FAQs On Anandpur Sahib

Faridkot, Punjab, India

Anandpur Sahib, a city of immense historical and religious significance, is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for Sikhs. Located on the banks of the Sutlej River and nestled in the foothills of the Shivalik range, the city was founded in 1665 by the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur. He purc hased the land from the ruler of Bilaspur and named the city "Chak Nanaki" after his mother. Later, he renamed it "Anandpur Sahib," which translates to "the Holy City of Bliss." The city's history is deeply intertwined with the life and teachings of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. In 1675, after the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur in Delhi, Guru Gobind Singh, then a young boy, was coronated as the tenth Guru in Anandpur Sahib. He spent a significant part of his life here, and it was from this city that he fought a number of battles against the Mughal forces and the hill chieftains. The city's most significant historical event, however, is the founding of the Khalsa Panth. On the auspicious day of Vaisakhi in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh, at a congregation of Sikhs in Anandpur Sahib, called for a special gathering. He asked for five men who were willing to sacrifice their lives for the faith. One by one, five men came forward and offered their heads. The Guru then initiated them into a new order, the Khalsa, a brotherhood of Saint-Soldiers. The five men, who came to be known as the Panj Pyare (the Five Beloved Ones), were the first members of the Khalsa. The event marked a turning point in the history of Sikhism and gave the faith a new identity and a new purpose. Anandpur Sahib is a city of immense spiritual power, and it is home to a number of historically significant Gurudwaras and other shrines. The most prominent is Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, which is one of the five temporal seats of Sikhism. It is the place where the Khalsa was founded, and it houses a number of historical weapons used by Guru Gobind Singh. The city also has a number of other Gurudwaras, including Gurudwara Anandgarh Sahib, Gurudwara Lohgarh Sahib, and Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib, each with its own unique history and significance. The city is also home to Virasat-e-Khalsa, a world-class museum that tells the story of the Sikh faith and the history of Punjab. The city's tranquil atmosphere and its historical monuments make it a perfect place for a spiritual retreat. The city is also a great place to experience the rich cultural heritage of Punjab, with its traditional fairs and festivals.