When we take Amrit and begin walking the path of Khalsa, we declare that Guru Gobind Singh ji Maharaj is our father and Anandpur Sahib is our home. For me, it was many years until I had the blessing of visiting Anandpur Sahib and understanding the reality of having a home like this. Standing at Sri Keshgarh Sahib at sunset and seeing the sun shooting red arrows of light over the Satluj valley, you can feel the history of this amazing place in every cell of your being. We are returning to Anandpur Sahib with a group of women in February 2023 and we invite you to join us for this experience of Miri Piri Academy’s Women’s Camp in Anandpur Sahib, open to ladies of all ages around the world.
Anandpur Sahib was born as Chakk Nanaki on June 19, 1665. Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, the 9th Guru of the Sikhs, purchased this area from the ruler of Bilaspur, and named the new town after his mother, Mata Nanaki. By 1672, Guru Tegh Bahadur lived there full time and his wife and son, Mata Gujari and Gobind Rai, traveled from Patna Sahib to join him there. Within a short time, Chakk Nanaki became the major town of the area filled with hundreds of homes and businesses.
It was here at Chakk Nanaki, on May 25, 1675, that the Kashmiri Brahmins visited Guru Sahib to tell him of the monstrous atrocities inflicted on the Hindu community by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and to petition for his help. Guru Tegh Bahadur agreed to represent the Hindus to the Emperor in the Delhi darbar, knowing full well that this would cost him his precious life. On July 8, 1675, Guru Tegh Bahadur installed his nine-year-old son, Gobind Rai, as the 10th Guru of the Sikhs. With his affairs in order, he left for Delhi on July 10th to meet the difficult destiny of martyrdom.
Guru Gobind Rai grew into an exalted man and a divine Guru, filled with spiritual potency and Bir Ras – the very essence of martial strength. He knew of the hardship that lay ahead, and worked with inspired precision to prepare the Sikhs. The Guru transformed Chakk Nanaki to Anandpur Sahib, a garrisoned village of 5 forts; and he metamorphosed the Sikh community into the Khalsa, transforming farmers and merchants into the bravest warriors of the land.
During Women’s Camp, we will be staying at Dasmesh Sadan,a graceful and peaceful place for us to meditate and study the Sukhmani Sahib together. During the afternoons, we will visit some of the historic sites of Anandpur Sahib and touch the energy that still resounds in these holy places.
First, we will go to the beautiful Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, the very site on which Guru Gobind Singh created the Khalsa in 1699. As a group, we will walk to the Takht each morning to listen to the Asa di Var and enjoy the company of the sangat in Anandpur.
We will explore the historical sites of the village, including Guru de Mahal, the first building of Chakk Nanaki where the family of the Guru lived, including his mother, grandmother, wife and sons. Nearby, we will visit Sis Ganj and Akal Bunga and reflect on the story of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s ultimate sacrifice, how that transformed India of the 17th century, and how the reverberations are still felt today.
About 11 km from Anandpur are the Gurdwaras of Guru Ka Lahore. This village was created by Guru Gobind Singh in 1677 to welcome his new wife and her family from Lahore. The marriage of Guru Sahib and Mata Jeeto ji was held here on June 21, 1677, and we will reflect on this story and meditate at this sacred site. The energy of Guru Ka Lahore is still youthful, hopeful, and luminous and I am always transformed by spending a few hours here.
Guru Gobind Singh built five forts in Anandpur Sahib to protect the city from invasion, and we will see as many as time allows us. Anandgarh Sahib Fort is very close to Takht Keshgarh Sahib, and we will bow there during our exploration of the town. Fatehgarh Sahib Fort is very close to Dashmesh Sadan, and we will bow there on one of our walks to town. Taragarh Sahib is about 5 km from town and
was built on a hilltop to protect the city from invasion from Kehlur. We will spend an afternoon at Taragarh Sahib and take in the beautiful views from atop the Gurdwara. It was here that Guru Gobind Singh sent 40 Sikhs to meditate and generate a protective shield for Anandpur Sahib. It is an inspiring place to meditate, and we will send prayers of protection to those places in need. I invite you to join us for an inspiring week in Anandpur Sahib. For me, “Anandpur Sahib is my home” is not a concept or a declaration of faith. It is a reality. My blood flows into the soil and my heart merges with Gurbani kirtan on the breeze. My mind bows to the vibration of my Guru, and I realize that Anandpur Sahib is the only home I have ever needed or ever known.
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