Anandpur Sahib
About the city
The holy city of bliss, is one of the Sikhs five most sacred places, situated about 85 kms from chandigarh between Roopnagar and Nangal and is well connected by road and rail. The town was founded in 1665 by the ninth Sikh Guru, Tegh Bahadur, near the ruins of an ancient place called Makhowal. The town achieved its greatest glory in the time of Sri Guru Gobind Singh (1666- 1708), the last of Ten Sikh Gurus, who spent nearly 25 years of his life here. It was here that Guru Gobind Singh created the panj piaras who lead the huge procession of Hola Mohallain March, which has been declared a National Festival.The ‘city of Bliess' set on the left bank of the river sutlej with Naina Devi mountain in its backdrop is a major sikh pilgrim centre. It was founded in 1665, by Guru Tegh Bhadurji, near the runis of an ancient place called Makhowal. Guru Gobind singh ji, the tenth soikh Guru (1666-1708), spent about 25 years of his life over here and under him the town attained great impotance. The annual sikh festival of Hola Mohalla is the main event of Anandpur sahib. The highlight of the celebrations is the spectacular display of martial traditions by the Nihangs.
In terms of local hospitality and accommodation, you can expect comfortable and value for money options in all price categories at both the destinations. Prominent few among which are listed below. For specific and detailed information or assistance contact approved travel agents or nearest India Tourism State Tourism office.
Festivals
Basant Panchami (Spring festival) is celebrated in January/ February.Hola Mohalla, the festival of colours I.e. holi is celebrated in March.
Baisakhi a harvest festival is celebrated in April.
Dussehra, Diwali, and Guru Purab, the birthday of all Sikh Gurus (Guru Nanak Dev and Guru Gobind Singh) , are celebrated in October/ November.
History
Over the centuries, the Sikh gurus founded a number of towns and turned several villages into major towns. The first town founded by Guru Nanak was Kartarpur in present-day Pakistan. It is generally believed that Anandpur Sahib was built upon the town of Chakk Nanaki founded by Guru Tegh Bahadur on June 19, 1665.When Raja Deep Chand, the ruler of Bilaspur died in April 1665, Guru Tegh Bahadur went to Bilaspur to pray. While he was there, the dowager Rani Champa (the queen of Bilaspur) heard that the Guru had decided to shift his headquarters to Dhamtan about 200 km away. She approached the Guru's mother Mata Nanaki, and begged her to ask the Guru not to move away from Bilaspur. On his mother's request, Guru Tegh Bahadur agreed to stay back. He refused the Rani's offer of land and instead purchased some land around the ruins of the village of Makhowal. It was a peaceful area for meditation, art and intellectual activity, and safe from military attack. Bhai Guruditta laid the foundation stone of this new town in June 1665 at the present site of the gurdwara Guru De Mahal. Guru Tegh Bahadur named the new town Chakk Nanaki after his mother. Chakk Nanaki had the protection of the Charn Ganga stream on two sides and river Sutlej on the third.
After setting up Chakk Nanaki, Guru Tegh Bahadur was unable to visit it for the next six years. In March 1672 he moved back to Chakk Nanaki and finally established it as the Sikh religious headquarters. After Guru Tegh Bahadur achieved martyrdom on November 11, 1675 his son, Guru Gobind Singh came to Chakk Nanaki. On March 30, 1689 he laid the foundation of a new town and named it Anandpur Sahib. Today Chakk Nanaki, the old town of Anandpur Sahib and the adjoining villages of Sahota, Lodhipur, Agampur, Mataur and others, form the new town of Anandpur Sahib.
This transformation is still reflected in the iconography and practice of Sikhism. Swords, spears, shields, and daggers are a centerpiece display in all Gurdwaras, besides the Guru Granth Sahib covered in finery. Even today many Sikhs become Nihangs, an order founded by Guru Gobind Singh himself as the fighting body of the Khalsa. The Nihangs-in distinctive blue robes and armed only with traditional swords, spears, daggers-renounce worldly possessions and commit to embracing martyrdom should the need present itself. Even today a disproportionate number of Sikhs enter the Indian defense forces.
"Wahe Guru", an expression praising the master of the universe is on the lips of every devotee that comes to Anandpur Sahib. You will immediately feel the sense of serenity that pervades this 'city of divine bliss', one of the four seats of authority of the Sikh religion, where magnificent pure-white gurudwaras beckon pilgrims from afar. The gurudwara and forts here have witnessed some of the most significant events in Sikh religious history. The Khalsa Panth was founded here, a council of five wise men that governs Sikh religious affairs was first established here, as was the practice of worshipping the Guru Granth Sahib. Anandpur Sahib is the ideal place to gain an insight into the essence of Sikhism that governs the life of tough, hardy Sardars from Bhatinda to Birmingham. During the festivals of Holla Mohalla (March) and Baisakhi (April) you can join the sea of devotees who flock to Anandpur Sahib, converting it into a carnival zone brimming with religious fervour, culture, tradition and gaiety.
Anandpur Sahib is a small town 80 km from Chandigarh. It lies in the Ropar district of north-east Punjab, on the border with Himachal Pradesh. On one side of Anandpur Sahib are the foothills of the towering Shivalik range, on the other, the river Sutlej. Located on the Ambala-Sirhind-Ropar-Nangal rail route and the Ambala-Nangal road, it is 45 km from Ropar and 22 km from Nangal.
Kesar Sahib Gurdwara lies in the centre of town and is a five minute walk from the bus stand on the highway. Between Kesar Sahib and the bus stand lies a market with numerous chemists, snack shops and STD booths. The main town is spread in a labyrinth of small lanes behind the Kesar Sahib, but also extends to the area between Kesar Sahib and Anandgarh Fort. The railway station is a ten minute walk from the bus stand on the main highway, towards Ambala.