# Gurdwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Dhubri - History, Timings & Visitor Guide | GurdwaraSahib.in > Visit Gurdwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, Dhubri, Assam — built at the historic Brahmaputra site where Guru Tegh Bahadur brokered peace in 1669. ![Gurdwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/thumb.php?f=Gurdwara%20dhamtan%20sahib1.jpg&w=1200) Historical national # Gurdwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Gurdwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, also locally known as Damdama Sahib or Dumdume Gurdwara, is one of the most historically revered Sikh shrines in northeastern India. Situated on the right bank of the mighty Brahmaputra River in Dhubri town — the westernmost district headquarters of Assam — this gurdwara occupies a place of profound spiritual and historical significance in the Sikh faith. It stands as a living testament to two momentous visits by Sikh Gurus spanning more than a century and a half, connecting the sacred geography of Sikhism to the verdant heartland of Assam. The gurdwara commemorates two pivotal events: the visit of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, in 1505 AD, and the diplomatic mission of the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, in 1669 AD. These visits established Dhubri as a site of interfaith dialogue, peaceful resolution, and spiritual authority extending far beyond the boundaries of Punjab. The shrine draws tens of thousands of pilgrims annually from across India and the Sikh diaspora worldwide, particularly during major religious observances. Located approximately 290 km west of Guwahati and near the India-Bangladesh border, the gurdwara complex comprises two distinct sacred structures: the main Gurdwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib — a white marble sanctum housing the Guru Granth Sahib — and the octagonal Gurdwara Thara Sahib (also called Damdama Sahib), which crowns the celebrated Mound of Peace. This mound, a remarkable historical monument in itself, was constructed jointly by soldiers of the Mughal and Ahom armies as a symbol of the peace brokered through Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's intervention. The gurdwara is managed by the Sikh Pratinidhi Board Eastern Zone (SPBEZ) in collaboration with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and a local managing committee. It serves not only as a pilgrimage destination for the Sikh community but also as a cultural and interfaith landmark for the people of Assam and the broader northeastern region. The shrine welcomes visitors of all faiths, reflecting the universal ethos of Sikhism. Visitors are welcomed with the tradition of Guru Ka Langar — a free community kitchen serving wholesome meals to all, regardless of faith, caste, or social standing — from early morning to night. The gurdwara also offers free sarai (lodging) facilities for pilgrims on a first-come basis. The site is particularly vibrant during the annual Shaheedi Gurpurab in November-December, when pilgrims gather in solemn observance of the martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, one of the most deeply mourned and honored events in the Sikh religious calendar. With its setting beside the broad waters of the Brahmaputra, surrounded by the lush plains of western Assam, Gurdwara Dhubri Sahib offers both a moving spiritual experience and a window into a remarkable chapter of India's pluralistic history. ## Significance Gurdwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib holds a dual historical and spiritual significance that is rare among Sikh shrines outside Punjab. It is associated with two Sikh Gurus — Guru Nanak Dev Ji (the first Guru) and Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (the ninth Guru) — making it one of the most important Gursikh heritage sites in all of northeastern India. For Sikhs, the site embodies the Guru's role not merely as a religious teacher but as a peacemaker and moral force in the world. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's successful mediation at Dhubri — preventing prolonged armed conflict between Mughal forces and the Ahom kingdom — is seen as a manifestation of the Sikh ideal of selfless service (seva) and the courage to stand for justice and humanity. The Mound of Peace remains a unique physical monument to this legacy, unparalleled at any other gurdwara. The gurdwara's connection to Guru Nanak's interfaith encounter with Srimanta Sankardeva gives it a special ecumenical character in Assam, serving as a bridge between Sikhism and Assamese Vaishnava tradition. Both figures championed devotion to one God, the equality of all people, and rejection of ritualistic excess — values that resonate deeply in Assam's pluralistic culture. Annually, tens of thousands of pilgrims gather here in November-December for the Shaheedi Gurpurab, commemorating the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, who was executed by Emperor Aurangzeb in 1675 for his principled defense of religious freedom for all — including Hindus facing forced conversion. The gurdwara is regarded as a tirtha of the highest order by the Sikh community of northeastern India, Bangladesh, and the wider diaspora. