During the siege of Anandpur in 1704 when the Khalsa and Guru Gobind Singh were fighting for the survival of the community, the food and medical supplies were running low. The Khalsa was engaged daily by Mughal and Hindu Pahari forces, which required the operational support from the non-combatant residents of Anandpur.

The city of Anandpur had infrastructure that was strategically built to support the community during these difficult times, most notable of which was Shahid Bagh (garden of Martyrs), which had an extremely large well. It was in this garden where the sick and injured were cared for. These wells are still used to this day and are visited by thousands yearly on festivals like Hola Mohalla.

Resident beyond the walls of the fort of Anandpur Sahib within the city itself, was the most famous caretaker Bhai Kanhaiya. A Sikh whose enlightened vision saw the Divine within all, enemy and friend alike. Bhai Kanhaiya would venture out on the battlefield to offer water and medical aid to injured soldiers on both sides of the battlefield.

Also renowned for providing care to the injured was Mata Sahib Devan, the youngest wife of Guru Gobind Singh. Her selfless service would earn her great respect in the eyes of the Khalsa warriors.

The resolve and compassion practised by Sikhs like Bhai Kanhaiya and Mata Sahib Deva speak of the enormity of ways in which Sikhs manifested the qualities praised by the Gurus.