Are you looking for a spiritual and cultural destination that will enrich your soul and mind? Do you want to explore the history and legacy of one of the most influential figures in Sikhism and Indian history? If yes, then you should visit Hazur Sahib Nanded, a sacred Sikh shrine and a historical treasure in Maharashtra.
Hazur Sahib Nanded is one of the five takhts or thrones of temporal authority in Sikhism, where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last Sikh Guru, breathed his last in 1708. It is also the place where he transformed Sikhism into a distinct faith with its own identity, code of conduct, and symbols. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Hazur Sahib Nanded, from its history and architecture to its culture and festivities. Read on to discover why Hazur Sahib Nanded is a must-visit place for every Sikh pilgrim and every history lover.
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The Significance of Hazur Sahib Nanded
- Hazur Sahib Nanded is not just a Gurudwara, but a living testament to the teachings and legacy of Guru Gobind Singh. Guru Gobind Singh was the son of Guru Tegh Bahadur, who was martyred by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb for refusing to convert to Islam. Guru Gobind Singh vowed to resist the tyranny of the Mughals and protect the rights and freedom of all people.
- He founded the Khalsa Panth, or the Order of the Pure, in 1699, by initiating five Sikhs into a new baptism ceremony called Khande di Pahul. He gave them the five Ks, or the five articles of faith: Kesh (uncut hair), Kangha (wooden comb), Kara (iron bracelet), Kachera (cotton underwear), and Kirpan (sword). He also gave them a new surname, Singh (lion), to signify their courage and dignity. He declared that all Sikhs are equal and brotherly, regardless of their caste, class, or gender.
- He also composed many hymns and literary works that are part of the Sikh scriptures, such as Dasam Granth, Zafarnama, and Chaupai Sahib. He was a master of many languages, such as Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic, Hindi, and Punjabi. He was also a skilled warrior, poet, musician, and philosopher.
- He fought many battles against the Mughals and their allies, such as the Battle of Bhangani, the Battle of Chamkaur, and the Battle of Muktsar. He lost his four sons, two in battle and two by execution, but he never gave up his faith or his mission. He also formed alliances with other rulers and communities who opposed the Mughal oppression, such as the Rajputs, the Marathas, and the hill tribes.
- He arrived in Nanded in 1708, after receiving an invitation from Bahadur Shah, the son and successor of Aurangzeb. He hoped to resolve their differences peacefully and secure justice for his father’s martyrdom. However, he was betrayed by two Pathans who stabbed him in his tent. He fought back and killed one of them, while the other escaped. He was taken to a chamber near the bank of the Godavari river, where he was attended by his followers.
- He knew that his end was near, so he declared that he would be the last human Guru of the Sikhs. He instructed his Sikhs to consider Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhism, as their eternal Guru. He also appointed Banda Singh Bahadur as his military successor and gave him a letter of authority and five arrows from his quiver. He then breathed his last on October 7th 1708.
- His body was cremated on the bank of the Godavari river by his devoted disciple Bhai Santokh Singh. A small structure was built around the location where he was cremated by Bhai Daya Singh. Later, a larger and more magnificent Gurudwara was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the founder of the Sikh Empire, in 1837. He also decorated the Gurudwara with gold and silver, and donated many precious items and lands to it. He named the Gurudwara as Hazur Sahib, which means the presence or the court of the master.
- Hazur Sahib Nanded is revered as one of the five takhts or thrones of temporal authority in Sikhism, along with Akal Takht in Amritsar, Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib in Anandpur, Takht Sri Patna Sahib in Patna, and Takht Sri Damdama Sahib in Talwandi Sabo. It is also known as Sachkhand, which means the realm of truth, as Guru Gobind Singh declared that he would reside there eternally.
- Hazur Sahib Nanded is a place where every Sikh can feel the presence and the blessings of Guru Gobind Singh, and learn from his teachings and example. It is also a place where every history lover can witness the glorious and heroic saga of Sikhism and its impact on Indian history. The Architecture and Features of Hazur Sahib Nanded
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- Hazur Sahib Nanded is not only a sacred Sikh shrine, but also a stunning architectural marvel. The Gurudwara was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1837, in the Indo-Saracenic style, which combines elements of Indian, Islamic, and Persian architecture. The Gurudwara has a white marble facade, a gold-plated dome, four minarets, and a sarovar or holy pond. The Gurudwara is surrounded by a high wall with four gates, each facing a different direction.
