Hazur Sahib Nanded, Aurangabad Overview

Hazur Sahib is a sacred monument that houses one of the five takhts or thrones of temporal authority. Also famous as Abchalnagar and Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib, Hazur Sahib is a renowned location for Sikh Pilgrimage. This is where Guru Gobind Singh breathed his last in 1708. The temple or the Gurudwara was built around the location where Guru Gobind Singh was cremated. The stunning architecture of the Gurudwara is quite a treat to the eyes and so is the complex that extends around it on the banks of River Godavari in Nanded, Maharashtra. Every year, hundreds of thousands of followers visit the Gurudwara. What is more humbling is that they welcome people from every background with open arms. Therefore, its pristine beauty and serene ambience can also be enjoyed by tourists visiting Nanded.

Apart from its architectural grandeur, it is also highly revered for its religious significance. When Guru Gobind Singh Ji was discussing Guruship on the sacred Guru Granth Sahib Book, he renamed Nanded as Abchalnagar which means a steadfast city. His teachings lead to a way of thinking that revolves around God and his truth. Thus, the place was also called ‘Sachkhand’ which literally means the region of truth. Having said that, Gurunanak, in his texts, has used the name to denote the abode of God as well.

History of Hazur Sahib Nanded

Guru Gobind Singh Ji had camped at the location where Hazur Sahib now exists in Nanded in 1708 after he was attacked by two people. He suffered a deep stab wound which required a number of stitches. With the help of a British Doctor, he could get immediate medical attention and it was at this location that he set up a camp to rest and recover. He also conferred appointing the holy Sri Guru Granth Sahib Book as the successor to the throne and ended the line of personal leadership at Nanded. One day, while stringing a bow, the stitches of his wound were reopened and affected his health even more. Eventually, on October 7th, Guru Gobind Singh Ji breathed his last along with Dilbag, his horse. After his passing, the followers installed the Guru Granth Sahib in a room which was built over a platform where Guru Gobind Singh Ji held his court. The book is ever since also called Takht Sahib. Later, in the 1800s, Maharaja Ranjit Singh built a Gurudwara at the same location.

Architecture of Gurudwara

The Gurudwara Complex at Hazur Sahib Nanded is a magnificent structure made by accomplished artisans in the 1830s. It was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the honour of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The entire complex took about 5 years to be constructed and 1837 onwards was opened to the followers and the public. The Gurudwara consists of an inner room which was built over the site where Guru Gobind Singh Ji was cremated. This sanctum is also called the Angitha Sahib. During the day, the book, Sri Guru Granth Sahib, is placed in the room in front of the sanctum and at night, it is taken inside and set on a marble platform. When the book is brought to the front, some relics like a golden dagger, bows and arrows, a gun, golden swords and a stone studded steel shield etc. are displayed on the marble platform.

Inside the Angitha Sahib are two golden domes with a gold plated traditional Kalash. The interiors of the sanctum have a carpeted floor and marble linings decorated with floral patterns on the lower portions of the walls. The middle portions have some impressive stucco work while the upper walls and the ceiling bear shimmering gold plates. The entire complex has white coloured walls and flooring, mostly made of marble. The rest of the gurudwara building consists of a room on the first floor and some more rooms in the basement. The first floor has kiosks with domes on octagonal pedestals, windows with Jali work and some stucco work on the wall. The entry wall also has several more gold pates installed on the outside and some decorative fencing.

Laser Dancing Musical Fountain

The Gurudwara has recently started a laser dancing and musical fountain show inside the complex. The show consists of a programme which describes the lives of the ten Sikh Gurus. The narrative is done by the soulful singer, Late Jagjeet Singh whose songs are also played in between. The show begins at 07:30 PM IST every day and lasts till 08:30 PM IST.

How To Reach Hazur Sahib Nanded

Hazur Sahib Nanded is situated around 650 km away from Mumbai. It can be easily reached via road, rail as well as Airways. There are a number of buses available from most parts of the state that can reach Nanded through an overnight journey. Once in Nanded, the Gurudwara is easily reached through using public as well as private transport.
Another major factor making Hazur Sahib Nanded the most revered and highly visited place is that it is well-connected to another holy site for the Sikhs i.e. Amritsar. The Sachkhand Express connects Amritsar to Nanded through a rail route and train especially built for the purpose. Nanded is also connected to Mumbai and Secunderabad through a changeover at Manmad. Nanded also has an airport, Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Airport, which is about 8 kilometres away from Hazur Sahib Nanded.