Addressing a large gathering of the Indian diaspora in Auckland, New Zealand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recounted an incredibly moving and historic narrative. During his speech, the Prime Minister specifically urged Indians living across the globe and visitors traveling to India to make a pilgrimage to Takht Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib in Bihar. Alongside this invitation, he detailed a 300-year-old legacy associated with the tenth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Maharaj.
A Legacy of Devotion
The Prime Minister highlighted that the family of Hardeep Singh Puri, a minister in his cabinet, has remained dedicated to the service of the Guru’s household for generations. The ancestors of Hardeep Singh Puri were very close attendants of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Maharaj. Due to this spirit of service, the family had the honor of preserving a highly sacred and invaluable relic. This heritage consisted of the sacred 'Joda Sahib' or 'Charan Paduka' (footwear) belonging to Sri Guru Gobind Singh and Mata Sahib Kaur.
Preservation Through Turmoil
For three centuries, the Puri family treated this sacred relic as a direct blessing from the Guru, protecting it with immense devotion and care. The Prime Minister noted that while centuries passed and generations changed, the family's commitment to the service of the sacred footwear remained unwavering. The most critical period arrived during the Partition of the country. Even amidst the widespread chaos and violence of that time, the ancestors of Hardeep Singh Puri ensured the safety of the relic. In that dire situation, they successfully managed to transport the Joda Sahib from Pakistan to Delhi safely.
Returning the Relic to Patna Sahib
After keeping the relic in Delhi for many years, the realization dawned upon the Puri family that this sacred legacy should not be confined to their private home. They felt it belonged to the entire Sikh Sangat and that millions of devotees from around the world should have the opportunity to see it. To fulfill this noble objective, a special committee comprising experts well-versed in Sikh religion, history, and traditions was formed.
A Historic Homecoming
Prime Minister Modi shared that after much deliberation and considering historical facts, the committee reached a significant decision. It was determined that the Joda Sahib should be enshrined at the very place where Sri Guru Gobind Singh Maharaj was born and where his feet first touched the ground. Thus, Takht Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib was chosen as the permanent destination for this sacred heritage.
A Beacon for Devotees
Today, this sacred relic is enshrined with great respect and honor at Patna Sahib, where thousands of devotees visit daily to seek blessings. The Prime Minister expressed his profound happiness, stating it was his great fortune to have been a witness to the spiritual and historic moment when this relic was formally handed over to Patna Sahib. He concluded by reiterating his request for everyone to visit Patna Sahib during their travels to India to receive the blessings of the Guru.