- The main attraction of the Gurudwara is the inner sanctum, where Guru Gobind Singh’s ashes are kept in a golden casket. The inner sanctum also houses the weapons and relics of Guru Gobind Singh, such as his sword, dagger, bow, arrows, quiver, shield, turban, comb, and robe. These items are displayed to the public every day during the evening prayer or Rehras Sahib.
- The inner sanctum also has beautiful paintings and frescoes depicting the life and deeds of Guru Gobind Singh and other Sikh Gurus. The walls and ceilings are adorned with floral and geometric patterns, as well as verses from the Guru Granth Sahib and the Dasam Granth. The inner sanctum is illuminated by lamps and chandeliers that create a serene and divine atmosphere.
- The Gurudwara also has several other buildings and structures within its complex, such as the Angitha Sahib, where Guru Gobind Singh’s pyre was lit; the Bunga Mai Bhago Ji, where the female warrior Mai Bhago stayed; the Sachkhand Sahib, where Guru Gobind Singh’s personal belongings are kept; the Nagina Ghat Sahib, where Guru Gobind Singh used to bathe in the Godavari river; and the Hira Ghat Sahib, where Guru Gobind Singh used to meditate.
- The Gurudwara also has a museum that showcases the history and culture of Sikhism and Hazur Sahib Nanded. The museum has various exhibits and artifacts related to Guru Gobind Singh and his successors, such as manuscripts, coins, stamps, paintings, weapons, armors, musical instruments, and jewellery. The museum also has a library that contains rare and valuable books on Sikhism and Indian history.
- Hazur Sahib Nanded is a place where every visitor can admire the beauty and craftsmanship of the Gurudwara and its features. It is also a place where every visitor can feel the awe and reverence for Guru Gobind Singh and his legacy. The Culture and Festivities of Hazur Sahib Nanded
- Hazur Sahib Nanded is not only a sacred Sikh shrine, but also a vibrant cultural hub. The Gurudwara is a place where people from different backgrounds and faiths are welcomed and respected. The Gurudwara follows the principle of sarbat da bhala, which means the welfare of all. The Gurudwara also follows the tradition of langar, which means the community kitchen. The langar serves free and delicious food to everyone, regardless of their caste, class, or religion. The langar is run by volunteers who cook, serve, and clean with love and devotion.
- The Gurudwara also celebrates various festivals and events throughout the year, but the most spectacular and grand one is the Gurta Gaddi Diwas, which marks the death anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh and his coronation of Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru. The Gurta Gaddi Diwas falls in October-November, according to the lunar calendar. It attracts lakhs of devotees and tourists from all over the world, who come to pay their respects and participate in the festivities.
- The Gurta Gaddi Diwas is a 10-day-long celebration that begins with the arrival of the holy book or Guru Granth Sahib from Takht Sri Patna Sahib in Bihar, where Guru Gobind Singh was born. The Guru Granth Sahib is carried in a palanquin or palki, accompanied by a procession or nagar kirtan that includes singers, musicians, dancers, martial artists, and floats. The procession passes through various towns and villages before reaching Hazur Sahib Nanded.
- The main day of the Gurta Gaddi Diwas is the 10th day, when the Guru Granth Sahib is installed in the inner sanctum of the Gurudwara. The devotees offer their prayers and obeisance to the Guru Granth Sahib and listen to its recitation or kirtan. They also receive prasad or holy food from the Gurudwara. The Gurudwara also organizes various cultural programs and competitions, such as poetry, music, painting, quiz, and debate.
- The highlight of the Gurta Gaddi Diwas is the display of fireworks or atishbazi that takes place every night after the evening prayer or Rehras Sahib. The fireworks are a tribute to Guru Gobind Singh, who loved to watch them as a child. The fireworks are also a symbol of joy and victory over evil. The fireworks are spectacular and mesmerizing, lighting up the sky with various colors and shapes.