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ### Gurdwara Sahib Moonak, India 19 km away Gurdwara Sahib is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in India. It is situated in India, the birthplace of Sikhism and home to the largest Sikh population in the world. As with all gurdwaras, Gurdwara Sahib welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. The gurdwara serves as a place of worship where the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of the Sikhs) is kept with great reverence. The community gathers here for daily prayers (Nitnem), Kirtan (devotional singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib), and Katha (religious discourse). The gurdwara operates a Langar (community kitchen) where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, gender, economic status, or ethnicity. This practice, established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and formalized by Guru Angad Dev Ji, embodies the Sikh principles of equality, sharing, and selfless service (Seva). Community ### Gurdwara Sahib Lehragaga, India 33 km away Gurdwara Sahib is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in India. It is situated in India, the birthplace of Sikhism and home to the largest Sikh population in the world. As with all gurdwaras, Gurdwara Sahib welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. The gurdwara serves as a place of worship where the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of the Sikhs) is kept with great reverence. The community gathers here for daily prayers (Nitnem), Kirtan (devotional singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib), and Katha (religious discourse). The gurdwara operates a Langar (community kitchen) where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, gender, economic status, or ethnicity. This practice, established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and formalized by Guru Angad Dev Ji, embodies the Sikh principles of equality, sharing, and selfless service (Seva). Community ### Gurdwara Sahib Lehragaga, India 35 km away Gurdwara Sahib is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in India. It is situated in India, the birthplace of Sikhism and home to the largest Sikh population in the world. As with all gurdwaras, Gurdwara Sahib welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. The gurdwara serves as a place of worship where the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of the Sikhs) is kept with great reverence. The community gathers here for daily prayers (Nitnem), Kirtan (devotional singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib), and Katha (religious discourse). The gurdwara operates a Langar (community kitchen) where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, gender, economic status, or ethnicity. This practice, established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and formalized by Guru Angad Dev Ji, embodies the Sikh principles of equality, sharing, and selfless service (Seva). Community ### Neem Sahib Gurudwara Kaithal, Haryana, India 37 km away Neem Sahib Gurudwara is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Kaithal, Haryana, India. It is situated in India, the birthplace of Sikhism and home to the largest Sikh population in the world. As with all gurdwaras, Neem Sahib Gurudwara welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. The gurdwara serves as a place of worship where the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of the Sikhs) is kept with great reverence. The community gathers here for daily prayers (Nitnem), Kirtan (devotional singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib), and Katha (religious discourse). The gurdwara operates a Langar (community kitchen) where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, gender, economic status, or ethnicity. This practice, established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and formalized by Guru Angad Dev Ji, embodies the Sikh principles of equality, sharing, and selfless service (Seva). Community ## Detailed History The history of Gurdwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib in Dhubri begins with the footsteps of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, who is traditionally said to have visited this site in 1505 AD during his extensive spiritual journeys across the Indian subcontinent. According to Sikh tradition, Guru Nanak traveled from Dhaka through Assam and during this passage met Srimanta Sankardeva, the great Assamese Vaishnava saint-reformer and founder of the Ekasarana Dharma. The two spiritual luminaries are said to have engaged in discourse on devotion to one God, rejection of caste hierarchies, and the eradication of superstitious practices including tantrism and black magic — themes central to both their teachings. This historic meeting gave Dhubri its first layer of sacred significance and established a remarkable point of convergence between Sikhism and Assamese Vaishnavism. The more defining chapter in the gurdwara's history came in 1669 AD with the arrival of the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Emperor Aurangzeb had deputed Raja Ram Singh, son of Mirza Raja Jai Singh, to suppress the resistance of Ahom King Chakradhwaj Singh of Kamrup. Raja Ram Singh requested the Guru to accompany his expedition from Dhaka, and together they marched along the Brahmaputra, arriving at Dhubri in early February 1669. Rather than participating in warfare, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji counseled peaceful negotiation and served as a mediator. Through his spiritual authority and diplomatic wisdom, a truce was successfully brokered between the Mughal Imperial forces and the Ahom kingdom. To commemorate this peace, soldiers from both sides constructed a high earthen mound — each contributing five shieldfuls of red earth — creating a monument that has endured for centuries. During this stay, the Guru also received news of the birth of his son, Gobind Rai (later Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and final human Sikh Guru), in Patna. The legend of a 26-foot stone, said to have been hurled by Assamese tantric practitioners but miraculously arrested mid-flight, remains embedded in the site's sacred lore to this day. Following Guru Tegh Bahadur's departure, the mound and surrounding site were maintained by Udasi priests for several generations. The structures on the site were severely damaged — believed to be destroyed — in the earthquake of 1896-97 that struck the Assam-Bengal region. In 1901, Bhai Ram Singh, an official of the shrine, reconstructed a room on the site to preserve its sanctity. A more permanent sacred structure, a small octagonal hut with a sloping roof, was erected atop the peace mound in 1966, known today as Gurdwara Thara Sahib or Damdama Sahib. Over subsequent decades, the complex was expanded and modernized, eventually featuring white marble construction. The Sikh Pratinidhi Board Eastern Zone, in coordination with the SGPC, continues to oversee development and renovation of the complex. