Introduction
Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Bathinda is the fourth takht. Takhts are the Seat of Temporal Authority of Sikhism and there are only 5 Takhts constructed in all over India which are as below:
- Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Golden Temple, Amritsar.
- Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib, Patna, Bihar.
- Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Anandpur Sahib.
- Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Bathinda (Talwandi Sabo).
- Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded, Maharashtra.
First, third and fourth takhts are situated in Punjab and rest two are out of Punjab.
If you want to know about the SIKHISM in depth then visit to these five takhts is must. This takht is related with 10th Sikh Guru Sri Guru Gobind Singh who prepared the full version of the Sikh Scriptures called Sri Guru Granth Sahib in 1705 here.
I visited Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Bathinda 5 times in my life. Experience of every visit is wonderful and I feel calm and relaxed here. I get a positive vibrant energy from this place which impact my mind in a constructive way.
To make things easily navigable and understable, I have designed this article in FAQ format.
Table of Contents
Where Takht Sri Damdama Sahib is situated?
Takht Sri Damdama Sahib is situated in Talwandi Sabo town of Punjab which is at a distance of 30 KM from Bathinda city.
What is the history behind Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Bathinda?
Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Bathinda is the fourth takht in Sikhism. Literally, “Damdama “means resting place. Guru Gobind Singh ji halted here after the Sikhs fought several defensive battles.
Guru Gobind Singh ji left the fort of Anandpur Sahib after the fake promises made by Mughals and Hill Kings. When Guru ji and Sikhs left the Anandpur Fort and reached near Sarsa river. Then, at this place, the Mughal army attacked the Sikhs. The family members of Guru Gobind Singh were separated from each other.
The two younger sons i.e. Baba Fateh Singh and Baba Zorawar Singh along with Mother Gujar Kaur ji were arrested by Wazir Khan of Sirhind near Morinda city. The two young sons were bricked alive in the walls at Sirhind where Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib is situated.
The two elder sons i.e. Baba Ajit Singh and Baba Jujhar Singh along with the Five beloved and Guru Gobind Singh reached at Chamkaur Sahib. Here they fought a thundered battle with 10 lakhs of Mughal army soldiers and got their Martyrdom. Gurudwara Katalgarh is built on this place.
Guru Gobind Singh ji who escaped Chamkaur di Garhi after the requests from 5 beloved reached Dina Kangar (Near Moga) via Machiwara, Ludhiana. He wrote a ZAFARNAMA (Letter of Victory) to Aurangzeb, the Mughal Emperor of India at that time from this place.
After that Sri Guru Gobind Singh arrived in Talwandi Sabo on an elevated piece of land. At the place that Guru Ji rested, the location became famous as ‘Damdama Sahib’.
From Damdama Sahib, Guru Ji issued orders (Hukamnama) for all Sikh’s so was also known as a ‘Takht’.
Guru ji stayed at Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Bathinda for more than a year. He got completed the task of writing GURU GRANTH SAHIB from Bhai Mani Singh. That Scripture is famous by the name of “Damdami Bir” and all new scriptures of Guru Granth Sahib are copied from it.
What is the Architectural Design of this Gurudwara Building?
The present building of the Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Bathinda was constructed during the 1970s under the supervision of Sant Seva Singh of Sri Keshgarh Sahib and is a spacious high-ceilinged hall, with a pavilion, at either end.
The Takht (throne) proper is a 2 metre high square platform lined with white marble and marked off with numerous columns in the southern part of the hail. This is the sanctum sanctorum on which the Guru Granth Sahib is seated. After the evening service the Holy Granth is carried to the old Manji Sahib in a procession of hymn-singing Sikhs.
The interior of the sanctum is decorated with reflecting glass pieces of varying colours set in geometrical and floral designs. Over the sanctum, above the half roof, is a domed square room topped by a tall gold-plated pinnacle and an umbrella-shaped finial, with a khanda at the apex. Octagonal towers at the hall corners have also domed pavilions above them. All these domes are lined with glazed tiles in white, light yellow and light blue colours.
Source: http://www.discoversikhism.com/sikh_gurdwaras/takht_sri_damdama_sahib.html
Why Takht Sri Damdam Sahib Bathinda is called as "Guru ki Kashi"?
Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Bathinda is known by the name of “GURU KI KASHI” due to the following reasons:
- Guru Tegh Bahadur had called Talwandi Sabo ‘Guru Ki Kashi’, predicting that “many scholars, philosophers, theologians, copyists with elegant hand, students and Sikhs will adorn the place.” The prophecy came true when learned Sikhs poured in from far and near to be with Guru Gobind Singh. Among them was Bhai Mani Singh who came from Delhi escorting Mata Sundri and Mata Sahib Kaur. Guru Gobind Singh had Bhai Mani Singh prepare a fresh copy of the Guru Granth Sahib under his own supervision. The spot where this work was carried out is still shown to Sikhs.
- The title ‘Guru Ki Kashi’ was also given because of the intense literary activities that Guru Gobind Singh engaged in during his stay here (the compilation of Sikh scriptures). It is said that one day Guru Gobind flung a handful of reed pens over the heads of the congregation (‘Sangat’), to quote the Sakhi Pothi, the Guru said: “Thousands of Sikhs will hereafter study the holy texts in this place and then pens will come into use. This is our Kashi (seat of learning); those who study here will cast off their ignorance and rise to be authors, poets and commentators.”
Copies of the Guru Granth Sahib continued to be prepared from Damdama Sahib.
A great Shaheed (Martyr) of Sikhi, Baba Deep Singh Ji was installed as the first Jathedar (head) of Damdama Sahib.
Baba Deep Singh made additional copies of Sri Granth Sahib Ji and sent them to the other four Takhts so the message of Sikhi could be spread far and wide.
What facilities are available here?
Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Bathinda remains always flocked with visitors and to accommodate big rush, the complex of the gurdwara is huge and it offers a number of facilities:
Places to stay: Although you can book hotels near the gurudwara for any category (2-star to 5-star) but gurudwara offers the facility of Sarai (Place to stay) at a very nominal cost. You can book your stay 15 days in advance in case of major festivals.
Guru Ka Langar (Free Public Kitchen): Free food is offered 24 hours a day here and you can eat here. The food is prepared in hygienic conditions and special care is being given to the cleanliness of the premises where food is distributed. The building where food is served is known by the name of “Mata Sunder Kaur ji Langar Hall”.
Shopping: A big market is there surrounding the Gurudwara complex where you can shop the souvenir items. You can also buy literature and books regarding Sikhism and Punjab history here.
Continuous kirtan (hymns) is being chanted by raagis and you can listen to the Bani of Gurus here.
What are the historical artefacts which are lying inside Takht Sahib?
The following list of artefacts is preserved inside Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Bathinda:
- Sword (Sri Sahib) of Guru Gobind Singh ji.
- Rifle of Guru Gobind Singh ji which was used to test the loyalty of Bhai Dhir Singh and Bhai Bir Singh.
- Khanda of Baba Deep Singh.
- Mirror of Guru Gobind Singh ji.
- Old copy of Guru Granth Sahib which was written by Baba Deep Singh.
Which is the best time to visit Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Bathinda?
You can visit Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Bathinda at any time of the year. However weather is pleasant during winter season (October to April).
What to wear in Gurudwaras?
There is no special dress code for visiting gurudwaras. But it is a religious place and devotees have feelings attached to these holy shrines.
So you are advised to wear simple, sober clothes which cover your maximum body (Avoid short skirts in case of females). Moreover, you have to cover your head with any piece of cloth or handkerchief. Without head covering, you will not be allowed inside the main gurudwara premises. If by chance, you do not have any piece of cloth with you, then you can take that from the main shrine entrance point.
One another thing, you have to put off your shoes and socks in the Jora Ghar (Shoe rack room) before entering the temple.
How to reach Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Bathinda?
Takht Sri Damdama Sahib is situated in Talwandi Sabo which is just at a distance of 30 KM from main Bathinda city. It is well connected with three modes of transportation and you can reach here by following means:
By Air: The nearest airport is Chandigarh International Airport which is at a distance of 180 Km. You can easily reach here by booking Cab/Taxi or bus from Airport which would take approximately 2 and half an hour. Another option is Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport, Amritsar which is approximately 230 Km away.
By Road: It is well connected with roads and you can reach here by Bus/taxi/cab or your own private vehicle from any nearby major city like Amritsar, Chandigarh and Delhi. It is at a distance of approx. 300 Km from Delhi, the National capital of India and the journey will take around 6 hours.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is “Bathinda Junction” which is well connected with the Rail network and you can book a train to Bathinda from the major cities of India. It is the most economical way to reach here.
Contact information for Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Bathinda
Location : Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda
Pin Code: 151302
Official Website: https://www.takhatsridamdamasahib.com
Official E-Mail ID:
info@takhatsridamdamasahib.com
takhatsridamdamasahib@yahoo.co.in
Phone Number: 01655-220236 (O)
Historical Gurudwaras around Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Bathinda.
