pair filled with ivory used by Guru Govind Singh .

12. Order sheet ( Hukmanama ) granted by Guru Govind Singh .

13. Apron of Guru Govind Singh .

14. Wooden footwear made of sandalwood used by Guru Teg Bahadur .

15. Order sheet ( Farman ) of Guru Teg Bahadur .

16. A well used by mother of Guru Govind Singh known as Mata Gujri Ka Kuan.