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Sahib (Gurdwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib) prayer_hall The principal sanctum of the complex, a square hall constructed in white marble with a central dome following traditional Sikh architectural style. The Guru Granth Sahib is enshrined within and continuous kirtan (devotional singing) is performed during prayer hours. This is the heart of the gurdwara where pilgrims come to pay obeisance. ### Gurdwara Thara Sahib (Damdama Sahib) tower An octagonal marble structure built atop the historic Mound of Peace (Dumduma), first constructed in 1966 as a small hut and later renovated in marble. The mound itself is a centuries-old earthwork created jointly by Mughal and Ahom soldiers in 1669 as a symbol of peace. The Nishan Sahib (saffron Sikh flag) rises prominently from the mound's peak. ### Langar Hall langar_hall The community kitchen and dining hall where Guru Ka Langar — free vegetarian meals — is served to all visitors from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. The langar hall can accommodate large numbers of pilgrims and operates year-round through the devoted seva (service) of volunteers. ### Sarai (Pilgrim Rest House) museum The gurdwara's free accommodation facility for pilgrims visiting from distant places. Rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Advance arrangements can be made by contacting the gurdwara management, making this an important facility for long-distance pilgrims especially during major religious events. ### The Mound of Peace (Dumduma) entrance A unique historic earthen mound rising from the right bank of the Brahmaputra River, constructed in 1669 by soldiers of the Mughal and Ahom armies, each contributing five shieldfuls of earth, to commemorate the peace brokered by Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. This mound is the most distinctive and historically charged element of the entire complex. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head covering required at all times; remove shoes before entering; modest clothing covering arms and legs recommended ### Photography Generally permitted in the outer complex and mound area; respectful photography is accepted; avoid photographing during active prayers without permission ### Etiquette Wash hands and feet before entering the main hall; no smoking, alcohol, or non-vegetarian food on the premises; maintain silence and reverence in the Darbar Sahib; bow before the Guru Granth Sahib upon entering ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) Serves all visitors throughout the day; capacity for large congregations especially during festivals Seating Capacity ## Architecture The Gurdwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib complex at Dhubri features two principal sacred structures set within a spacious compound on the banks of the Brahmaputra River. The main prayer hall — Gurdwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib — is a square Darbar Sahib built in white marble with a central dome, housing the eternal scripture, Guru Granth Sahib, in the inner sanctum. The structure follows traditional Sikh architectural conventions, incorporating a diwan hall for large congregational gatherings and a separate langar hall for community meals. The second and historically distinctive structure is Gurdwara Thara Sahib (also known as Damdama Sahib), an octagonal marble pavilion erected atop the historic Mound of Peace. First built in 1966 as a small octagonal hut with a circular sloping roof and a circumambulatory passage, this structure has since been renovated in marble. The mound is crowned by the tall Nishan Sahib — the saffron triangular Sikh flag — visible from a considerable distance across the flat Brahmaputra plains. The complex also includes a sarai (pilgrim rest house), communal ablution facilities, and open courtyards. The tranquil setting alongside the Brahmaputra River lends the ensemble a natural grandeur befitting its sacred stature. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Sahib (Gurdwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib) prayer_hall The principal sanctum of the complex, a square hall constructed in white marble with a central dome following traditional Sikh architectural style. The Guru Granth Sahib is enshrined within and continuous kirtan (devotional singing) is performed during prayer hours. This is the heart of the gurdwara where pilgrims come to pay obeisance. ### Gurdwara Thara Sahib (Damdama Sahib) tower An octagonal marble structure built atop the historic Mound of Peace (Dumduma), first constructed in 1966 as a small hut and later renovated in marble. The mound itself is a centuries-old earthwork created jointly by Mughal and Ahom soldiers in 1669 as a symbol of peace. The Nishan Sahib (saffron Sikh flag) rises prominently from the mound's peak. ### Langar Hall langar_hall The community kitchen and dining hall where Guru Ka Langar — free vegetarian meals — is served to all visitors from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. The langar hall can accommodate large numbers of pilgrims and operates year-round through the devoted seva (service) of volunteers. ### Sarai (Pilgrim Rest House) museum The gurdwara's free accommodation facility for pilgrims visiting