# Gurdwara Sisganj Sahib Anandpur Sahib | Sacred Sikh Shrine > Visit Gurdwara Sisganj Sahib in Anandpur Sahib, where Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's head was cremated in 1675. A sacred pilgrimage site in Punjab, India. # Gurdwara Sisganj sahib Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: 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. ## Significance Gurdwara Sisganj Sahib Anandpur Sahib holds profound spiritual and historical significance in the Sikh faith. It commemorates the supreme sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, who gave his life not only for Sikhism but for the universal principle of religious freedom. His martyrdom is celebrated in Sikh tradition as one of the greatest acts of selflessness in human history — the Guru willingly accepted death to protect the right of others (the Kashmiri Pandits) to practice their own faith. The gurdwara enshrines the memory of this sacrifice in its very soil, as the sacred ashes of the Guru's head rest here. For Sikh pilgrims, a visit to this gurdwara is an act of deep reverence and an affirmation of commitment to the Sikh ideals of justice, courage, and sacrifice. The shrine is also significant as the site where Guru Gobind Singh, then a young boy of approximately nine years, performed his father's last rites — an act that is believed to have deeply shaped his determination to create the Khalsa Panth and fight against tyranny. Anandpur Sahib as a whole is one of the holiest cities in Sikhism, and Gurdwara Sisganj Sahib is among its most venerated shrines. The gurdwara also commemorates Bhai Jaita Ji's extraordinary devotion and physical endurance in bringing the Guru's head to its final resting place, and his story is an integral part of the shrine's spiritual narrative. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ### Gurdwara Gurgaddi Patshahi Tenth India 169 m away Open daily from approximately 4:00 AM to... Gurdwara Gurgaddi Patshahi Tenth is a revered Sikh shrine located near Anandpur Sahib in Punjab, India, commemorating the sacred Guru Gaddi — the spiritual throne — of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the Tenth and final human Guru of the Sikhs. The name 'Gurgaddi' refers to the seat of Guruship, and this gurdwara marks a site of profound religious importance where the Tenth Guru is believed to have held court, delivered spiritual guidance, and exercised his temporal and spiritual sovereignty. Situated in the Shivalik foothills of Punjab along the banks of the Sutlej River, this sacred site exists within one of the holiest geographical regions of Sikhism, in close proximity to Anandpur Sahib, which Guru Gobind Singh Ji made his principal seat of power and devotion for over three decades. The gurdwara serves the dual purpose of a place of congregational worship (sangat) and a living memorial to the life and mission of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who transformed the Sikh Panth by founding the Khalsa on Vaisakhi in 1699. Devotees and pilgrims travel from across India and around the world to seek the blessings of the Tenth Guru and to connect with the spiritual energy believed to permeate the grounds. Daily religious activities at the gurdwara include Nitnem (recitation of daily prayers), Kirtan (devotional hymn singing), Ardas (communal prayer), and the distribution of langar (free community meals) to all visitors irrespective of caste, creed, or religion. The gurdwara is managed under the auspices of a local Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee and operates in accordance with the Sikh Rehat Maryada, the official Sikh code of conduct as prescribed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). The premises maintain a serene and disciplined environment where the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji are continuously recited. The institution also plays an active role in the social fabric of the surrounding community, offering educational programs, charitable services, and support for the underprivileged. As one of the gurdwaras in the spiritually charged landscape of the Anandpur Sahib region, Gurdwara Gurgaddi Patshahi Tenth stands as a symbol of the Sikh ideals of equality, service, and devotion to the one eternal Creator. 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 254 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 ### Gurdwara Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib ਤਖਤ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਕੇਸਗੜ੍ਹ ਸਾਹਿਬ Anandpur Sahib, India 269 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 ### Ananpur Sahib Gurudwara Anandpur Sahib, Punjab, India 272 m away 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily; open all days ... 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. Community ## Detailed History The history of Gurdwara Sisganj Sahib Anandpur Sahib is inseparably linked to one of the most momentous events in Sikh and Indian history — the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. In 1675, faced with Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb's forced conversions of Kashmiri Pandits to Islam, a delegation of Kashmiri Brahmins sought the Guru's intervention. