Gurudwara Damdama Sahib is situated in Dilli near Hazrat Nizamuddin’s Dargah and is associated with the Tenth Sikh Guru, Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Here Guru Gobind Singh Ji had a meeting with Empror Bahadur Shah Zafar in 1707 when he came to Dilli. The Emperor was better known as Prince Muazzam back then, post the Emperor’s request who called upon the Guru Ji to get his help in the battle for succession of the Dilli throne against his own brother after the death of Aurangzeb.
Guru Sahib met the Emperor near Humayun’s Tomb, and together they drew up their strategy for battle. Together they watched elephant and bull fights organized for their entertainment and Guru Gobind promised to help the Emperor if he in return promised to punish all those responsible for the treacherous killing of his sons and destroying his army and his city, Anandpur.
During his meetings with the Emperor Guru Gobind Singh Ji gave in details the name of all those army personal and Kings of hilly areas who were responsible for inflicting terror & lynching on innocent Sikhs and tender aged Sahibzaadas. Also of them who got Shri Anandpur Sahib vacated and destroyed valueless belongings literary treasures of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Listening to these atrocities Emperor promised to punish all those responsible for such acts once he consolidates his power.
Gurudwara Damdama Sahib (place of rest) was first built by Bhagel Singh in 1783, when a huge Sikh army under his command conquered Dilli. It was a small Gurudwara initially, however, later Maharaja Ranjit Singh delegated his officials to renovate the Gurudwara. Consequently, a deorhi (Sikh architectural structure) was constructed, including buildings for priests and pilgrims. In 1984, a new building was constructed. Every year thousands of devotees assemble here to celebrate the festival called Hola Mohalla.
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