# Ananpur Sahib Gurudwara - History, Timings & Visitor Guide | GurdwaraSahib.in > Ananpur Sahib Gurudwara in Punjab — birthplace of the Khalsa, one of Sikhism's five Takhts. Timings, transport, history & visitor guide. # Ananpur Sahib Gurudwara Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Ananpur Sahib Gurudwara, more widely known as Anandpur Sahib — the 'City of Bliss' — stands as one of the holiest and most historically significant places in Sikhism, located in Rupnagar (Ropar) district of Punjab, India, near the foothills of the Shiwalik Hills. Revered as second in sanctity only to Amritsar's Golden Temple, this sacred complex draws millions of Sikh pilgrims and spiritual seekers from across India and around the world every year. Situated approximately 80 kilometres north-east of Chandigarh along the banks of the River Sutlej, the Anandpur Sahib complex is anchored by the magnificent Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib — one of Sikhism's five supreme temporal and spiritual thrones (Takhts). The complex encompasses several historically important gurdwaras, open courtyards, and community spaces that together form the living heart of the Khalsa Panth's origin. The town was founded in 1665 by Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, and later became the seat of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and final human Guru, who transformed Sikhism here in momentous ways. It was on the sacred soil of Anandpur Sahib, on Baisakhi day in 1699, that Guru Gobind Singh baptised the Panj Pyaras — the Five Beloved Ones — and gave birth to the Khalsa, the community of initiated Sikhs that continues to define Sikh identity worldwide. The gurdwara complex is not merely a place of prayer; it is a living historical monument and a hub of communal life. Visitors are welcomed irrespective of caste, creed, religion, or nationality. The langar (community kitchen), maintained through voluntary seva (service), serves thousands of free meals daily, embodying the Sikh ideals of equality and selfless service. The atmosphere is one of profound serenity punctuated by the continuous recitation of Gurbani (sacred hymns). Beyond its spiritual role, the complex sits adjacent to the world-class Virasat-e-Khalsa museum, inaugurated in 2011, which narrates the history and culture of the Sikh faith. During the annual Hola Mohalla festival — celebrated the day after Holi — Anandpur Sahib transforms into a spectacular arena of Sikh martial arts, music, poetry, and devotion, attracting hundreds of thousands of pilgrims. The surrounding landscape of hills, rivers, and forests lends the site a natural grandeur that enhances its spiritual gravity, making Ananpur Sahib Gurudwara an unmissable destination for anyone seeking to understand Sikh heritage and faith. ## Significance Anandpur Sahib holds a position of unparalleled significance in the Sikh faith. It is one of the five Takhts — supreme seats of Sikh religious and temporal authority — and stands as the birthplace of the Khalsa Panth, the community of initiated Sikhs whose identity, code of conduct (Rehat Maryada), and five Ks (Panj Kakars) were instituted here by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. The Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib at the heart of the complex enshrines several sacred relics (Shastar) of Guru Gobind Singh, including the Khanda used at the first Amrit Sanchar ceremony, a Katar (dagger), a Hukumnama, and a steel bow. These relics are displayed to the congregation during special ceremonies and are revered as direct connections to the founding Guru. The site also holds profound significance as the place of Guru Tegh Bahadur's residence and base, where the ninth Guru composed many of his philosophical hymns now enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib. The presence of Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib — where the Guru's head was brought from Delhi for cremation after his martyrdom — adds a layer of immense devotional importance. For millions of Sikhs, a pilgrimage to Anandpur Sahib is considered a spiritual obligation, particularly during Baisakhi and Hola Mohalla. The site reinforces Sikh values of bravery, community service, equality, and the eternal sovereignty of the Guru Granth Sahib. It is also regarded as a place where the collective memory of Sikh sacrifice and resilience is kept alive for future generations. