The ‘City of Bliss’ set on the left bank of the river Sutlej with Naina Devi mountain in its backdrop is a major Sikh pilgrim center. It was founded in 1665, by Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, near the ruins of an ancient place called Makhowal. Guru Gobind Singh ii, the tenth Sikh Guru (1666- 1708), spent about 25 years of his life over here, and under him, the town attained great importance. The annual Sikh festival of Holi Mohalla is the main event of Anandpur Sahib. The highlight of the celebrations is the spectacular display of martial traditions by the Nihangs.
Gurudwara Keshgarh Sahib: On the auspicious day of Baisakhi (13th April 1699). Guru Gobind Singh Ji founded the ‘Khalsa’ or the Army of Pure’over here. He baptized the first five Sikh volunteers to help him defend the faith and called them the Panj Piare” or the five beloved ones. The magnificent gurudwara is one of the Panj or five Takhts of the Sikh faith. It also enshrines 12 weapons of Guru Gobind Singhji.
Gurudwara Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (Sis Ganj): The hallowed head of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was cremated here with full rituals on 16th November 1675. He was executed by the Mughals at Delhi and the head was brought here by Bhai Jaita.
Gurudwara Anandgarh Sahib: It was the fort and residence of Guru Gobind Singhji. The daily light and sound show held in the evening depicts scenes from the lives and the times of the Sikh Gurus.
Other important sites are Gurudwara Damdama Sahib, Guru ka Mahal, Gurudwara Thara Sahib, Gurudwara Mai Jito ji and Guru Teg Bahadur Museum etc.
Around Anandpur Sahib
Kiratpur Sahib (11 kms.)
The sacred city was founded in 1627, by Sri Hargobind Ji, the sixth Sikh Guru. It is also associated with Pir Budhan Shah, a Muslim saint known for his very long life. Sri Hargobind, Sri Har Rai, and Sri Har Kishan, the three Sikh Guru were cremated here.
Bhakra Dam (35 kms.)
It is considered to be the world’s highest straight gravity concrete dam. A large number of tourists visit the dam site, the huge reservoir named Gobind Sagar reservoir, and well laid-out gardens nearby.
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