Takht Sri Patna Sahib
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One of the Five Takhts of the Sikhs. The Gurdwara at Patna Sahib is in remembrance of the birth place of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs. Like many historical Gurdwara's in India and Pakistan, this Gurdwara was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
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[edit] Gurdwara Patna Sahib
"As described by Charles Wilkins" By Professor Kirpal Singh, Punjabi University
Charles Wilkins was one of the pioneering orientalists of the 18th century. With his help Sir William Jones, founder of the Asiatic Society, Calcutta, learnt Sanskrit. Later, he earned the title of "Father of Sanskrit" in the eyes of his contemporaries by writing grammar of Sanskrit language. He was the first to design and manufacture the type for production of Sanskrit and Persian grammars and proved to be a pioneer in the typographic art in the oriental language.
Born in 1749 in England, Wilkins joined the service of the East India Company at the age of twenty. He suggested to the Governor General, Warren Hastings, to establish a printing press in 1778. Wilkins translated Manusmriti, Mahabharat and Hitopdesh and the later years of his life were devoted to the revision of Richardson's Persian, Arabic and English Dictionary. He died in 1836 in England.
Charles Wilkins was one of the earliest Europeans to write about the Sikhs. He wrote on March 1, 1781:
"Before I left Calcutta a gentleman with whom I chanced to be discoursing of that sect of people who are distinguished from worshippers of Brahm and followers of Mohomed by the appellation 'Seek' (meaning Sikhs) informed me that there was a considerable number of them settled in the city of Patna."
Since he was proceeding on leave to Benaras he stopped at Patna. Following is the description of Gurdwara Patna Sahib and the daily routine there:
" I found the College of the Seeks (Sikhs) situated in one of the narrow streets of Patna, at no very considerable distance from the custom house. I was permitted to enter the outward gate; but as soon as I came to the steps which led up into the Chapel, or public hall, I was civilly accosted by two of the Society, I asked them if I might ascent into the hall. They said it was a place of worship open to me and to all men; but at the same time, intimated that I must take off my shoes.. I did not hesitate to comply, and I was then politely conducted into the hall, and seated upon a carpet, in the midst of the assembly, which was so numerous as almost to fill the room.
[edit] The Congregation
The congregation arranged themselves upon the carpet, on each side of the hall, so as to leave a space before the altar from end to end. The great book, was brought, with some little ceremony from the altar, and placed at the opposite extremity of the hall. An old man, with a revered silver beard, knelt down before the desk with his face towards the altar; and on one side of him sat a man with a small drum, and two or three with cymbals. The book was now opened and the old man began to chant to the tune of the drum and cymbals; and, at the conclusion of every verse, most of the congregation joined chorus in a response, with countenances exhibiting great marks of joy. Their tones were by no means harsh; the time was quick; and I learnt that the subject was Hymn in praise of the unity, the omnipresence and the omnipotence, of the Deity.
I was singularly delighted by the gestures of the old man; I never saw a countenance so expressive of infelt joy, whilst he turned about from one to another, as it were, be speaking their assets to those truths which his very soul seemed to be engaged in chanting forth. The Hymn being concluded, which consisted of about twenty verses, the whole congregation got up, and presented their faces with joined hands towards the altar, in the attitude of prayer. A young man now stood forth; and, with a loud voice and distinct accent, solemnly pronounced a long prayer, or kind of liturgy, at certain periods of which all the people joined in a general response, saying Wa Gooroo. They prayed against temptation; for grace to do good; for the general good of mankind; and a particular blessings to the Seeks; and for the safety of those who at that time were on their travels. This prayer was followed by a short blessing from the old man, and an invitation to the assembly to partake of a friendly feast. The book was then closed and restored to its place at the altar.
[edit] The Holy Pudding
The two men entered bearing a large iron cauldron, called a "karahi", just taken from the fire, and placed it in the centre of the hall upon a low stool. These were followed by others with five or six dishes, some of which were silver, and a large pile of leaves sewed together with fibres, in the form of plates. One of these plates was given to each of the company without distinction; and the dishes being filled from the cauldron, their contents were served out until everyone had got his share. Myself was not forgotten; and, as I was resolved not to give them the smallest occasion for offence, I ate up my portion. It was a kind of sweetmeat, of the consistence of soft brown sugar, composed of flour and sugar mixed up with clarified butter, which is called "ghee". Had not the ghee been rancid, I should have relished it better. We were next served with a few sugar plums and here ended the feast and the ceremonies of the day. They told me the religious part of the ceremony was daily repeated five times.
[edit] See also
- Akal Takht
- Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib
- Takht Sri Damdama Sahib
- Takht Sri Hazur Sahib
- Sri Dasam Granth ,The Sri Dasam Granth Sahib website
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