- The Gurta Gaddi Diwas is a time when Hazur Sahib Nanded becomes a hub of spirituality and culture. It is a time when people celebrate the life and legacy of Guru Gobind Singh and his message of unity and harmony. It is a time when people experience the beauty and bliss of Sikhism and its values.
- Hazur Sahib Nanded is a place where every visitor can enjoy the culture and festivities of Sikhism and Hazur Sahib Nanded. It is also a place where every visitor can feel the joy and peace of Sikhism and its teachings.
The Practical Details for Visiting Hazur Sahib Nanded
- Hazur Sahib Nanded is a place where every visitor can have a memorable and meaningful experience. However, to make the most of your visit, you need to know some practical details that can help you plan your trip better. Here are some useful information and tips for visiting Hazur Sahib Nanded:
- The best time to visit Hazur Sahib Nanded is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and cool. The summer months from April to June are very hot and dry, while the monsoon months from July to September are humid and rainy. However, if you want to witness the Gurta Gaddi Diwas, you need to visit in October-November, when the festival takes place.
- The Gurudwara is open every day from 4 am to 10 pm. The entry is free for everyone, but you need to follow some rules and etiquette, such as covering your head with a scarf or a cap, removing your shoes and socks, washing your feet and hands, and avoiding smoking, drinking, or eating inside the Gurudwara premises. You also need to respect the sanctity and silence of the Gurudwara and avoid taking photos or videos without permission.
- The Gurudwara is located in the Nanded city of Maharashtra, which is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is the Nanded Airport, which is about 6 km away from the Gurudwara. You can take a taxi or a bus from the airport to reach the Gurudwara. The nearest railway station is the Nanded Railway Station, which is about 4 km away from the Gurudwara. You can take a rickshaw or a bus from the station to reach the Gurudwara. The nearest bus stand is the Nanded Bus Stand, which is about 3 km away from the Gurudwara. You can take a rickshaw or a bus from the bus stand to reach the Gurudwara.
- The accommodation options near Hazur Sahib Nanded are plenty and varied, ranging from budget hotels and guest houses to luxury resorts and heritage hotels. Some of the best hotels near Hazur Sahib Nanded are Hotel City Pride, Hotel Ramakrishna International, Hotel Chandralok, Hotel Guru Inn, and Hotel Manju Palace. These hotels offer various facilities and services, such as Wi-Fi, AC, TV, room service, laundry, parking, restaurant, etc. You can also stay at the Gurudwara itself, which provides free accommodation and food to all visitors.
However, you need to book your room in advance and follow some rules and regulations.
The safety precautions for visiting Hazur Sahib Nanded are similar to any other tourist destination in India. You need to be careful of your belongings and avoid carrying too much cash or valuables. You also need to be aware of your surroundings and avoid venturing into unfamiliar or isolated areas. You also need to be respectful of the local culture and customs and avoid any offensive or inappropriate behavior.
Hazur Sahib Nanded is a place where every visitor can have a smooth and hassle-free visit if they follow these practical details and tips. It is also a place where every visitor can have a fulfilling and enriching visit if they immerse themselves in the spirituality and culture of Sikhism and Hazur Sahib Nanded.
Conclusion
Hazur Sahib Nanded is a sacred Sikh shrine and a historical treasure that every Sikh pilgrim and every history lover should visit at least once in their lifetime. It is a place where you can learn about the history and legacy of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last Sikh Guru, who transformed Sikhism into a distinct faith with its own identity, code of conduct, and symbols. It is also a place where you can admire the beauty and craftsmanship of the Gurudwara and its features, such as the inner sanctum, the weapons and relics of Guru Gobind Singh, the paintings and frescoes, and the gold-plated dome. It is also a place where you can enjoy the culture and festivities of Sikhism and Hazur Sahib Nanded, especially during the Gurta Gaddi Diwas, which marks the death anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh and his coronation of Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru.
If you are looking for a spiritual and cultural destination that will enrich your soul and mind, then you should visit Hazur Sahib Nanded. It is a place where you can experience the beauty and bliss of Sikhism and its values. It is a place where you can feel the presence and the blessings of Guru Gobind Singh.
So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Hazur Sahib Nanded today and discover the sacred Sikh shrine and the historical treasure for yourself. You will not regret it. 😊