from distant places. Rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Advance arrangements can be made by contacting the gurdwara management, making this an important facility for long-distance pilgrims especially during major religious events. ### The Mound of Peace (Dumduma) entrance A unique historic earthen mound rising from the right bank of the Brahmaputra River, constructed in 1669 by soldiers of the Mughal and Ahom armies, each contributing five shieldfuls of earth, to commemorate the peace brokered by Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. This mound is the most distinctive and historically charged element of the entire complex. ## Events & Celebrations ### gurpurab #### Shaheedi Gurpurab (Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji) The most significant annual observance at this gurdwara, held in November-December to commemorate the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, who was executed by Emperor Aurangzeb in 1675 for defending religious freedom. Tens of thousands of Sikh pilgrims from across India and abroad gather for nagar kirtan processions, langar, kirtan, and prayer ceremonies. The 2025 observance marked the 350th martyrdom anniversary with a special Nagar Kirtan procession. #### Guru Nanak Jayanti (Gurpurab) Celebrated in November on the full moon of Kartik, this observance honors the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, who is believed to have visited Dhubri in 1505. The gurdwara holds akhand path (continuous reading of Guru Granth Sahib), special kirtan, and extended langar throughout the celebrations. #### Guru Tegh Bahadur Jayanti (Birth Anniversary) Observed in April to mark the birth anniversary of the ninth Sikh Guru, this event draws the local Sikh community and pilgrims for prayers, kirtan, and langar. Given that the gurdwara is dedicated to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, this jayanti holds special importance at Dhubri Sahib. ### festival #### Baisakhi Celebrated in April, Baisakhi marks the Sikh New Year and the anniversary of the founding of the Khalsa in 1699. The gurdwara observes this festival with special prayers, kirtan programmes, and large-scale langar, welcoming the community and visitors of all backgrounds. #### Hola Mohalla Observed in March (the day after Holi), Hola Mohalla is a Sikh martial arts and spiritual festival instituted by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The gurdwara marks this occasion with kirtan, ardas, and community gatherings, celebrating the spirit of the Khalsa. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### visiting Gurdwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, Dhubri is open 24 hours a day. Peak prayer times are at 3:00 AM for morning prayers and 6:10–7:50 PM for evening prayers. Guru Ka Langar (community kitchen) is served daily from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. No, there is no entry fee. Like all Sikh gurdwaras, Gurdwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib in Dhubri is open to everyone free of charge. Guru Ka Langar (free community meals) is also served to all visitors without any charge from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. Yes, the gurdwara provides free sarai (pilgrim rest house) accommodation to visitors on a first-come, first-served basis. Advance booking may be arranged by contacting the gurdwara at +91 9707274070 or through the official website gurudwaradhubrisahib.com. The best time to visit is October to March, when the weather in Assam is cool and pleasant. For a spiritually enriching experience, plan your visit during the Shaheedi Gurpurab in November-December (martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji) or during Guru Nanak Jayanti in November. Guru Tegh Bahadur Jayanti in April is also a significant occasion at this gurdwara. ### history The gurdwara marks two Guru-related visits: Guru Nanak Dev Ji visited in 1505 AD and met the Assamese saint Srimanta Sankardeva. In 1669, the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, accompanied Raja Ram Singh to Assam and successfully brokered peace between Mughal forces and the Ahom Kingdom of Assam. To commemorate this peace, soldiers from both armies created the historic Mound of Peace, where the octagonal Damdama Sahib structure now stands. The gurdwara was damaged in the 1896-97 earthquake and partially rebuilt in 1901, with the current structure developed over the 20th and 21st centuries. The Mound of Peace (locally known as Dumduma) is a unique earthen mound built jointly by soldiers of both the Mughal Imperial army and the Ahom kingdom's forces in 1669 as a monument to the peace brokered by Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Each soldier contributed five shieldfuls of earth to construct it. The octagonal Gurdwara Thara Sahib (Damdama Sahib) now stands atop this mound, and the Nishan Sahib flag is erected at its peak. Two Sikh Gurus are historically associated with this site: Guru Nanak Dev Ji (the first Sikh Guru), who is believed to have visited in 1505 AD and met Assamese saint Srimanta Sankardeva; and Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (the ninth Sikh Guru), who visited in 1669 AD and brokered the famous Dhubri peace between the Mughal forces and the Ahom Kingdom. The gurdwara is primarily named in honor of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. ### transport By air: Rupsi Airport (18 km from Dhubri) has flights from Kolkata; Guwahati Airport is about 290 km away. By train: Dhubri Railway Station is in the town itself; a daily train runs from Guwahati's Kamakhya Junction arriving at 5:15 AM. By road: Dhubri is on NH 31, approximately 290 km from Guwahati (6–7 hours), 82 km from Cooch Behar, and 244 km from Siliguri. Local auto-rickshaws and taxis are available in town. 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