Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib Ji – Anandpur Sahib
Key Visitor Information
- Address: Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Anandpur Sahib, Rupnagar District, Punjab 140118, India
- Gurudwara Timings: 4:00 AM – 9:30 PM (Open daily, Langar open 24x7)
- Nearest Railway Station: Anandpur Sahib Railway Station (~1.5 km)
- Nearest Airport: Chandigarh International Airport (IXC) (~85 km)
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Google Maps Location:
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Religious and Historic Importance
Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib Ji is situated in the heart of Anandpur Sahib (the City of Bliss) in Punjab and stands as one of the most revered seats of authority in Sikhi. The fort was constructed in 1689 by the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, surrounded by five historic fortresses guarding the town.
This sacred Takht holds unparalleled historical significance as the birthplace of the Khalsa Panth. On the momentous day of Baisakhi in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh Ji summoned a historic congregation. He called for five brave souls willing to offer their heads for righteousness, giving rise to the Panj Pyare (the Five Beloved Ones). Here, Guru Gobind Singh Ji initiated Khande di Pahul (the nectar of the double-edged sword), establishing the Khalsa code of conduct and bestowing the five sacred Kakaars (Kesh, Kangha, Kara, Kachera, Kirpan).
The current grand white structure, constructed between 1936 and 1944 on a hill slope, houses invaluable historical relics of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. These include his personal double-edged sword (Khanda) used to prepare Amrit, his personal dagger (Katara), his double-edged weapon (Saif gifted by Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah), and his personal gun.
Anandpur Sahib also hosts the annual festival of Hola Mohalla, introduced by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, where thousands gather to witness martial arts demonstrations (Gatka), horse riding, and devotional kirtan.