During the monsoon season, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji traveled from Kartarpur Sahib along the Beas River and set up camp near Ruheley Nagar, at a site first established by Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji in Samvat 1644. Over time, this area was taken over by Bhagwan Das Gharehr Khatri with Chandu Shah’s backing.

When Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji arrived in Samvat 1687, Bhagwan Das opposed and slandered the Guru. On Guru Ji’s command, the Sikhs punished him and threw him into the river. The locals, relieved to be rid of his tyranny, supported Guru Ji in developing the settlement, which came to be known as Sri Hargobindpur.

Enraged by his father’s fate, Bhagwan Das’s son Ratan Chand, along with Karam Chand (son of Chandu Shah), complained to Abdul Khan, Subedar of Jalandhar. They falsely claimed that Guru Ji was building a fort in preparation for rebellion. Provoked, Abdul Khan attacked with 15,000 soldiers.

A fierce three-day battle followed. Abdul Khan, his sons Nabi Bakhsh and Karim Bakhsh and many officers were killed. The remaining soldiers fled. Guru Ji emerged victorious and removing his waistband (kamarkasa), rested at the site—hence it was named Damdama Sahib.

Many brave Sikhs, including Bhai Jattu Ji, Bhai Mathura Ji, Bhai Nano Ji, and Bhai Sakatu Ji were martyred. Guru Ji personally performed the last rites of the martyred Sikhs and instructed that the enemy soldiers be buried. A platform was then constructed at the site.

It is believed that seated on this platform, Guru Ji held a diwan and expressed that any Sikh who could recite Japji Sahib flawlessly, with all grammatical markers (lagan-matraan), should come forward. Bhai Gopala Ji accepted the call and began the recitation with pure devotion, clarity and a focused mind—immersed only in remembrance of God.

Impressed by his devotion, Guru Ji resolved to bless Bhai Gopala Ji with the Guru Gaddi (Guruship). However, just before the Paath concluded and before Guru Ji could rise, a desire crossed Bhai Gopala Ji’s mind—he wished for a horse.

A few days earlier, Bhai Subhaga had gifted five beautiful horses to Guru Ji. One was kept by Guru Ji, others were sent to Baba Gurditta Ji, Bhai Bidhi Chand Ji, and Painde Khan, leaving one horse remaining. Bhai Gopala Ji thought—if Guru Ji is pleased, may he bless me with that last horse.

As the Paath ended, Guru Ji, with a knowing smile, ordered the horse to be gifted to Bhai Gopala Ji. He then said, “Bhai Gopala Ji, I intended to bless you with the Guru Gaddi, but you wished for a horse—so here it is.” Still, understanding human nature, Guru Ji blessed him, saying that his cycle of birth and death had ended.

This incident reminds us that sometimes God wishes to bless us with more than we can imagine, but our short-sighted desires for material things limit what we receive. It also teaches us that when reciting Paath or worshipping, our mind should remain focused solely on the Divine.

Even today, it is believed that any Sikh who recites Japji Sahib with sincerity and devotion at this place, considering Guru Sahib as present, will have their prayers answered.