Anadpur Saheb, Sikh Pilgrimage in India
Anandpur Sahib, the Holy City of Bliss, is about 95 km north-west of
Chandigarh, Punjab. The city is located in the Rupnagar district (Roper)
in the state of Punjab, India. It is nestled between the Shivalik hills
in the east and Sutlej River at far west. Furthermore, this place is
surrounded with vast green stretch that delivers calmness and
spiritualism in its aroma. It is considered as the holiest place of Sikh
religion where Shiri Guru Gobind Singh Ji spent 25 years of his life
teaching and guiding his disciplines.
"When the devotees visit the place they reach the Guru's Abode and
blesses", this belief is observed by thousands of devotees visiting the
shrine from the past many centuries.
Attractions
Gurudwara Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib:
This is the main hub at Anandpur Sahib. This place is the birthplace of
the Khalsa. Among the Five Temporal Authorities (Five Takhts), this
place holds an esteemed value in the religion of Sikhism. The Gurudwara
is located on the hill where Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji used to hold
congregations.
Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib:
November 11, 1675, Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji grasped martyrdom in
Delhi. His behead was cremated at this place. People also believe that
the oldest structure in the shrine is the central pedestal in the
Gurudwara.
November 11, 1675, Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji grasped martyrdom in
Delhi. His behead was cremated at this place. People also believe that
the oldest structure in the shrine is the central pedestal in the
Gurudwara.
Gurudwara Guru Ka Mahal:
In Anandpur Sahib, this is the first structure and building of Chak
Nanaki. This place is worshiped as the 'Guru ka Mahal' complex. Along
with Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, his disciples used to live here.
Gurudwara Bhora Sahib:
It is the residence of Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji. This place has an
underground room which was used for meditation and composing hymns.
Gurudwara Akal Bunga Sahib:
This is situated opposite to the Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib. Shri Guru
Gobind Singh Ji used to address the Sikhs to struggle for freedom and
faith. He also asked people to stay prepared to fight tyranny and
injustice.
Festivals and Fairs
Hola Mohalla, is the occasion when the whole area is accomplished
with martial spirit. This is the correct time to visit the place. 10th
Guru, Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji declared that the festival of colors
'Holi' would be celebrated as Hola Mohalla. During the occasion, his
people used to display the martial spirit to the fellow citizens. It is
estimated that 100,000 devotees from all over the country visit the
place every year during the festival.
During the three-day festivals, all the Gurudwaras are decorated, and
community conferences followed by religious functions. Moreover, a huge
procession of Nihangs is organized where people dress up in traditional
outfit and carry weapons. On the third day, the possession pass through
headquarter of Nihangs, the market, and reaches the fort of Holgarh.
Holgarh is the place where Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji used to celebrate
all festivals and fairs. The occasion also includes martial games, horse
riding, tent pegging, sword wielding and so on. This is the time when
Anandpur Sahib becomes live and enticing. March is the best time to
visit the Holy City of Bliss.
Getting there
By Air: The closest airport to Anandpur Sahib is situated in Chandigarh, just 35 miles away.
By Train: The nearest railheads are situated in Nangal and
Ambala. One can hire a taxi from the station to make it to the sacred
city of bliss.
By Road: Regular Bus services from Delhi and Chandigarh are available to Anandpur Sahib.
