Shri Kesgarh Sahib Gurudwara

Shri Kesgarh Sahib Gurudwara is situated in the central place of the city of Anandpur Sahib. It is also known as Takht Shri Kesgarh Sahib. After the establishment of Anandpur Sahib, Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji used to hold congregations on this hill. The revelation of Khalsa and its first initiation (Khande Di Pahul) took place here.

At that time the hill of Kesgarh Sahib was at least 10-15 feet higher than its present height. By the side of this hill, there stood another hill. It was known as "Tambu (tent) Wali Pahari" because a special tent was set up here on the day of the revelation of Khalsa.

This hill does not exist anymore. Similarly, there was a long range of small hills extending from Kesgarh Sahib to Anandpur fort.

History of Shri Kesgarh Sahib Gurudwara

Kesgarh Sahib Fort was built in 1699. The hill armies attacked Anandpur Sahib several times between 1700 and 1705 but never could the invading armies reached Kesgarh Sahib because it was a very strong fort before reaching the gates of this fort the armies had to capture the fort at Taragarh, Azamgarh, Fatehgarh, and Anandgarh.

This could not happen even once in the history of Anandpur Sahib. It was only on December 6, 1705, when Guru Sahib abandoned the town, the hill armies entered this fort and demolished it. The Sikhs could not enter Anandpur Sahib till Baba Banda Singh Bahadur subjugated the ruler of Bilaspur. The Sikhs had to face another wave of persecution after the fall of Baba Banda Singh.

Within the next ten years, most of the Sikh homeland was under the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Sikh Misls, and the Patiala dynasty and this meant peace in Punjab; hence Anandpur Sahib was the safest place for the Sikhs. Takht Shri Keshgarh Sahib is the main shrine at Anandpur Sahib. At Anandpur Sahib, there are lying many historical Relics (Pictures in Photo Gallery) which belong to Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Khanda (Double-Edged Sword) Guru Ji used to prepare Amrit on the revelation of Khalsa Day.

Kataar It was Shri Guru Gobind Singh’s personal Dagger he used to carry with him. Saif is a double-edged Weapon presented to Guru Sahib by Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah. Gun was presented to Guru Sahib by one of the Sikhs from Lahore.

Architecture of Shri Kesgarh Sahib Gurudwara

Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib or Takht Sri Darbar Sahib Kesgarh Sahib is purely based on Sikh gurudwara architectural styles and patterns with a lot of perfection. This building structure is larger when compared to other Gurudwara of this particular region. It is very spacious in all aspects. It is best suitable for conducting religious affairs, rituals, activities, and functions successfully related to Sikhism with the active participation of thousands of visitors.

It is a four-storied building structure with domes at the corners and center. Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib or Takht Sri Darbar Sahib Kesgarh Sahib is a striking masterpiece Gurudwara in sparkling white color with golden-colored borders. It is beautifully built with details of religious-related sculptures and carvings. The ceiling and flooring of this religious place are marvelous.

The building structure is well-ventilated and remains cool in the summer season. The kitchen in this religious spot is very large. There are cooking facilities to meet the normal requirements and festive needs to a great extent in Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib or Takht Sri Darbar Sahib Kesgarh Sahib. The main building and Langar are apart and not attached in any manner.