Guru Gobind Singh was born as Gobind Rai[2] in Patna to the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Teg Bahadur and his wife Mata Gujri. He was born while Guru Tegh Bahadur was touring Assam to spread his teachings. According to a legend, the birth of Gobind Rai was prophesized by Pir Bhikan Shah, a fakir from Thaksa village (now in Karnal District of Haryana).

 
A painting depicts visit of Pir Bhikhan Shah to see child Gobind RaiOne day, Bhikan Shah (from Ambawalan now known as "AMBALA" in Haryana a village now a days known as "Sadhaura") bowed towards the east during his prayers, contrary to the strict standard Islamic practice of bowing in the direction of Qibla-Kaaba only. When the villagers questioned his strange act, he stated that a special child, the savior chosen by the God, would be born in Patna, which lay to the East. He then traveled to Patna with a group of his followers to see the child. He placed two bowls of sweets before the newborn; one bowl was purchased from a Hindu's shop, and the second from a Muslim's shop, thus signifying the two major contemporary religions in India. The baby placed his hands on both the bowls, thus indicating that both Hindus and Muslims will be treated equally by him.