PLACES OF INTEREST

Mar 12, 2007 05:03:24

Places of interest Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Or Talwandi Sabo From the historical point of view, the important place in the district is Talwandi Sabo (Damdama Sahib) connected with the history of Sikhs. The village of Talwandi tehsil popularly known as Damdama Sahib situated 18 miles south of Bathinda. It is the venue of the colourful Baisakhi fair. After his fiercest battle with the Mughals at Anandpur Sahib, Chamkaur Sahib and Muktsar, Guru Gobind Singh retired to the jungle of Malwa. He relaxed and took rest, Dam, at Talwandi Sabo and hence its name Damdama Sahib. The Guru stayed here nine months and nine days. He made the place a centre for spreading his mission and hence its name, Guru-ki-Kashi. He re-dictated Adi Granth here and called the place as Khalse Da Takhat. A seal was also prepared bearing the "Akal Sahai Guru Gobind Singh ji ki Jagha-Takhat Damdama Sahib ji" This place had been visited earlier by Guru Teg Bahadur, the father of Guru Gobind Singh. Damdama Sahib is also the headquarters of Nihangs. There are ten Gurdwaras and three tanks. The three tanks are; Nanksar Sarover, Akalsar Sarover, and Gurusar Sarover. The first named tank is associated with Guru Nanak Dev ji who is said to have visited this village in AD 1510 during his second Pad Yatra to Rajputana. The Akalsar Sarover is associated with Guru Gobind Singh ji, and a sip of water from it is believed to be a safeguard against any disease and scourge. The Gurusar Sarover is said to have been dug up under the orders of Guru Teg Bahadur ji. Maiser Khana The Maiser Khana mandir is situated 29 km from Bathinda on Bathinda–Mansa Road. According to a legend, the jyoti of Mata Jawala appeared to give darshan to a poor devotee who could not reach Durga temple at Jawala Ji. Every year, two melas are held where lacs of devotees come to have darshan of Jawala Ji. Qila Mubarak - the Bathinda Fort The old awe-inspiring relic of its past splendour is the fort at Bathinda which is bigger than its competitors at Lahore, Phillaur and Hanumangarh. It stands as a gigantic sentinel in the heart of the town. During his life, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji also stayed in this fort. It has a long fascinating history behind it. Source: Wikipedia