Anandpur Sahib

Anandpur Sahib, also known as the “Holy City of Bliss”, is considered as one of the most significant sacred places of the Sikhs and the place is closely connected with their religious traditions and rich history.
The place is situated on the lower spurs of the Himalayas bordered by picturesque natural sights, as the river Satluj forms a gleaming and shiny blue border on the south west part, hardly 4 miles away from this sacred place. As for the historical significance of this place, it stands second to Amritsar, the “City of Golden Temple”.

In the year 1665, Anandpur Sahib is situated close to the remnants of an ancient place, Makhowal, founded by 9^th Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur. On his visit to Bilashpur, the Dowager Rani Champa of Bilaspur offered to give a piece of land of her state to the Guru. So, he bought the site and raised a new habitation. In 19 June 1665, the place was broken by Baba Gurditta Ji and was named after his mother, Nanaki, which later came to be known as Anandpur Sahib.

Every year, Anandpur Sahib comes to life on the festival of Hola Mohalla. This particular tradition dates back to the period of the 10th Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji decided that during the occasion of Holi, which is a festival of fun and colour splashing, be the occasion for displaying the martial spirit of his people. Hence, he gave the festival of Holi a more masculine name of Hola Mohalla. Every year, during the Hola Mohalla festival, numerous numbers of devotees from across the country gather at this place for celebrating a festival of colour and cheerfulness.

Places to visit in Anandpur Sahib

Gurudwara Sisganj Sahib- It holds a holy place in the Sikh religion as the head of the 9^th Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib was cremated with full rituals at this place. Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib embraced execution in Delhi on Nov. 11, 1675 and his head was brought to Chakk Nanaki by Bhai Jaita and his associates and cremated over here. The Gurudwara also has an underground room cut off from where the 9th Guru used to sit for meditation.

Gurudwara Manji Sahib- It is placed on the northern part of Kesgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib, dedicated to the sons of Guru Gobind Singh's who used to learn and practice martial skills at this place. The dome is a double-storey building which consists the shrine of Gurudwara Manji.

Gurudwara Bhora Sahib- The dome is a three-storey building, located close to Damdama Sahib in Anandpur Sahib. Guru Teg Bahadur used to meditate in the basement (bhora) of this Gurudwara. The site of the original bhora, a squared platform, where Guru Granth Sahib is placed now, is marked in the middle of the present basement.

Gurudwara Thara Sahib- The Gurudwara is a part of the former Guru De Mahal complex. Guru Teg Bahadur used to deliver sermons from a raised platform at this Gurudwara. It is here that once the Kashmiri Brahmins had come to seek protection from the Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb.

 Apart from many other religious places of Anandpur Sahib, you will have a great time visiting this holy place’s several other historical forts and monuments. In addition to these, there are several other interesting attractions located nearby Anandpur Sahib.