Guru Gobind Singh Ji spent a month in Riwalsar, spreading the teachings of Sikhism during the Vaisakhi fair. After this period, Guru Ji wished to return to Anandpur Sahib. In the morning, Raja Siddh Sen of Mandi, along with his family, sons and some workers, arrived at Riwalsar, carrying a palanquin adorned with gold and silver and respectfully bowed at Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s feet. They requested Guru Ji to visit Mandi. Witnessing such humility, love and respect, Guru Ji ordered the Singhs to prepare for the journey to Mandi.

Accompanying Guru Ji were the Panj Pyare, the four Sahibzadas, Mata Gujari Kaur Ji, the five hundred Singhs and others. The preparation was made and all the warriors mounted their horses. The Ranjit Nagara sounded and the mountains echoed. The kings and rulers were astonished and the Singhs raised slogans of ” Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal!” Raja Siddh Sen requested Guru Ji to sit in the palanquin. Guru Ji sat in the palanquin and Raja Siddh Sen, his three sons and other devotees respectfully offered their salutations.

Raja Siddh Sen and his sons lifted the palanquin on their shoulders and began chanting “Sat Naam Sri Waheguru.” The palanquin reached Mandi after traveling over several hills. Guru Ji was brought to the royal palace and rested there for two days. The place was later named Damdama Sahib and it still exists as a historic site.

Afterward, Guru Ji traveled around the city of Mandi. On the eastern side, near the river, Guru Ji camped with his Singhs. There was a large stone in the river where Guru Ji would hold his court. This stone can still be seen today and a beautiful Gurudwara has been built at this location. Several sacred relics of Guru Ji are preserved in the Gurudwara.

When Guru Ji set up his camp outside the city, his family’s women were accommodated in the king’s palace. Two religious sites were established: one inside the palace and the other at Guru Ji’s camp. Guru Ji rested for six months and eighteen days in Mandi, during which he blessed many peoples.

When Guru Gobind Singh Ji was about to leave for Anandpur Sahib, a devotee offered him a rifle as a gift. Guru Ji aimed the rifle at a clay pot placed in the Beas River. Raja Siddh Sen, concerned about his future, asked, “What will happen to me after you leave? Aurangzeb will torment me.” When the rifle was fired, the pot didn’t break but instead flipped over.  Guru Ji assured him, saying, “Just as the pot remained unharmed, so too will your Mandi remain safe. The Mandi will be protected, and divine forces will shield it.”