The Khalsa Heritage Complex is also known as Virasat-e-Khalsa. This astonishing monument lends an insight into the turbulent and dynamic events which unfolded in the last three centuries in Punjab which gave birth to Khalsa. This complex puts together the history of Sikh people through an astounding series of beautiful paintings portraying the lives of Sikh Gurus, their struggle and the heritage that the Guru Sahibs have left behind.

This complex is also the symbol of Sikh community. It is basically a museum which presents the history of Sikhism and the inception of the Khalsa Panth. This museum aims at illuminating the vision of Sikh Gurus, the significance of brotherhood and peace along with the depiction of heritage and culture of Punjab.

This museum was opened to public in November 2011 after 13 long years of its construction.

Museum Structure

This museum is composed of two complexes constructed at each side of the ravine, connected through a ceremonial bridge. The western complex is smaller in size and it includes an auditorium with a seating capacity of 400 people, an entrance plaza, a two storeyed reference and research library & exhibition galleries.

The eastern complex is the bigger one and it subsumes a permanent and extensive exhibition space along with a round memorial building. This space consists of two clusters of large galleries which try to evoke the extensive fortress architecture of the region and form a dramatic outline against the cliff terrain surrounding it. The gathering of the galleries as reflects the five virtues which are a central tenet of Sikhism. These buildings have been constructed with concrete while some columns & beams are left exposed in local honey-colored stones. The rooftops of the buildings are constructed with stainless steel clad and they exhibit a double curvature surface. These reflect the sky while in the ravine, a series of dams create pools which reflect the entire complex beautifully at night.

This building was designed by famous Israeli architect Moshe Safdie and his associates.

In 1999, which marked the mercenary of the inception of Khalsa, the then Chief Minister of Punjab - Sardar Prakash Singh Badal laid the outlines for this magnificent edifice at Shri Anandpur Sahib which was named as Virasat-e-Khalsa.

Virasat-e-Khalsa has been constructed to inspire the visitors with the vision that the Sikh Gurus had, while emphasizing the eternal message of the great Sikh gurus for the whole mankind.

Contrary to the dome tradition, which usually crowns the sacred sites of the Sikhs, the roofs of this museum are shaped concavely and are facing the sky. Covered with the stainless steel, these roofs reflect the light of the sun towards the fort and the nearby Gurudwara.

Attractions of the Museum

The museum not only impresses the visitors with its 65 acre extensively designed complex and the majestic structure but also by its multimedia galleries that bring the Sikh culture and history alive. There are about 25 galleries in the museum out of which 15 are completely ready to greet the visitors. The rest of the galleries would be made available to visitors in the second phase of the construction completion of the complex. In these galleries, the visitors are guided through "auto-trigger" guides available in three languages - Hindi, English and Punjabi. The term "auto-trigger" implies that as soon as a visitor walks into the gallery, the audio guide will automatically play the related content. The first five galleries of the complex showcase the spiritual facets of the Panth with the help of research materials, technology and the stories.
The boat building of this complex which is named as "Panch Pani" houses the world's largest hand painted mural depicting the history and present day lives of Punjab as seen in its cities, towns and villages.

Inspiration Behind Khalsa Heritage Complex

The Heritage complex or Virasat-e-Khalsa has been inspired by the rich architectural and natural heritage of Shri Anandpur Sahib while it also drew heavily from regional and Sikh architecture.

Location

This complex is located at Anandpur Sahib, on the Chandigarh - Dharamshala Highway at a distance of about 80 Km from Chandigarh.

Timing

Khalsa Heritage Complex is open for six days a week except Mondays from 9.30 in the morning to 4 in the evening. There is no entry fee to visit this inspirational complex.

How to Reach

By Air

Chandigarh is the nearest airport to Anandpur Sahib. Once you reach Chandigarh airport, you can hire a taxi or can board a road transport / private bus to reach Anandpur Sahib.

By Road

Anandpur Sahib is a popular city of Punjab and can be easily reached by private, deluxe or road transportation buses from various cities of Punjab like Patiala, Chandigarh, Dharamshala and Delhi.

By Rail

Nangal is the nearest railway station to Anandpur Sahib, which is well connected with the other major cities of the country through direct and indirect trains.