Sridhar The cremation of his head called "Sheesh or Sis" in Punjabi was performed in Anandpur Sahib. After the martyrdom of his father, Guru Gobind Singh Ji assumed the leadership and succeeded his father as the spiritual Guru. Later in course of time it was here that Sikhs were initiated into a new sect of chosen ones called Khalsa. On the day of Baisakhi in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh Ji prepared Amrit or Nectar by diluting Sugar in water in a bowl with Khanda - the double aged sword which later become a symbol of Sikh religion. This Amrit was offered to 5 men who were extremely valiant and were willing to lay their lives for people's cause. These 5 men were called Panj Piyare. After their initiation into the new sect, they initiated the rest of congregation along with Guru Gobind Singh. Gurudwara Takht Shree K esh Garh Sahib stands right at the place where the ceremony took place. Takht in the name suggests that this Gurudwara is one of the five temporal thrones of Sikh religion. While the city of Anandpur Sahib is situated in the foothills of Shivalik range, the gurudwara is perched on a hilltop and offers a commanding view of the city; which gives us an idea as to how strategic the location must have been f or Guru Gobind Singh Ji. From Anandpur Sahib.. on the day of Baisakhi.. (14th of April, 2022) While Anandpur Sahib was already an important city for Sikh cause, it attained the state of being sacred after it was sanctified with the sacrificial blood of Chadar e Hind Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib. A TO Z INDIA ● MAY 2022 ● PAGE 7 Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Anandpur Sahib Sikhism - The Pride of India: Despite everything being at odd, and in the face of the hostile regime, a follower of Guru managed to bring his severed head from Chandni Chowk to Anandpur Sahib. Guru's last rites were performed at two places, his torso was offered to eternal fire by a devotee who put his own house and everything on fire to give Guru a honorable cremation.