Anandpur Sahib, Punjab — the holy Sikh city nestled at the foothills of the Shivalik Hills, with gleaming white gurudwaras and saffron Nishan Sahibs rising against a clear blue sky
Punjab · India · Sikh Heritage

Anandpur
Sahib

The City of Bliss — where the Khalsa was born

By Prashant Dhingra prashant.dhingra.website
The Journey

Anandpur Sahib is like a city that resides in the soul, bearing the history, faith, and bravery of its people.

Located on the edge of the Shivalik Hills in Rupnagar district, Punjab, Anandpur Sahib marks the point where the foothills merge into the plains and the Sutlej River flows in the distance. Established in 1665 by Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, it was at this sacred site that his son Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last human Guru, initiated the Khalsa Panth on Vaisakhi day in 1699. This significant event not only united a community but also gave rise to a new nation.

The name Anandpur means City of Bliss. As you stroll through its streets, passing by grand gurudwaras and an ancient fort, under the saffron Nishan Sahibs fluttering in the morning breeze, you realize that the name is not just a title, but a true reflection of the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere that envelops you.

1665
Year founded
1699
Khalsa born
5
Historic Takhts
∞
Spiritual significance
The sacred Gurudwara complex at Anandpur Sahib, Punjab, showing the gleaming white marble shrine of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib with tall saffron Nishan Sahib flags flying against the Shivalik Hills backdrop

Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, one of the Five Takhts of Sikhism, the sacred site where the Khalsa was established

Birthplace of the Khalsa

Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib

At the center of Anandpur Sahib lies Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, one of the Five Takhts representing temporal authority in Sikhism. It was here on Baisakhi 1699 that Guru Gobind Singh addressed a large gathering and asked for a volunteer to sacrifice their head for their faith. Five brave men stepped forward, known as the Panj Pyare, and thus the Khalsa community, the embodiment of purity, was established.

The grand gurudwara, with its white marble gleaming in the Punjab sun and a golden dome visible from afar, stands as a powerful symbol of a moment that forever shaped the identity of millions, resonating across the world till this day.

The Langar, or free community kitchen, operates non-stop at every gurudwara, feeding thousands of pilgrims daily. By sitting together on the floor and eating without regard to background or status, visitors experience Sikhism's core principle: the radical equality of all individuals in the eyes of the divine.

The Khalsa shall govern, ensuring no hostile forces linger. Those who seek sanctuary will be safeguarded and nurtured.

— Guru Gobind Singh
Anandpur Sahib Fort — the historic Qila Anandgarh, one of five forts built by Guru Gobind Singh on the foothills of the Shivalik range, its ancient stone walls and bastions silhouetted against the Punjab sky

'These walls endured the siege, while these stones bear witness to the sacrifices made within.'

Anandpur Sahib Fort — Qila Anandgarh
The ancient stone battlements and towers of Anandpur Sahib Fort rising above the surrounding landscape — one of five forts constructed by Guru Gobind Singh to defend the holy city

The fortress's historic walls, constructed by Guru Gobind Singh, were attacked by both Mughal and hill-raja armies, ultimately forsaken due to an unkept vow.

Where history was defended

Qila Anandgarh — The Fort of Bliss

Guru Gobind Singh constructed five strongholds in Anandpur Sahib to protect the expanding Sikh community from the nearby Mughal empire and hill rajas, who were wary of the Guru's increasing power. Among these forts, Qila Anandgarh, known as the Fort of Eternal Bliss, stood as the main defensive structure and witnessed significant events in Sikh history.

In 1704, a Mughal and hill-raja coalition laid siege to Anandpur Sahib for eight months. Despite being promised safe passage, the Guru and his Sikhs were betrayed by the Mughals, resulting in the tragic loss of two of his sons and his mother during their escape in the darkness of night. This event, known as the story of the Chaar Sahibzaade, is a deeply poignant chapter in the history of faith.

The current fort is a reconstructed version, yet the walls retain the weight of their past. Strolling along the ramparts, gazing at the foothills and plains below, you are on the same soil where a remarkable community made a bold decision: to defend their true selves, no matter the consequences.

Visiting the Fort

  • Qila Anandgarh is just one of the five forts, along with Qila Fatehgarh, Qila Lohgarh, Qila Holgarh, and Q
  • Ideal time to visit is early morning when the stone is bathed in warm light and the crowds are sparse.
  • The nearby Virasat-e-Khalsa museum is considered one of the top heritage museums in Asia and typically requires 3 hours to explore fully.
  • The city is transformed in March by the Hola Mohalla festival, featuring martial arts displays and a large gathering of pilgrims.
  • Anandpur Sahib, located 90 km from Chandigarh, enjoys good road and rail connectivity.
Reflection

Why Anandpur Sahib Stays With You

Anandpur Sahib is a place where history is not just a past memory, but a present force that is kept alive by the faith, memory, and daily practices of those who gather there.

At every gurudwara in the city, the Nishan Sahibs flutter in the morning breeze, symbolizing the Sikh faith. The soothing sounds of Gurbani fill the air as families, pilgrims, and Nihangs traverse the ancient yet vibrant streets. The Langar provides nourishment for all, with open doors welcoming everyone without any conditions or fees. Just come and experience the warmth of this inclusive community.

Regardless of your past or beliefs, Anandpur Sahib demands a level of attentiveness and tranquility from its visitors in order to fully appreciate the offerings of the place. In return, it provides something you never realized you were missing.

As you drive up to the Shivalik Hills in the late afternoon, witness the sun sinking behind the ridgeline and the city below starting to illuminate - the gurudwara domes and Nishan Sahibs capturing the fading light. This captivating sight is one that lingers in your memory long after you have seen it.