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ### Anandpur Sahib Gurudwara Complex Anandpur Sahib, India 113 m away Anandpur Sahib Gurudwara Complex is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in India. It is situated in India, the birthplace of Sikhism and home to the largest Sikh population in the world. As with all gurdwaras, Anandpur Sahib Gurudwara Complex welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. The gurdwara serves as a place of worship where the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of the Sikhs) is kept with great reverence. The community gathers here for daily prayers (Nitnem), Kirtan (devotional singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib), and Katha (religious discourse). The gurdwara operates a Langar (community kitchen) where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, gender, economic status, or ethnicity. This practice, established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and formalized by Guru Angad Dev Ji, embodies the Sikh principles of equality, sharing, and selfless service (Seva). Community ### Gurdwara Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib ਤਖਤ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਕੇਸਗੜ੍ਹ ਸਾਹਿਬ Anandpur Sahib, India 172 m away Gurdwara Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in India. It is situated in India, the birthplace of Sikhism and home to the largest Sikh population in the world. As with all gurdwaras, Gurdwara Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. The gurdwara serves as a place of worship where the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of the Sikhs) is kept with great reverence. The community gathers here for daily prayers (Nitnem), Kirtan (devotional singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib), and Katha (religious discourse). The gurdwara operates a Langar (community kitchen) where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, gender, economic status, or ethnicity. This practice, established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and formalized by Guru Angad Dev Ji, embodies the Sikh principles of equality, sharing, and selfless service (Seva). Community ### Gurdwara Sisganj Sahib Anandpur Sahib, India 272 m away Open 24 hours; main diwan (prayers) held... Gurdwara Sisganj Sahib in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab, India, is one of the most sacred Sikh shrines in the holy city of Anandpur Sahib. The gurdwara marks the hallowed spot where the severed head of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, was cremated on November 17, 1675, after his martyrdom in Delhi. When the Guru was executed in Chandni Chowk, Delhi, on November 11, 1675, by the orders of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb for refusing to convert to Islam and championing the rights of the Kashmiri Pandits, his devoted disciple Bhai Jaita (later honoured as Bhai Jiwan Singh) retrieved the Guru's sacred head and carried it over several hundred kilometres to Chakk Nanaki — the town founded by Guru Tegh Bahadur himself, now revered as Anandpur Sahib. The head was received with deep reverence and was cremated at this spot with full honours. Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru and son of Guru Tegh Bahadur, personally oversaw the cremation rites and later caused a memorial shrine to be constructed over the sacred ashes at this very site. The gurdwara stands as an enduring testimony to the supreme sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur, who is revered in Sikh tradition as 'Hind di Chadar' — the Shield of India — for laying down his life to protect freedom of religion and the rights of the oppressed. Today, Gurdwara Sisganj Sahib Anandpur Sahib serves as an important pilgrimage destination within the sacred complex of Anandpur Sahib, drawing thousands of devotees annually who come to pay homage to the Guru's ultimate sacrifice. The gurdwara provides all traditional Sikh services including daily prayers (Nitnem), Gurbani kirtan, and the free communal kitchen (langar), fostering the Sikh values of seva (selfless service) and sangat (congregation). The shrine is managed under the authority of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex body governing historical Sikh shrines in Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. Community ![Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/thumb.php?f=1_Sri_Kesgarh_Takhat_Anandpur_Sahib_Khalsa_birthplace_Punjab_India.jpg&w=600) ### Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib ਤਖ਼ਤ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਕੇਸਗੜ੍ਹ ਸਾਹਿਬ Anandpur Sahib, Punjab, India 343 m away Open 24 hours, 7 days a week Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, one of the five Takhts (supreme seats of temporal authority) in Sikhism, stands majestically atop a hillock in the historic city of Anandpur Sahib, Rupnagar district, Punjab, India. This revered shrine marks the exact spot where Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, created the Khalsa Panth on the auspicious day of Baisakhi, 13 April 1699 — an event that transformed the course of Sikh history and identity forever. The name Keshgarh translates to 'the fort of unshorn hair,' symbolising the Sikh commitment to maintaining Kesh, one of the five articles of faith. Situated approximately 40 kilometres from Rupnagar city (the district headquarters) and around 85 kilometres from the state capital Chandigarh, Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and visitors each year from across India and the world. The Gurdwara complex sits at