About Sri Anandpur Sahib City

Places to see in Sri Anandpur Sahib

Punjab is city of the Sikhs and is one of their most important sacred places, closely linked with their religious traditions and history. It is located on the lower spurs of the Himalayas surrounded by picturesque natural scenery, with the river Sutlej forming a shimmering and shiny blue border on the south west barely four miles away. A holy city in Punjab whose historical significance to the Sikhs is second only to Amritsar. Hundreds of Sikhs once embraced martyrdom here. Two Gurus and families of four Gurus lived here for many years.

Sikh history is deeply marked by their struggle for survival in a volatile land, especially during the peak of Mughal persecution under Aurangzeb, which radicalized the Sikhs (many paintings in the museum at the Golden Temple, Amritsar, record the horrifying persecution stories retold across the land). The mystical faith of Guru Nanak transformed into the fiercely spartan and nationalistic faith of Guru Gobind Singh, who also committed the Sikhs to the five Ks. In early 19th century, Maharaja Ranjit Singh further militarized the Sikh nation, creating the first modern army in the subcontinent. Reversing the dominant historical trend, he went west to conquer new lands (which later fell in the British lap).

This transformation is still reflected in the iconography and practice of Sikhism. Swords, spears, shields, and daggers are a centerpiece display in all Gurdwaras, besides the Guru Granth Sahib covered in finery. Even today many Sikhs become Nihangs, an order founded by Guru Gobind Singh himself as the fighting body of the Khalsa. The Nihangs-in distinctive blue robes and armed only with traditional swords, spears, daggers-renounce worldly possessions and commit to embracing martyrdom should the need present itself. Even today a disproportionate number of Sikhs enter the Indian defense forces.

Anandgarh Fort

Anandpur sahib ,the town where the khalsa was founded, was established by Guru Teg Bahadur on the banks of River Sutlej. It was once fortified by five majestic forts. Of these, the main fort built in red subterranean well inside the fort, accessed by a sharp flight of stairs, is an intriguing feature of its architecture. It is here that the annual Hola Mohalla festival is held.

Virasat-e-Khalsa

The Virasat-e-Khalsa in Anandpur Sahib was begun in 1999 to commemorate the third centenary of the founding of the Khalsa Panth (Sikh nation) by Guru Gobind Singh. Spread across a generous 6,500 sq m, the recently opened virasat-e-Khalsa museum tells a memorable story of both Punjab and Sikhism, using hand-crafted artefacts and the latest technology. Designed by acclaimed architect Moshe Safdie, this story-telling repository is the first of its scale in the world, and has been envisioned as the world’s largest cultural and historical museum dedicated to a single community. Conceived as two functionally integrated sets of building, the Western complex, forming the gateway for the town provides pedestrian access to the eastern complex over a 165-meter bridge. A series of reflecting pools create an expansive water body between the two complexes with arcaded walkways and garden on either side. Public facilities and a cafeteria are located at the base of the bridge.

Timings:10am – 5pm (tues-sun) / Closed: Monday / Entry: Free

Guru Tegh Bahadur Museum

The Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Museum was built in 1983 in commemoration of the third centenary of the Guru’s martyrdom. Located near takhat Sri Keshgarh Sahib, the museum’s architecture reflects that of the gurdwara. A large collection of pantings,narrating the history of the Sikhs, including depictions from Guru Tegh Bahadur’s life, is displayed here.

Timings:10am – 5pm (tues-sun) / Closed: Monday / Entry: Free

Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib

Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib is the principle shrine in Anandpur Sahib. This is the historic site where, on the day of baisakhi in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh initiated his followers into the order of the Khalsa (Sikh nation). Legend maintins that the Guru requested those present to volunteer their heads to him. When five brave men, now known as the Panj Paire (five beloved), came forward to lay down their lives, the Guru instead baptized them with amrit (holy water). The Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, re-buit in 20th century, contains the sanctum sanctorum where the belongings of Guru Gobing Singh – a Khanda, a dagger and several spears – are preserved.