Anandpur Sahib Gurudwara in Punjab

About Anandpur Sahib Gurudwara

Located in the Indian state of Punjab, in a district named Rupnagar, Anandpur Sahib is a city, quite popularly referred to as the “holy city of bliss.”

The city is considered extremely sacred and of historical significance, especially to the Sikhs, and possess natural scenic beauty, is situated on the lower level spurs of the Himalayas. Popular River Sutlej flows through the city, enhancing the scenic beauty further.

Fundamentally, the city was founded by prominent Sikh guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur in the year 1665. The place attracts many tourists from the country, especially during the festive season. Hola Mohalla, commonly known as the Indian festival of “holi” is celebrated in full spirits here, and the tradition is something that has been going on since the time of the 10^th guru of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh.

The entire city is decorated during this festival, which lasts for three days and lacs of devotees visit the city to blend in the fun and also offer prayers. From colors to fairs and traditional sports like martial arts, sword wielding, etc—the festival includes all these and many other fun activities.

Why you need to visit Anandpur Sahib Gurudwara

Well, one important reason for visiting the Anandpur Sahib Gurudwara is because of its strategic importance. Since it’s located on the Sutlej River (in Punjab state) it borders Pakistan.

Another good reason to visit this Gurudwara is that it’s the creme de la creme of Sikh places – yes, it’s that important in Sikhism. In fact, it played such importance in history that the two last great Sikh gurus Guru Tej Bahadur Ji and Guru Gobind Singh JI called it home at one point in their lives.

See history in action

Okay, so the best way to really see history in action is to go back in time. But since our scientist hasn’t figured out how to travel backward in time yet, the next best way to relive history is to visit important historic places. And if you guessed that the Anandpur Sahib Gurudwara is an important historic place, you’re right

Well, while it’s not yet a UNESCO world heritage site, you’d be surprised to learn something very interesting if you were to ever visit this gurudwara.

The last great Sikh guru started the Khalsa Panth in 1699. This is also the place for you if you want to see some relics that are very important to Sikhism.

These include the Kesgarh Sahib Gurudwara. This is among one of the five Tahkts in Sikhism. It is to Sikhs what the five pillars of faith are to Muslims.

It may interest you to learn something – many devout Sikhs visit this gurudwara every year to show respect both to their religion and to worship Sikhism. You learned why and when the gurudwara was founded earlier in this article.

But here is a fact that may just have the hair on your back rise up in shock – the great Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb decided to torture and kill the ninth great Sikh guru by chopping his head off. The reason being that Sikh simply refused to become a Muslim when Aurangzeb ordered him to. The guru was devoted to the Sikh religion.

With time the gurudwara became a strategic and important place for Sikhs. So much so that many Sikhs decided to call the surrounding village home. It eventually became an important town for Sikhs. The great English historians Louis E. French and W.H. McLeod documented this.

Well, all of this began to worry the Mughal Emperor because Sikhs were a threat to the Mughal Empire. So he decided to pass a decree in 1693 that forbade Sikhs from worshipping in large numbers in public.

Now, Sikhs could no longer celebrate the autumn harvest festival Baisakhi. This angered them greatly. This lead Singh to fight back with an official army

Aurangzeb responded by sealing the city off. The Sikhs were livid so they fought a series of battles with Aurangzeb.

Anandpur Sahib Gurudwara is full of history

Indeed, because of its strategic importance in Sikhism, Anandpur Sahib Gurudwara is full of history. You can learn a lot more about the real essence and core of the Sikh religion if you visited this colorful gurudwara!