Kiratpur Sahib
In the Shivalik foothills, home of Guru Hargobind's later years and of Guru Har Rai, who kept a herbal dispensary and a zoo here. Sikhs still bring ashes here to scatter in the Sutlej.
Kiratpur Sahib lies at the foot of the Shivalik hills on the Sutlej in Rupnagar district. It was founded by Baba Gurditta, son of Guru Hargobind, around 1627, and the Guru withdrew here in 1635 after his battles, spending his last years in peace.
Guru Har Rai lived here and kept a herbal dispensary and a park of animals. Guru Har Krishan was born here. Here Bhai Jaita brought the head of Guru Tegh Bahadur in 1675, and the young Guru Gobind Rai received it and cremated it at Anandpur.
Gurdwara Patalpuri, on the Sutlej, is where Sikhs from all over the world bring the ashes of their dead to be scattered in the river. Kiratpur is also linked to the Muslim saint Pir Budhan Shah, whose shrine stands on the hill.
People
Sixth Guru. Wore two swords, miri and piri, for worldly and spiritual authority, built the Akal Takht and fought the first Sikh battles against Mughal forces.
Eighth Guru, Guru at five. Nursed victims of a smallpox and cholera epidemic in Delhi and died of smallpox aged seven.
Seventh Guru, known for his gentleness. Kept a herbal dispensary and animal park at Kiratpur and maintained Guru Hargobind's cavalry while avoiding war.