Takht Damdama is one of those holy places where the tenth guru Guru Gobind Singh prepared Sikh scriptures which came to be known as guru Granth Sahib in the year 1705. The place owes its importance mainly because of the literary works created here. The four Takhts situated at Sri Damdama Bathinda are Takht Sri Keshgarh, Akal Takht, Takht Sri Huzur Sahib and Takht Sri Patna Sahib.

Damdama Sahib was the only one to prepare the authentic and revised version of Adi Granth, which is highly honored by the Sikhs. Adi granth has same place as guru Granth sahib in the Sikh religion. It is said that Guru Gobind Singh stayed at Sri Damdama Sahib for almost one year.

History

Damdama literally means a place where one can take rest and have some break from the busy activities of life. It was from Damdama Sahib that Guru Gobind Singh released special orders which were known as Hukamnama for the Sikhs. The orders declared the place as takht. Over one lakh people visit the holy shrine daily for worship. The Tenth guru Guru Gobind Sahib resided here fighting against the atrocities of Mughals. Several new converts joined the khalsa fold at Damdama Sahib only. Each evening the holy book is carried is to Majni sahib in a group of hymn-singing devotees.

Festivals

The writings of Dr Trump found in 1706 stated that Guruji baptized more than 1.2lac devotees on the festival of Baisakhi or the joint Mela. In order to maintain the same custom, the festival of Baisakhi is celebrated every year and it witnesses devotees visiting the shrine to get the blessing of Guruji even today.

Architecture

The temple was constructed in 1970 under the guidance of Sant Seva Singh who was a residence of Sri Keshgarh. The temple is beautifully constructed with spacious high ceilings and pavilions at either ends of the hall. The takht or throne is a 2m high platform lined with white colored marble and is marked off with a number of columns in the south part of the holy hall. This is the place where Guru Gobind Singh used to take his seat.

The interior of the hall is adorned with some reflecting pieces of glass in different colors, designs and patterns. Above the sanctum is a half roof that appears like a square-shaped dome. It is topped by an umbrella-shaped finial and tall gold-plated summit, along with a khanda located at the apex. Octagon shaped towers are located at the corner of the hall. They too have domed pavilions situated over them.

Visitor Information

As per the rules observed in Sikh Gurudwaras, Damdama Sahib is open to all sorts of people regardless of their creed, color, caste or sex. The only constraint on visitors of Damdama Sahib is regarding their behavior when they enter the temple.

Maintaining the Integrity of the Holy Shrine

• One must remove shoes before entering the temple
•  Washing feet in the small pond of water provided
• People entering the hall must not eat meat, drink alcohol, smoke or consume drugs while  inside the shrine

Dressing Appropriately

• One must wear a head covering  as sign of respect (the Gurdwara renders head scarves for visitors who have not brought a suitable covering for themselves);
• Not wearing shoes (see above).
• How to Act
• One must sit over the ground while being inside the Darbar of Damdama Sahib. Sitting on the floor acts as a sign of deference to the Guru Granth Sahib and God.

First-time visitors are mainly advised to commence their visit as per the information office