It is not a turn you can take at random. It is rather a call that destines you to reach the Guru’s Abode and blesses you in spirit. The train ride takes you to the five holy ‘Takhts’ of India: Anandpur Sahib, Amritsar Bhatinda, Nanded and Patna. Begin a journey to the sacred ground of saints, seers and gurus.
The tour also helped to showcase Punjab’s ancient culture and heritage, customs, practices and most importantly its spiritual side. The itinerary is aimed at tourists seeking a spiritual experience, with a special focus on non-resident Indians.
The train was marked from Safdarjung railway station in New Delhi. The train reached the historic city of Anandpur Sahib, which is the seat of Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib – Anandpur Sahib’. It is one of the most sacred pilgrimages of the Sikhs. Situated in the lower foothills of the Himalayas, surrounded by picturesque natural scenery, it is bordered by the Satluj River forming a sparkling, shimmering blue rim to the southwest just four kilometers away. This is where the guru created Khalsa and a personal space, Gurdwara Anand Karaj Sahib, where Guru Gobind Rai’s marriage to Mata Jito took place.
The train then reached Amritsar where the Golden Temple and Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Sri Darbar Harmandir Sahib are located. It is a symbol of both magnificence and strength. The evolution of Darbar Harmindar Sahib has intertwined the history and ideology of Sikhism.
On the fourth day, the train moved to Bhatinda ‘Takht Sri Damdama Sahib’ or ‘Taiwandi Sabo’ in Bhatinda district. It is where the guru sought rest and refuge during his battles with the Mughals. Guru Gobind Singhji stayed at Damdama Sahib for nine months and it was here that he worked on the Adi Granth. He made Damdama the center for propagating the Sikh faith and named it ‘Khalsa De Takht’ or Throne of Khalsa. He had a special stamp issued with the inscription Amal Sahal, Guru Gobind Singh Ji Ki Jagha Takht Damdama Ji’ which proves the importance of this place. The seal was used on all important documents issued by the guru of Damdama Sahib. The train leaving for Nanded.
Nanded and ‘Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib’ is the main shrine, located approximately half a kilometer from the left bank of the Godavari River. It marks the site where the Guru had his camp in 1708 after the departure of Emperor Bahadur Shah.
The tenth guru held his court and congregation here and this shrine is erected on the very site of his own tent where he was convalescing after being attacked by assailants and from where he took to heaven together with his horse Dilbag. One can enjoy the langar at Hazur Sahib.
The next destination is Patna, Bihar and is reached by plane, the last takht of the trip. ‘Takht Sri Patna Sahib’ is located approximately 20 kilometers from Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Airport, Patna.
After arriving at Takht Sri Patna Sahib’, you will perform full day rituals at Gurudwara. The Gurudwara was founded in remembrance of the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs on December 22, 166. It was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839), the first Maharaja of the Sikh Empire, on the shore of the Ganges river.
The tour was an experience of simple devotion, as all the tourists had the opportunity to pay homage and complete their circuit of the five Sikh takhts.
The spiritual journey may be over, but the memory will stay with us forever’ This is ‘A spiritual journey to the abode of the Guru’ in Deccan Odyssey.
Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi – Board (The Deccan Odyssey)
Day 2: Anandpur Sahib – Kiratpur Sahib (Takht Sri Keshargarh Sahib)
Day 3: Amritsar (Sri Akal Takht Sahib)
Day 4: Bhatinda (Takht Sri Damdama Sahib)
Day 5: Jaipur
Day 6: Agra
Day 7: Nanded (Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib)
Day 8: Mumbai – Patna (Takht Sri Patna Sahib)
Day 9: Patna-Delhi