Bhai Nand Lal Library, Takhat Shri Keshgarh Sahib, Anandpur Sahib

Origin

Anandpur Sahib is the birth place of Sikhism. It was at this place on the Vaisakhi of 1699, the Tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh initiated five followers (called Panj Piaras in Punjabi) belonging to different casts and thus starting Sikhism as a religion of universal brotherhood, which untill now existed as a unrecognized religious cult despite all the sacrifices made by its followers in last 200 years since the time of its Founding Father, Guru Nanak Dev. Now onwards these five initiated ones were to follow some strict doctrines of Sikhism laid down by the Guru and initiate others including Guru Gobind Singh. The place where this initiation took place is now Gurdwara Sri Keshgarh Sahib (also spelt as Kesgarh Sahib). It is one of the Five Temporal Authorities of Sikhism.

Anandpur Sahib city was founded by Ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur in 1665. In those days the place was called Chak Nananki, named after Guru's Mother, Nanaki. Later it became famous as Anandpur Sahib. Holla Mohalla is the main festival of the city. Another major celebration is Vaisakhi. The city is famous as a city of Gurdwaras.

The library was started in 1990s by Shiromini Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC), that manages the Gurdwara.

Building

The library occupies a very spacious hall in the Takhat Shri Keshgarh Sahib Gurdwara complex. The librarian's desk is near the entrance and the hall is divided into two partitions by the use of Book Almirahs. On the 1 side are the reading tables for the users and on the other side is laid down a massive carpet for the users who wish to read while sitting on the floor as per the religious norms.

Location

Anandpur Sahib is located in the Rupnagar district of Punjab, India. It is the eastern most district of Punjab. Anandpur sahib touches Himachal Pradesh. It is in the Himalyan Foothill Zone surrounded by picturesque natural scenery. It is touched by Bhakra canal in the east and River Sutlej passes in the south-west about 4 Kms away. A seasonal rivulet called Charan-Ganga passes through the city. The city has a bus stand and a Railway Station.

The library is located on the 2nd floor of the Takhat Shri Keshgarh Sahib Gurdwara complex. It is along the road and visible from the way to the main Gurdwara Sanctum Sanctorium. On the 3rd floor is the Museum.

Staff

The library has a postion of one full time Librarian. Additional staff for assistance is provided as and when required.

Collection

The library has a collection of about a 1000 documents. Library subscribes to 5 newspapers. The library also files newspapers for reference for 2-3 years. Presently it has newspaper files dating back to 2013.

Membership

The library doesn't have regular members but only visiters for its newspaper section and research scholars with specific information needs. The library acts more like a reference library.

Information Technology

The library offers its services manually. The library has a small but selective collection that can be easily managed without the help of the Information Technology.

Working Hours

The library opens from 8am to 5pm all days of the week.

Contact

Bhai Nand Lal Library,
Takhat Shri Keshgarh Sahib Gurdwara Complex,
Anandpur Sahib (Pb.) - 140118.
INDIA.