Keshgarh

Keshgarh, commonly referred to as Keshgarh Sahib, is a historic gurdwara located in Anandpur Sahib, Rupnagar district, Punjab, India. It holds a defining place in Sikhism as the site where Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa on Vaisakhi in 1699. According to Sikh tradition, on that day the Guru summoned the Panj Pyare, administered Amrit, and initiated a collective order of baptized Sikhs, thereby creating the Khalsa.

The shrine sits within the Anandpur Sahib complex near the Sutlej River and marks the remains of a fort that once occupied the site. The name Keshgarh combines Punjabi elements meaning “hair” and “fort,” reflecting its historic association with the fortress that stood there and the spiritual significance of the event linked to it. Over time the fort and shrine developed into a major pilgrimage center for Sikhs.

Today Keshgarh Sahib is a focal point for pilgrims, especially during Vaisakhi and other Gurpurabs. The gurdwara complex includes the sanctum for prayer and facilities to accommodate visitors, reflecting its role within the broader Anandpur Sahib religious precinct.