Seat of Learning – 309 years journey of a Master’s prophecy!

Guru Gobind Singh chose to rest at Talwandi Sabo after the battle of Muktsar and since he loosened his waist-band (Kamarkassa) at Talwandi Sabo, people started calling it Damdama Sahib – the resting place.

After the departure of Sri Guru Arjun Dev ji, when Dheer Mal, refused to handover the Adi Granth to Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru with his spiritual insight got the entire Bani written by Bhai Mani Singh at Likhansar, Damdama Sahib, District Bhatinda. The Bani of the ninth Guru Tegh Bahadur was added to it. Now, with its addition, Sri Guru Granth Sahib contained the pious verses of Six Gurus, 15 Bhagats, 11 Bhatts, 4 Gursikhs, and was set to 30 musical scales or Ragas. This unique homogeneous mix of god-lovers from different faiths was never attempted earlier and hence this can be actually called the fountain-head of Inter-Faith and Universal Brotherhood.

After staying for a around a year, before leaving to visit Sikh disciples in the Deccan, around 1706, the Tenth Master (Sikh Guru) Gobind Singh blessed Bhai Dalla’s Talwandi Sabo with four pious prophecies. The first was, while standing in the midst of desert like conditions; “water is flowing everywhere”. The next standing amongst dry bushes was that “lush green wheat fields are swaying in the breeze”. And finally standing amongst brown sun-dried pods he said “fruits are abloom here”. Taken aback, Bhai Dalla remarked that the Master was mistaken. Smiling at him Guru Gobind Singh said “Pity! you have no vision.” In one stroke during late 60’s, the Bhakra Nangal brought ample water to the dry area of Damdama Sahib and all three prophecies were realized.

The Tenth Master also blessed Talwandi Sabo (Damdama Sahib), as Guru Ki Kashi – the Seat of Learning. Now this place is known better as Damdama Sahib after the Gurdwara became one of the five temporal Seats (Takhats) of the Sikh religion.

The Kalgidhar Society, Baru Sahib, which is better known as one of the very few Sikh organizations that focus on Value-based Education with its 129 schools for rural areas as an anti-dote for the social issues in malignant Punjab; through its head, Baba Iqbal Singh, 90 yrs chose to realize this unfulfilled prophecy of Guru Gobind Singh. Toiling, travelling across the world and plodding on dragging his frail body, Baba Iqbal Singh managed to enjoin thousands of supporters, volunteers, donors and well-wishers; across all countries who espoused for the noble cause.

We are fortunate that such a historic milestone has occurred during our lifetime and fortunate we are, for being a part of this great endeavor. The Punjab cabinet has given its approval to Akal University ‘Guru ki Kashi’ and finally the fourth prophecy after travelling across ethereal space, has seen the light of the day.

May the Temporal Seat now be also known for the ‘Seat of Learning’! May the most modern religion’s Inter-Faith message be spread across penetrating all borders and seeker hearts!

~ Tapasleen Kaur