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji journeyed to Delhi to confront the Emperor and was arrested, tried, and executed on November 11, 1675, in Chandni Chowk. His body was claimed and cremated in Delhi by Bhai Lakhi Shah Vanjara, who is believed to have set his own house ablaze to perform the last rites in secret. Simultaneously, the Guru's head was retrieved by Bhai Jaita Ji and two companions who undertook the arduous journey of approximately 300 kilometres from Delhi to Anandpur Sahib. Upon arriving at Chakk Nanaki on November 17, 1675, Bhai Jaita presented the sacred head to the young Guru Gobind Rai (later Guru Gobind Singh), who embraced Bhai Jaita with the words 'Rangrette Guru ke Bete' (the Rangrettas are sons of the Guru). Guru Gobind Singh personally performed the cremation ceremony of his father's head at this site, reciting the Ardas (Sikh prayer) and conducting the final rites with full honour. Following the cremation, the Guru is believed to have constructed a small memorial platform or 'samadh' over the ashes at this location. When Guru Gobind Singh departed from Anandpur Sahib during the siege of 1705 — on the fateful night of December 5–6 — he paused at this sacred shrine to offer final prayers and appointed Bhai Gurbakhsh Das Udasi as its caretaker before embarking on his final journey. The gurdwara was subsequently developed and expanded over subsequent centuries, with the present structure reflecting contributions from the Sikh community and patronage of the SGPC. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Main Sanctum) prayer hall The central two-storey hall where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is installed under an ornate canopy. The interior features marble floors and walls, with exquisitely designed marble columns supporting the circumambulatory passage (parikrama) that is 4.5 metres wide. A pinnacled dome crowns the structure, visible from a distance. ### Sacred Cremation Memorial (Samadh) memorial The inner sanctum is believed to be constructed over the spot where Guru Gobind Singh built the original memorial platform (samadh) over the ashes of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's head. This is the most sacred point within the gurdwara complex. ### Langar Hall community kitchen A spacious communal dining and kitchen facility where free meals are prepared and served to all visitors throughout the day. The langar hall upholds the Sikh tradition of equality, with all visitors seated together irrespective of caste, religion, or social status. ### Sarovar (Sacred Pool) sacred pool A sacred water tank adjacent to the gurdwara where devotees perform ritual ablutions before entering the main darbar sahib. The sarovar is a traditional feature of major Sikh shrines and holds spiritual significance. ### Pilgrim Accommodation (Sarai) accommodation The gurdwara complex includes a pilgrim rest house (sarai) providing basic accommodation to visiting devotees, particularly those travelling long distances for pilgrimage. The facilities are managed by the SGPC. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head must be covered at all times (scarves/rumāls available at the entrance); shoes must be removed before entering; modest, conservative clothing required ### Photography Permitted in the outer premises and gardens; photography inside the main darbar sahib may be restricted — seek permission from sevadars ### Etiquette Remove footwear before entering; cover your head; wash hands before entering the langar hall; refrain from smoking, alcohol, and non-vegetarian food within the premises; maintain silence and decorum inside the darbar sahib ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) The langar hall can accommodate several hundred devotees at a time; capacity significantly expanded during festivals and major events Seating Capacity ## Architecture The present structure of Gurdwara Sisganj Sahib Anandpur Sahib is a fine example of traditional Sikh religious architecture. The main building is a two-storey structure crowned with a pinnacled dome (gumbad) finished in white, a hallmark of Sikh gurdwara design. The inner sanctum (darbar sahib) houses the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the eternal Sikh scripture, under a beautifully decorated canopy. Surrounding the inner sanctum is a 4.5-metre wide covered circumambulatory passage (parikrama), supported on exquisitely carved marble columns that allow devotees to perform the ritual circumambulation in reverence. The floors and walls feature polished marble, which lends the interior a clean, luminous quality. The facade incorporates ornamental plasterwork and traditional Punjabi motifs. The complex includes a sarovar (sacred pool) for ritual ablutions, a spacious langar hall for the free community kitchen, and adequate accommodation facilities for visiting pilgrims. The gurdwara's exterior is illuminated at night, creating a serene and devotional ambience within the broader sacred landscape of Anandpur Sahib. