Anandpur Sahib the Holy City of Bliss is one of the most important sacred places of the Sikhs and is closely linked with their religious traditions and history. It is located on the lower spurs of the Himalayas surrounded by picturesque natural scenery, with the river Satluj forming a shimmering and shiny blue border on the south west barely four miles away. So far as the historical significance of Anandpur Sahib is concerned, it is second only to Amritsar, the city of Golden Temple. The ninth Guru, Sri Guru Teg Bahadur ji, near the ruins of an ancient place, Makhowal, founded Anandpur Sahib in the year 1664. The Guru purchased the site from the ruler of Bilaspur. The town achieved its finest glory in the times of Guru Gobind Singh ji who spent almost 25 years of his life at this very place. It was at this place where five Sikhs volunteered their heads at Guru Gobind Singh Ji's bidding, creating the nucleus of the self-abnegating, brave and casteless fellowship of the Khalsa. It is thus the Birthplace of the Khalsa.