Gurdwara Damdama Sahib, Delhi

Even if you are not a religious person, a visit to Gurudwara Damdama Sahib in Delhi will leave you astounded. Located in the downtown of the Nizamuddin region, near Humayun’s Tomb, Gurdwara Damdama Sahib is one of the most historical pilgrimage sites in Delhi. The term ‘Damdama’ refers to breathing or resting place. The gurdwara marks the meeting of 1707 between the tenth Sikh Guru - Guru Gobind Singh and Prince Muazzam, who later became the seventh Mughal Emperor - Bahadur Shah Zafar I.

Thousands of devotees flock to this place during this festival time that makes Gurdwara Damdama Sahib one of the most popular places of worship for Sikhs in Delhi. To enter the sanctum, one has to remove his shoes in the shoe-minding room. Moreover, before entering the main gurdwara, devotees cover their heads with a handkerchief available at the gurdwara itself. Moreover, they also wash their hands and feet before going into the main gurdwara. This signifies the reverence paid by the pilgrims to the Guru. Inside the sanctum, there are two different sections for men and women to offer their homage. A ritual is followed by the devotees to offer their prayers; one has to bow down to his knees and touch his forehead on the ground in front of Guru Granth Sahib. Guru Granth Sahib is a holy book that is kept there in the center of the sanctum and is guarded by the Sikh Gurus all the time.

History

The origin of the Gurdwara Damdama Sahib in Delhi dates back to the time when Guru Gobind Singh met Prince Muazzam in 1707. Prince Muazzam was keen to seek help from Guru Gobind Singh in the struggle for obtaining his place on the throne of the capital city Delhi. Keeping aside the fact about the hostile behavior by the Mughal Emperors, especially Aurangzeb, towards his ancestors, Guru Gobind Singh agreed to help Prince Muazzam. However, in return, he put a condition in front of Muazzam; Guru Gobind promised to support Prince Muazzam only if he would penalize all those responsible for his sons’ traitorous assassination. In that way, Guru Gobind Singh helped Prince Muazzam to win his battle to become Delhi’s Mughal Emperor. The place where the Gurdwara Damdama Sahib stands is the site where the meeting between both Guru Gobind and Muazzam took place and the strategy was made to acquire his kingdom.

Architecture

The present structure of Gurdwara Damdama Sahib was built in the year 1984. However, it was originally built in the year 1783 by Sardar Bhagel Singh and was also later renovated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The gurdwara spreads over a massive area that easily accommodates all the volunteers along with the other members of the gurdwara. The imposing white marble structure of Gurdwara Damdama Sahib is engirdled by lush greenery and is located in proximity to Humayun’s Tomb - another historical tourist attraction in Delhi from the Mughal era. The rooftop of the gurdwara gives a clear sprawling view of Nizamuddin Railway Station, Sarai Kale Khan, and Ring Road. Besides the sanctum, the other main feature of this gurdwara is a large kitchen where langar (a communal free kitchen) is served to the visitors without taking a halt. This langar is served every day all year round.