Gurdwara Sri Damdama Sahib, located in Doraha, holds profound historical and spiritual ties to Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, the sixth Guru of the Sikhs. On his return journey from Delhi, Guru Sahib stayed inside the Mughal Sarai while his disciples camped outside. During his stay, he held religious congregations within the confines of the sarai.It is believed that the original gurdwara was constructed inside the sarai but was later destroyed. The existing structure was erected outside by the local community, who continue to visit regularly and attest that their prayers are answered through ardaas.
The site’s deep association with Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji and his Miri-Piri doctrine—symbolising the balance between temporal power and spiritual authority—renders it spiritually significant.
There are four historical wells at the site. The first is Bauli Sahib where the sacred ‘beri’ tree exists where the Guru is said to share spiritual discourses with the sangat. The second one is ‘khara’ well where the graves of the wives of emperor Lakhi chand, who were made to sit on the pyre of their husband, can be found. The third one is the ‘barha’ well which is erected near Bauli Sahib and a tunnel passes through it which is believed to connect the sarai to Patiala town. Historical records maintain that Maharaja of Patiala Karam Singh tied nuptial knots at this place. The fourth one is ‘uccha’ well where ancient foundation spots are still visible and signs of travellers, having bathed once, are very noticeable. These four wells were used in the olden times to water the entire area. As per the legal records, a total of 300 bighas of land is still in the name of Guru Hargobind Sahib ji.
The significance the site holds is enough for sangat, both of the village as well as the town, to visit it regularly and seek spiritual solace. “But this is far from enough. Such historical spots need to be popularised and transformed into vibrant tourist and educational destinations lest they should be lost into oblivion forever. The villagers demand Punjab tourism and Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee to publicise this living testament of Sikh resilience and spiritual evolution of Mughal rule,” urged Jandeep Kaushal, a history enthusiast and frequent visitor.
“Gurdwara facilities must be expanded so pilgrims can truly immerse themselves in its legacy. We implore the authorities to establish a museum detailing the life, battles, and teachings of the Guru, as well as the history of the adjoining Mughal Sarai, which itself is a treasure trove,” said Prof Amandeep Kaur Cheema, a resident of Doraha.
Retired DSP Hardeep Cheema of the same village opined, “More and more school and college field trips should be encouraged so that the children, who are lost in the virtual world, feel the presence of their gurus and emperors through the relics which speak of their own. Social media handles can promote the site to highlight its legacy and attract visitors from far and wide.”