the heart of Anandpur Sahib, a city founded by Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji in 1665 and regarded as one of the holiest cities in Sikhism. What makes Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib unique among Sikh shrines is its dual significance as both a Takht and the birthplace of the Khalsa. As a Takht, it serves as one of five centres from which Hukamnamas (edicts) guiding the Sikh community may be issued. The Jathedar (head priest) of this Takht holds one of the most important positions in Sikh religious administration. Unlike many other historic Gurdwaras, this shrine also houses an extraordinary collection of sacred relics and weapons belonging to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, including the original Khanda (double-edged sword) used to prepare Amrit during the first Khalsa initiation ceremony. The complex is managed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex governing body of Sikh Gurdwaras. Visitors experience the full traditions of Sikh hospitality here, including langar (free community kitchen), comfortable accommodation for pilgrims, and the opportunity to participate in seva (voluntary service). The Gurdwara remains open around the clock, welcoming devotees at all hours for prayer and darshan. Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib is particularly vibrant during major festivals. The annual Hola Mohalla celebrations, instituted by Guru Gobind Singh in 1701, transform Anandpur Sahib into a spectacular arena of martial displays, Nihang processions on horseback, Gatka demonstrations, kirtan, and community feasting. Baisakhi celebrations commemorating the founding of the Khalsa also draw enormous congregations. The nearby Virasat-e-Khalsa museum, a world-class heritage centre designed by architect Moshe Safdie, complements the spiritual experience with immersive exhibits on 500 years of Sikh history, making Anandpur Sahib a comprehensive destination for spiritual seekers, history enthusiasts, and cultural travellers alike. Takht Historical ## Detailed History The story of Anandpur Sahib begins in 1665 when Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, purchased the site from the ruler of Bilaspur state. The Guru established a settlement near the ruins of the ancient village of Makhowa on the edge of the Shiwalik Hills, initially calling it Chak Nanki in honour of his mother, Mata Nanki. The location, positioned between the hills and the plains, proved strategically and spiritually significant. After the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur in 1675 at Delhi — he was executed by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb for refusing to convert to Islam and for defending the right of Kashmiri Pandits to practise their faith — his son, Guru Gobind Rai (later Guru Gobind Singh), succeeded him as the tenth Guru. Under Guru Gobind Singh's leadership, Anandpur Sahib rose to its zenith. On 30 March 1689, the Guru laid the formal foundation of a new township and renamed it Anandpur Sahib, meaning 'City of Bliss.' To defend the growing town from the hostile Hill Rajas and Mughal imperial forces, Guru Gobind Singh constructed five fortresses around Anandpur: Anandgarh, Lohgarh, Fatehgarh, Holgarh, and Kesgarh. These fortifications, begun in 1689, took over a decade to complete and saw fierce battles during the late 1690s and early 1700s. The defining event in the town's history — and arguably in all of Sikh history — occurred on Baisakhi, 30 March 1699. Guru Gobind Singh summoned Sikhs from across the subcontinent and, before a vast assembly, called for five volunteers willing to sacrifice their lives for their faith. These five men, the Panj Pyaras, were initiated through the Amrit Sanchar ceremony, marking the birth of the Khalsa. The Guru himself then received Amrit from these five, declaring himself a disciple of the Khalsa. In 1704, Mughal and Hill Raja forces laid a prolonged siege of Anandpur Sahib. Despite a safe conduct promise, the Guru's forces were attacked during their evacuation in the dark of night in December 1704, leading to the tragedy of Chamkaur Sahib and other battles. Guru Gobind Singh eventually left Anandpur never to return, but the town retained its supreme sacred status in Sikh consciousness. The present gurdwara complex, including the main Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib structure, was substantially built between 1936 and 1944. ## Structures in the Complex ### Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib prayer_hall The principal gurdwara of the complex and one of Sikhism's five supreme Takhts. A magnificent white marble structure with a large fluted gilded dome flanked by four smaller domes, housing the Darbar Sahib where the Guru Granth Sahib is installed and sacred relics of Guru Gobind Singh are kept. The present structure was largely built between 1936 and 1944. ### Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib prayer_hall This historically significant gurdwara marks the