Gurdwara Damdama Sahib Patshahi 6 – Construction of School

When Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji were passing through the region of Malwa, they stopped at the village of Raqba to rest. Two devout women from the nearby village of Dakha, came to serve the Guru fresh milk. Seeing the devotion of the ladies, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji told them that whoever will come to serve at this place with faith and devotion will attain all their minds desire, and will be blessed with abundance of spiritual wealth to sooth their mind, body and soul. Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib not only blessed them with Sikhi, but vowed that the spot they had served the Guru would become a centre from where Sikhi would flourish around the world.




At this spot, Gurdwara Damdama Sahib Patshahi 6 has stood for many years under the watchful care of Budha Dal Nihang Singhs. Sikhs from around the world visit and serve at the shrine, reaping the benefits of the Guru’s boons. The late Sant Niranjan Singh Ji (Vaid Ji) who served as the head of Damdami Taksal (Boparai) in the neighbouring village, writes about the specialness of the Gurdwara Sahib in Raqba;

‘While travelling through the forests of Malwa, the performer of Bandhi Chor (liberator of the bound) Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji came and rested on this site. They awoke the good destiny of this land. Satguru divinely stated that whatever woman or man comes to this shrine with humility and performs selfless service and indulges in the remembrance of God will have their minds hope and prayers fulfilled. Even today these divine words of the Guru hold remain true.' (Sankeph Ithihas Gurdwara Damdama Sahib Patshahi 6, Raqba, page 5)

For more than a century many Sikhs have attained Gurmat Vidiya, the knowledge of the Guru’s Path, from this shrine including the highly revered Brahmgiani Baba Mitt Singh and Giani Inderjeet Singh Raqba, to name but a few. For many years Baba Joginder Singh has been ensuring the sustainment of this tradition by personally tutoring dozens of Singhs. Every day large quantities of people come to the shrine to benefit from the free kitchen (langar), perform seva, recite Gurbani, listen to Keertan, learn Shastarvidiya or simply to meditate.

One of the major projects being undertaken is the construction of a taksal (religious school) in the village of Raqba. Baba Joginder Singh’s vision is to have an institution where children can learn to read Gurbani, study history, learn classical musical instruments, martial arts and horse riding etc, while also receiving a normal education. The foundation for Sri Hargobind Sahib Ji Taksal (Budha Dal) was laid by Baba Joginder Singh in April 2008.

There will also be the opportunity for those who live outside of India to spend time studying at the taksal while teaching young Nihang Singhs English. We urge everyone to visit Damdama Sahib Patshahi 6, speak with Baba Joginder Singh and assist in any way possible. We are looking for help from those within the teaching profession and individuals who are able to make any form of contribution towards this venture seeking to ensure the flourishing of the Gurus traditions in the coming generations of the Khalsa.


Please contact info@nihangsingh.org for further information.