Takhat Damdama Sahib: Difference between revisions

Takhat Damdama Sahib in Talwandi Sabo

Takhat Sri Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo, Bhatinda, is the fifth seat of the authority of Sikhs. This place owes its importance to the literary work of Guru Gobind Singh Ji done here during his stay in 1706. It was at Damdama Sahib that Guru Gobind Singh Ji prepared the revised & authentic version of the Adi Granth which is now being honored by the Sikhs as Guru Granth Sahib ji. He added to the original version prepared by Guru Arjan Dev Ji the verses of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji. A large number of new converts joined the fold of the Khalsa here. Guru Gobind Singh Ji stayed at Damdama Sahib for nearly a year.

One of the Five Takhats or Seat of Authority of the Sikhs. This takhat is situated at Batinda in Punjab, India and is the place where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs prepared the full version of the Sikh Scriptures called Sri Guru Granth Sahib in 1705. The Damdame Wali Bir as it is sometimes called was completed here by Guru Gobind Singh. It was transcribed by Bhai Mani Singh. The hymns of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, the ninth Guru and father of Guru Gobind Singh were added into the Bir.

Literally, Damdama means a place to have a break and rest. It is located at village Talwandi Sabo, 28 km southeast of Bathinda. Guru Gobind Singh stayed here after fighting battles against Mughal atrocities. Before his arrival at Talwandi, two of the Guru’s sons were bricked alive at Sarhind and two laid down their lives at Chamkaur Sahib. After writing Zafarnama, Guru Gobind Singh fought a successful battle at Muktsar and then moved towards Talwandi Sabo Ki.

After leaving the fort of Sri Anandpur Sahib & passing through Chamkur Sahib, Maachiwara, Deena Kangar followed by historic war of battle in Mukatsar. Guruji arrived in Talwandi Sabo in the Year 1705 on a high elevated small piece land. On that place Guruji took a break & relaxed. Due to this reason this pious piece of land is famous as Damdama Sahib. From Damdama sahib Guruji released orders(Hukamnama) for Sikh Desciples & announced or rather declared this sacred place as a Takhat. According to Dr. Trump's writings in 1706 Guruji Baptised around 1.2 lac devotees on the occassion of Baisakhi's Get together(Jor Mela). Maintaining the same custom, every year Baisakhi's festival is celebrated in same way here & lacs of devotees come here to get Guruji's blessings even today.

Recognition Of Takhat

This Takhat was officially recognized as the fifth Takhat on Novemver 18, 1966. On demand from the Sikhs, a sub-committee was appointed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Amritsar by a General Meeting Resolution No: 789 on July 30, 1960. A report of the sub-committee containing 183 pages was received to declare Damdama Sahib, Guru Ki Kashi as the fifth Takhat of the Sikhs. Kashi means a holiest of shrines and a learning centre. A general body meeting of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee Amritsar approved the recommendations through resolution number 32 on November 18, 1966. It has been declared as fifth Takhat by the government of India in April 1999 during tercentennial celebrations of the advent of Khalsa.

Other Shrines

• Gurdwara Manji Sahib Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur
• Gurdwara Manji Sahib Padshahi Nauvin and Dasvin
• Gurdwara Likhansar Sahib
• Gurdwara Jandsar Sahib
• Gurdwara Tibbi Sahib (Damdama Sahib)
• Gurdwara Sri Nanaksar
• Gurdwara Niwas Asthan Padshahi Dasvin
• Gurdwara Mata Sundari and Sahib Devan
• Burj Baba Deep Singh
• Samadh Bhai Dalla Singh
• Theh Sahib Bhai Bir Singh ate Dhir Singh
• Bunga Mastuana Sahib
• Gurudwara Sarovir

Few rare historical items

• Sword of guru Gobind Singh ji
• Khanda Baba Deep Singh ji
• Rifle used by Guru Gobind Singh ji to test Bhai Bir Singh ji & Dhir Singh ji
• Stamp Takhat Damdama Sahib ji
• Mirror Guru Gobind Singh ji
• Old ADI GRANTH Guru Granth Sahib ji (copy done by Baba Deep Singh ji)

All these historical items are exhibitted in Takhat Sahib in front of Sikhs present; Every Morning & Evening.