spot where the head of Guru Tegh Bahadur was brought from Delhi after his martyrdom in 1675 and cremated by his family. It stands as a powerful symbol of Sikh sacrifice and the Guru's courage in defending the right to religious freedom. ### Sarovar (Sacred Pool) sarovar The sacred pool within the Anandpur Sahib complex where pilgrims take ritual dips for spiritual purification. The sarovar is maintained by the SGPC and is an integral part of the gurdwara experience, surrounded by marble walkways and prayer spaces. ### Langar Hall (Guru Ka Langar) langar_hall A spacious community kitchen at the lower level of the complex spanning approximately 55 square metres. Operates daily from early morning to late evening, serving free vegetarian meals to all visitors irrespective of religion or background. During Hola Mohalla, it feeds hundreds of thousands of pilgrims daily. ### Dashmesh Nivas (Pilgrim Rest Rooms) entrance A row of free accommodation rooms within the gurdwara complex provided to pilgrims, particularly those arriving for festivals or extended stays. Managed by the SGPC, it reflects the tradition of Sikh hospitality (Sewa) extended to all visitors to the holy town. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head covering mandatory for all visitors (scarves available at entrance); shoes must be removed before entering; modest, full-coverage clothing required — shoulders and legs should be covered ### Photography Photography is generally permitted in the outer precincts and at the sarovar; photography inside the Darbar Sahib (main prayer hall) is typically not allowed out of respect ### Etiquette Wash hands and feet before entering the Darbar Sahib; bow in reverence before the Guru Granth Sahib; maintain silence in the prayer hall; alcohol, tobacco, and non-vegetarian food are strictly prohibited within the complex; mobile phones should be on silent mode ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) The langar hall serves thousands of pilgrims daily; during Hola Mohalla, an estimated 1–2 lakh (100,000–200,000) pilgrims are fed each day Seating Capacity ## Architecture The architectural language of Anandpur Sahib's gurdwara complex represents a majestic synthesis of Mughal, Rajput, and classical Punjabi Sikh styles. The Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, the centrepiece of the complex, is a commanding white marble structure crowned with a large fluted dome flanked by four smaller domes at the corners — a composition iconic to Sikh sacred architecture. The domes are gilded, catching and reflecting sunlight in a manner reminiscent of Amritsar's Golden Temple. The present structure of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib was largely rebuilt between 1936 and 1944. Its tall, arched entryways and ornate façade are rendered in white marble, complemented by intricate fresco work and gilded finials. The complex also includes a spacious Darbar Sahib (main prayer hall) where the Guru Granth Sahib is installed, a large open sarovar (sacred pool) for ritual bathing, a well-appointed langar hall at the lower levels spanning approximately 55 square metres, and a divan hall for large congregations. A row of pilgrim rest rooms (Dashmesh Nivas) completes the accommodation facilities within the complex. ## Structures in the Complex ### Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib prayer_hall The principal gurdwara of the complex and one of Sikhism's five supreme Takhts. A magnificent white marble structure with a large fluted gilded dome flanked by four smaller domes, housing the Darbar Sahib where the Guru Granth Sahib is installed and sacred relics of Guru Gobind Singh are kept. The present structure was largely built between 1936 and 1944. ### Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib prayer_hall This historically significant gurdwara marks the spot where the head of Guru Tegh Bahadur was brought from Delhi after his martyrdom in 1675 and cremated by his family. It stands as a powerful symbol of Sikh sacrifice and the Guru's courage in defending the right to religious freedom. ### Sarovar (Sacred Pool) sarovar The sacred pool within the Anandpur Sahib complex where pilgrims take ritual dips for spiritual purification. The sarovar is maintained by the SGPC and is an integral part of the gurdwara experience, surrounded by marble walkways and prayer spaces. ### Langar Hall (Guru Ka Langar) langar_hall A spacious community kitchen at the lower level of the complex spanning approximately 55 square metres. Operates daily from early morning to late evening, serving free vegetarian meals to all visitors irrespective of religion or background. During Hola Mohalla, it feeds hundreds of thousands of pilgrims daily. ### Dashmesh Nivas (Pilgrim Rest Rooms) entrance A row of free accommodation rooms within the gurdwara complex provided to pilgrims, particularly those arriving for festivals or extended stays. Managed by the SGPC, it reflects the tradition of Sikh hospitality (Sewa) extended to all visitors to the