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Main Sanctum) prayer hall The central two-storey hall where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is installed under an ornate canopy. The interior features marble floors and walls, with exquisitely designed marble columns supporting the circumambulatory passage (parikrama) that is 4.5 metres wide. A pinnacled dome crowns the structure, visible from a distance. ### Sacred Cremation Memorial (Samadh) memorial The inner sanctum is believed to be constructed over the spot where Guru Gobind Singh built the original memorial platform (samadh) over the ashes of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's head. This is the most sacred point within the gurdwara complex. ### Langar Hall community kitchen A spacious communal dining and kitchen facility where free meals are prepared and served to all visitors throughout the day. The langar hall upholds the Sikh tradition of equality, with all visitors seated together irrespective of caste, religion, or social status. ### Sarovar (Sacred Pool) sacred pool A sacred water tank adjacent to the gurdwara where devotees perform ritual ablutions before entering the main darbar sahib. The sarovar is a traditional feature of major Sikh shrines and holds spiritual significance. ### Pilgrim Accommodation (Sarai) accommodation The gurdwara complex includes a pilgrim rest house (sarai) providing basic accommodation to visiting devotees, particularly those travelling long distances for pilgrimage. The facilities are managed by the SGPC. ## Events & Celebrations ### religious observance #### Shaheedi Divas of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Held annually in November to commemorate the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji on November 11, 1675. Special prayers, kirtan, katha (scriptural discourses), and extended langar are organized at the gurdwara. Large sangats from across India gather to pay homage at the site of the Guru's final cremation rites. ### festival #### Hola Mohalla Celebrated annually the day after Holi (March), Hola Mohalla is a grand Sikh festival initiated by Guru Gobind Singh in Anandpur Sahib. The entire city transforms into a major pilgrimage site with Nihang Sikh processions, martial arts demonstrations, kirtan darbars, and massive langar. Gurdwara Sisganj Sahib participates fully in these festivities. #### Baisakhi Celebrated every year on April 13-14, Baisakhi marks both the Punjabi New Year and the founding of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 at Anandpur Sahib. Special prayers and large congregations are held at all gurdwaras in the holy city, including Sisganj Sahib. #### Diwali (Bandi Chhor Divas) Sikhs celebrate Diwali as Bandi Chhor Divas, marking the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from Gwalior Fort. The gurdwara is illuminated with lights and diyas, and special evening prayers and kirtan are held. ### religious celebration #### Gurpurab of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (Prakash Purab) The birth anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, celebrated with great devotion. The gurdwara holds akhand paths (uninterrupted readings of the Guru Granth Sahib), special kirtan, and nagar kirtan (procession through the town). ## Frequently Asked Questions ### history Gurdwara Sisganj Sahib marks the spot where the severed head of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru, was cremated on November 17, 1675. After the Guru's martyrdom in Delhi, his devoted disciple Bhai Jaita brought the sacred head to Anandpur Sahib, where Guru Gobind Singh personally conducted the cremation rites. The Gurdwara Sisganj Sahib in Delhi (Chandni Chowk) marks the site where Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was executed on November 11, 1675. The Gurdwara Sisganj Sahib in Anandpur Sahib marks where the Guru's sacred head was brought by Bhai Jaita and subsequently cremated by Guru Gobind Singh on November 17, 1675. Both are distinct and sacred shrines. Bhai Jaita Ji, a devoted Sikh disciple, retrieved Guru Tegh Bahadur's head after the martyrdom in Delhi and carried it approximately 300 kilometres to Anandpur Sahib. For this act of supreme devotion, Guru Gobind Singh honoured him with the words 'Rangrette Guru ke Bete' (the Rangrettas are sons of the Guru). ### visitor information Yes, entry to the gurdwara is completely free. There are no charges for visiting, attending prayers, or partaking in langar (the free community meal served to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, or background). The best time to visit is from October to March when the weather in Punjab is pleasant. The most spiritually significant time is during the Shaheedi Divas (Martyrdom Day) of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji in November and during Hola Mohalla in March, when Anandpur Sahib hosts the grand Sikh martial festival with thousands of pilgrims. All visitors must cover their heads before entering the gurdwara premises (scarves or rumāls are available at the entrance). Shoes must be removed before entering. Modest and conservative clothing is required. Smoking, alcohol, and non-vegetarian food are not permitted within the gurdwara complex. ### transport Anandpur Sahib is approximately 80 km from Chandigarh and is accessible by road via NH-21. The town has its own railway station. From Chandigarh, regular Punjab Roadways buses ply to Anandpur Sahib. Chandigarh International Airport is the nearest airport. Within Anandpur Sahib, auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are available. 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