THATTA

THATTA, a small village 10 km west of Kapurthala (31022`N, 75022`E) in the Punjab, has a historical shrine, Gurdwara Damdama Sahib, commemorating the visit of Guru Nanak. According to local tradition, Guru Nanak and the guests who constituted his marriage party, on their way from Sultanpur Lodhi to Batala in 1487, made their first day`s halt here. Hence the name of Gurdwara, damdama, in Punjabi meaning a resting place. Baba Bir Singhof Naurarigabad (d. 1844), celebrated Sikh saint of early nineteenth century, is said to have served the shrine for some time.

The construction of the present complex was commenced by Sant Kartar Singh of Goindval in 1958 when a mosaic floored square hall, was added to the older building raised in 1919. A new three storeyed domed building and residential block were completed by 1984. The Gurdwara is managed by Sant Kartar Singh. Besides the daily services and observance of major Sikh anniversaries, a religious fair is held on 27 Baisakh (May) every year.

References :

1. Gian Singh, Giani, Twarikh Guru Khalsa [Reprint]. Patiala, 1970
2. Kahn Singh, Bhai, Gurushabad Ratanakar Mahan Kosh. Patiala, 1981
3. Gurmukh Singh, Historical Sikh Shrines. Amritsar, 1995