Context:
• Sacred relic Jore Sahib — footwear of 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and Mata Sahib Kaur Ji — transported from Delhi to Patna Sahib (~1,500 km).
• Installed on 1 November 2025 at Takhat Sri Harmandir Ji Patna Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
• Significance: first time in over 300 years the relic returned to its spiritual homeland.
Key Highlights:
- Religious and Cultural Significance
• Patna Sahib → one of the five Takhts in Sikhism; major pilgrimage site.
• Private custodians of the relics have offered them for public veneration.
• Relic = symbol of historical and spiritual continuity for the Sikh faith. - Authentication and Preservation
• Scientifically validated by Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts.
• Provenance verified via carbon dating by Ministry of Culture.
• Special transport and preservation systems implemented to maintain integrity of relics. - Custodians
• Relics’ private custodians linked to Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri’s family.
• Historical service connection → ancestors served Guru Gobind Singh Ji, safeguarded the holy footwear.
Relevant Prelims Points:
• Takhat Sri Patna Sahib → birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, important Sikh Takhat.
• Jore Sahib → sacred footwear (Charan Suhawa) of Guru Gobind Singh Ji & Mata Sahib Kaur Ji.
• Authentication → carbon dating + scientific validation.
• Distance of relocation: ~1,500 km from Delhi to Patna.
Relevant Mains Points:
• Highlights India’s commitment to preservation of religious & cultural heritage (GS1 – Indian culture).
• Demonstrates collaboration between private custodians & government for public access to heritage.
• Way Forward:
– Ensure long-term preservation protocols for religious relics.
– Encourage awareness & education about Sikh history and heritage.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
• GS1 – Indian culture, Sikh heritage, religious history
• GS2 – Role of government in preservation of cultural heritage