From Pind Mera

On the left bank of the Sutlej river, 40 kilometers from Rupnagar town, is situated Anandpur Sahib, the "abode of bliss". In the background is the Naina Devi range.The town of Anandpur Sahib was founded by Guru Teg Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru. The Guru had left Baba Bakala in the Amritsar district and purchased the land from the Raja of Bilaspur.

It was also at Anandpur Sahib that Kashmiri Pandits approached ninth Guru to save them from Mughals tyranny. Acceding their request on the motivation of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji left for Delhi to make Supreme Sacrifice. At Anandpur Sahib Great tenth Guru of Sikhs Guru Gobind Singh Ji spent his early age. It was here that great Guru mastered the use of arms in Kila Anandgarh Sahib.

The most important of the complex of shrines at Anandpur Sahib is Gurudwara Keshgarh Sahib, which stands on the place where the "Khalsa" was born. It is regarded as one of the five sacred "Takhats" or seats of Sikh religion. In 1699, on the Baisakhi day (13th April), Tenth Master Guru Gobind Singh Ji created Khalsa by baptizing five beloved Sikhs known as "Panj Piaras".

The Holla Mohalla of Anandpur Sahib is an out standing festival of the Sikhs, which is celebrated with great pomp and show on the day following the Holi festival .

Guru Gobind Singh came to this town in 1674 when he was only eight years old and he spent about 25 years, the major part of his life in Anandpur Sahib. The town became the rallying point of his struggle against Mughal oppression and the surrounding areas, were scene of many a battle. It was here that the Guru introduced a new form of baptism and called baptised Sikhs as 'Khalsa' or the pure ones, giving them the common surname Singh (lion). The town has a number of Gurudwaras like Gurudwara Keshgarh Sahib, Gurudwara Manji Sahib, Gurudwara Sis Ganj, Gurudwara Bhora Sahib, Gurudwara Anandgarh Sahib and Gurudwara Mai Jito associated with the ninth and tenth Gurus of the Sikhs.

The famous Sri Dashmesh Academy and Guru Teg Bahadur Museum are also situated at Anandpur Sahib.

It is worth mentioning that the Birth Tercentenary of Khalsa was celebrated during April 1999 at Anandpur Sahib in which important dignitaries from all walks of life from all over the world including Vice President of India, Prime Minister of India and various other political and religious leaders participated.

Anandpur Sahib, the birth place of Khalsa has also been developed as a tourist center. It has also been made "White City".