Takhat Damdama Sahib

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Takhat Damdama Sahib in Talwandi Sabo

Takhat Sri Damdama Sahib (29.987°n 75.078°e) 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 prepared the revised and authentic version of the Adi Granth which is now being honored by the Sikhs as Guru Granth Sahib, their perpetual Guru or spiritual guide or teacher. He added to the original version prepared by Guru Arjan Dev the verses of Guru Teg Bahadur. A large number of new converts joined the fold of the Khalsa here. Guru Gobind Singh 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 or Damdami 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.

One More Article

Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, adjoining the Darbar Sahib on the east, marks the site where Guru Gobind Singh held his daily assemblies during his stay. Guru Tegh Bahadur had called Talwandi Sabo Guru ki Kashi, predicting that "many scholars, philosophers, theologians, copyists with elegant hand, students and devotees 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 Sundari and Mata Sahib Devan, the Guru's consorts separated from him after the evacuation of Anandpur. 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 pilgrims.

Copies continued to be prepared here from this recension. One such copy preserved here is believed to have been prepared by Baba Deep Singh Shahid himself and contains 707 leaves exduding the list of contents spread over 29 leaves. It was from here that the Guru issued his commands and letters to far-flung Sikh sangats. The place became in fact a centre of Sikh learning. This character it has maintained ever since as the home of what is known as Damdami Taksal, or the Damdama School of Learning.

The present building of the Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, constructed during the 1970s under the supervision of Sant Seva Singh of Sri Keshgarh, 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 Book is carried to the old Manji Sahib in a procession of hymn-singing devotees. 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.

Other Shrines

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.

Five Takhats Of Sikhism

Shri Akal Takhat   •   Takhat Sri Keshgarh Sahib   •   Takhat Sri Patna Sahib   •   Takhat Sri Hazoor Sahib   •   Takhat Sri Damdama Sahib