There are a number of historic gurudwaras around Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Bathinda but I am going to talk about the famous ones. The list is as below:
- Gurudwara Likhansar Sahib
- Gurudwara Burj Baba Deep Singh
- Gurudwara Gurusar Sarovar Sahib
- Gurudwara Mata Sunder Kaur ji
- Gurudwara Bhai Bir Singh & Bhai Dhir Singh
- Gurudwara Sri Manji Sahib
Gurudwara Likhansar Sahib
Gurudwara Likhansar Sahib is situated along the main entrance point of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Bathinda. The meaning of “Likhan” means writing and “Sar” means sarovar (pond) so the meaning of Likhansar is “Pool of writing”.
During the time of Guru Gobind Singh ji, there was a sarovar/pond (which is still there) in which the used pens with which the Guru Granth Sahib was written by Bhai Mani Singh were thrown.
Guru Gobind Singh ji blessed this place with the saying that “whomsoever shall write the thirty five words of the Gurmukhi here will be blessed with a sharp mind”.
So the devotees write the basic alphabets of Punjabi language on a slate here.
Gurudwara Burj Baba Deep Singh
Gurudwara Burj Baba Deep Singh is a 20 meter high dome shaped tower adjoining the main building of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Bathinda. It was constructed by Baba Deep Singh.
Baba Deep Singh was summoned by Guru Gobind Singh to work with Bhai Mani Singh in order to complete the writing of holy scripture. After the completion of Guru Granth Sahib, Baba Deep Singh stayed here for his rest of life.
He was posted as first Jathedar (In Charge) of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, Bathinda by Guru Gobind Singh in 1706.
There is an underground room (Bhora Sahib) where Baba Deep Singh used to stay. You can watch the old pitchers and other historical items linked with Baba Deep Singh here.
Gurudwara Gurusar Sarovar Sahib
Gurdwara Sri Gurusar Sarovar Sahib is situated to the side rear of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Bathinda and is at a minute walking distance.
Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji helped build the sarovar. Later, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji also performed sewa at this sarovar.
When there was disease of ‘Plague’, Guru Gobind Singh had Amrit prepared and had the Amrit placed in the sarovar. Guru Gobind Singh said that those who bathe in the sarovar with dedication and belief will be cured of the disease.
Remnant of old tree (Beri) has been preserved here in the memory of Guru ji.
During the course of time, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji and Bhai Attar Singh performed repairs on the sarovar.
Gurudwara Mata Sunder Kaur ji
Gurudwara mata Sunder kaur ji is located just at the backside of main Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Bathinda.
It is the place where Mata Sunder Kaur ji (Wife of Guru Gobind Singh) asked about their sons (Sahibzadey) and Guru ji replied while watching towards sikhs that
“In Putran Ke Sees Par, Vaar Diye Sut Char||
Char Muai Taan Kiya Bhaya, Jeewat Kayee Hazaar||”
The meaning is that I have sacrificed my four sons over the thousand sikhs. What happened if four are not alive today but instead thousands of sikhs are alive.
Gurudwara Bhai Bir Singh & Bhai Dhir Singh
This Gurdwara is situated at the main entrance point of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Bathinda and exact opposite to the Gurudwara Likhansar Sahib.
According to Bhai Santokh Singh, Chaudhary Dalla boasted about the loyalty and courage of his Jat soldiers to Guru Gobind Singh. Guru Gobind Singh asked him to provide a couple of his men as targets so that he could test the range and striking power of a new muzzle loading weapon. The strange demand stunned Dalla and his men and none of them came forward.
Guru Gobind Singh called for any nearby Sikhs and the two Sikhs, who were at that moment busy tying their turbans, came running, with turbans in their hand. The Sikhs, father and son, were each trying to be in front of the other in order to be the first to face the bullet. Dalla, astonished at the Sikhs spirit of sacrifice, was humbled.
Gurudwara Sri Manji Sahib
This Gurudwara is on the rear side of main Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Bathinda and is at a 5-minute walking distance.
It is believed that Sri Guru Teg Bahadur, the 9th Sikh Guru and father of Guru Gobind Singh has stayed here for some period of time.
Final Words
My visit to Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Bathinda was wonderful. One must visit this holy shrine at least once in his lifetime. You will get in-depth knowledge about Sikh political and historical aspect. You would come to know about the sikh literature.
I hope this information would be useful. If you have any query regarding Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Bathinda visit then feel free to post a comment in the comment box. I will be glad to answer your query.
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