Gurudwara Dam Dama Sahib In Nizamuddin East Is A Historic Delhi Landmark With Rich History

Delhi has been an integral part of Sikh history, heritage and culture, being a witness to many of the important events of Sikhism. It boasts of housing some sites of paramount historical significance, one such being Gurudwara Dam Dama Sahib In Nizamuddin East. Follow us in as we regale you with the gurudwara’s origins!

Juxtaposition Of Mughals & Sikhism

Picture Credits: ads_cheema

The Gurudwara Dam Dama Sahib located in South Delhi in Nizamuddin East is one of the prime gurudwaras in Delhi. The origin of the gurudwara goes back to the tenth Sikh Guru, Shri Guru Gobind Singhji. This gurudwara commemorates the meeting of the 10th guru and the Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar in the year 1707. It was originally built by Sardar Bhagel Singh in the year 1783 which was then renovated and expanded by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Presently, it’s a sprawling complex containing buildings and facilities for priests, pilgrims and other administrative workers. 

The Gurudwara is located near Humayun’s Tomb, which signifies its important ties with the erstwhile Mughal Empire. The complex is laid in white marble stone - as is the custom with all Sikh gurudwaras. 

Inside The Gurudwara

Picture Credits: gurudwaradamdamasahibji

Gurudwaras are a place of worship for Sikhs and therefore, there are many rituals followed here. At the centre of the Sikh religion is the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs, which is worshipped at every gurudwara. The worshipers/visitors to the gurudwara have to remove their shoes before entering the sanctum; there’s a facility for storing shoes inside the temple complex itself, overseen by the management and run by kar sevaks, who are worshippers themselves, volunteering free services.  

Before entering the main temple, the devotees and visitors wash their hands & feet and cover their heads (both men and women) which signifies the purity of the body and reverence to the Guru Granth Sahib. Inside the temple, men and women have separate sections for prayers. Devotees usually bow down to the Guru Granth Sahib, which is kept on a podium and is taken care of by the priest at all times, who also sits behind the holy book. 

Commendable Charitable Works

Picture Credits: avtarsingh2804

Devotees can sit for as long as they wish in the temple reading scriptures, praying and listening to the kirtans (religious songs) sung by the priests. In the temple, prasad (prayer food or blessings) is given to all the devotees, which is usually suji ka halwa (semolina pudding).  

The Sikh religion believes in service to humanity and alleviation of suffering for all human beings. 

In line with these objectives, they offer free food services to all who come to the gurudwara, in the form of langar (or communal kitchen) which is operated on a daily basis all year round. The Gurudwara Dam Dama Sahib also celebrates Hola Mohalla with gaiety and fervour each year and pilgrims come here in large numbers in the months of February-March.

So, make plans to visit this peaceful and serene place of worship that welcomes everyone with open arms super soon! 

Where | Gurudwara Dam Dama Sahib - Block A, Nizamuddin East, Nizamuddin