Talvara

TALVARA, locally known as RampurTalvara because of its close proximity to a village called Rampur, lies near Sri Hargobindpur (31041'N, 75029'E) in Gurdaspur district of the Punjab. It claims a historical shrine, Gurdwara Damdama Sahib, dedicated to Guru Hargobind, who is said to have preached here after the batttle of Ruhela, as Sri Hargobindpur was then called. The Gurdwara has a domed sanctum, octagonal in shape, in the middle of a walled compound entered through a twostoreyed gateway, with residential suites on either side. A rectangular hall was constructed near the sanctum in 1928. The Guru Granth Sahib is seated in this hall too. A 60metre square .sarovar is close to the Gurdwara compound, to the east of it. Tlie Gurdwara is affiliated to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, but is presently administered by Nihahg Singhs. Annual fairs are held to celebrate Hola Mohalla and Baisakhi.

References 1. Narotam, Tara Singh, Sri Guru Tirath Sangrahi. Kankhal, 1975 2. Gian Singh, Giani, Twarikh Gurduanari. Amritsar, n.d 3. Santokh Singh, Bhai, Sri Gur Pratap Suraj Granth. Amritsar, 1927-35 4. Gurbilas Chhevin PatshahL Paliala, 1970