holy town. ## Events & Celebrations ### festival #### Hola Mohalla The most celebrated festival at Anandpur Sahib, held annually in March (a day after Holi). Instituted by Guru Gobind Singh in 1701, it features Sikh martial arts (Gatka), bareback horse riding, archery demonstrations, Kirtan, Shabad singing, and poetry. Up to two lakh pilgrims attend each year, with langar running around the clock. ### historical #### Baisakhi (Khalsa Foundation Day) Celebrated on 13 or 14 April every year, Baisakhi marks the anniversary of the founding of the Khalsa Panth in 1699. Anandpur Sahib sees massive pilgrim gatherings, special Ardas, Amrit Sanchar ceremonies, and extended langar service on this day, which is of immense historical and spiritual significance. #### Guru Tegh Bahadur Shaheedi Purab Observed on 24 November each year to commemorate the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the founder of Anandpur Sahib who was executed by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1675. Special Ardas, Kirtan darbars, and lectures on the Guru's sacrifice for religious freedom are held throughout the complex. ### gurpurab #### Guru Nanak Gurpurab The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, observed in November (Kartik Pooranmashi), is celebrated with Akhand Path (48-hour continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib), Prabhat Pheri (early morning processions), Kirtan, and special langar. The entire complex is illuminated for the occasion. #### Guru Gobind Singh Gurpurab The birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji (Poh Sudi 7, typically December–January) holds special significance at Anandpur Sahib, which was the Guru's principal seat for 25 years. Elaborate celebrations including Nagar Kirtan processions, Gatka displays, and extended langar are held. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### visiting Ananpur Sahib Gurudwara (Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib) is open from 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily, every day of the year including public holidays. During major festivals such as Hola Mohalla and Baisakhi, the gurdwara may remain open around the clock to accommodate the large influx of pilgrims. No. Entry to Ananpur Sahib Gurudwara is completely free, as is the tradition for all Sikh gurdwaras worldwide. Free langar (community meals) and basic pilgrim accommodation are also provided at no charge to all visitors regardless of religion, nationality, or background. All visitors must cover their heads (scarves are provided free at the entrance if you don't have one), remove shoes before entering (cloak rooms are available), and wear modest clothing covering shoulders and legs. Visitors are also asked to wash their hands and feet. Alcohol, tobacco, and non-vegetarian food are strictly prohibited within the complex. Yes, basic free accommodation is available for pilgrims at the Dashmesh Nivas within the gurdwara complex, managed by the SGPC. During peak pilgrim seasons such as Hola Mohalla and Baisakhi, it is advisable to arrange accommodation in advance. Several dharamshalas and budget hotels are also available in the town. ### history Anandpur Sahib was founded in 1665 by Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, who purchased the land from the ruler of Bilaspur. It was formally named Anandpur Sahib by Guru Gobind Singh in 1689. Most significantly, it was the birthplace of the Khalsa Panth on Baisakhi day in 1699, when Guru Gobind Singh baptised the Panj Pyaras. The main gurdwara structure was substantially rebuilt between 1936 and 1944. Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib enshrines several sacred weapons (Shastar) of Guru Gobind Singh, including the original Khanda (double-edged sword) used during the first Amrit Sanchar ceremony in 1699, a Katar (dagger), a Nagni Barcha (serpentine spear), a steel bow, and a Hukumnama. These relics are displayed to the congregation during special ceremonies and are considered among the most sacred objects in Sikhism. ### transport By air: Chandigarh International Airport is the nearest, about 80–90 km away. By train: Anandpur Sahib Railway Station (on the Nangal–Una line) is about 2 km from the gurdwara. By road: Drive approximately 80 km from Chandigarh via NH-205/Kiratpur–Nangal Highway (around 2 hours). Regular Punjab Roadways and private buses also connect Anandpur Sahib from Chandigarh, Rupnagar, and Nangal. ### events Hola Mohalla is a three-day Sikh festival celebrated at Anandpur Sahib every year, typically in March, one day after the Hindu festival of Holi. Instituted by Guru Gobind Singh in 1701, it features spectacular displays of Sikh martial arts (Gatka), archery, horse riding, music, poetry, and prayers. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims attend, making it one of the largest religious gatherings in India. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Ananpur Sahib Gurudwara Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. Suggest an Edit