A Sikh Pilgrimage to Hazur Sahib, Nanded

A Sikh pilgrimage to Hazur Sahib, Nanded is one that every Sikh should undertake at least once in their lifetime. Established in 1609 by Guru Hargobind Singh, it is one of the most important seats for the Sikhs. The upcoming Gurupurab celebrating the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji is a good excuse to get your bags packing and embark on the Sikh pilgrimage to Hazur Sahib, Nanded.

The Sikh Connection

Seeped in centuries-old history, the Sikh Pilgrimage to Hazur Sahib, Nanded is a culturally and spiritually rich experience you need to have with family and friends. It is home to more than eight historic gurudwaras, including Hazur Sahib, nestled on the banks of river Godavari, is considered the second holiest place for Sikhs only after Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar. Draped in white and gold, the majestic building imparts a cleansing and calming effect on the minds of all its visitors.

Nanded is the place where the tenth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh spent his final days. A gurudwara named Angitha Sahib marks the exact place where guru sahib was cremated. Not only Guru Gobind Singh but the founder of the religion, Guru Nanak Dev Ji is also believed to have walked the land of Nanded during one of his travels. Also, this is the place wherein the first week of Sept’ 1708, Madho Dass was baptized to Sikhism by Guru Gobind Singh and named Banda Singh Bahadur. Two of the ‘Punj Piyare’ or beloved ones, Bhai Daya Singh and Dharam Singh, also breathed their last here. All these important historic events make up the reason why the Sikh pilgrimage of Hazur Sahib, Nanded is undertaken by lakhs of Sikhs every year.

The Dynasties

Long before the land was known as a Sikh pilgrimage to Hazur Sahib, Nanded was ruled by the Nanda Dynasty during 5th and 4th centuries BCE, which held the fort in Magadha. The rule came to an end when Dhana Nanda was defeated by Chandragupta Maurya in 322 BCE and Nanded came under the Mauryan Empire. Their rule was overthrown again and the area was ruled by Satavahanas in first century CE.

The historical architecture of Nanded and its surrounding areas is heavily influenced by the rule of Chalukya king Nanda Deva, who ruled the area during the 4th century CE. The stone temple of Siddheshwar, constructed in Hottal (around Nanded) is a classic example of Chalukyan art and architecture.

Nanded Fort stands in a picturesque part of the town, 4 kilometer away from the railway station. The ruins of the fort bare testimony to Mughal conquests on Marathwada and tell a gripping tale of Indian history.

Enroute

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Not only is Nanded a popular Sikh pilgrimage to Hazur Sahib, but the route from Mumbai to Nanded is also one you simply cannot miss. The trip is packed with little bursts of history that you can experience when travelling by road, making it a must on your road-trip map. The journey itself takes a little over nine hours but you can easily spend a day or two exploring the pit-stops on the way to Nanded for a truly enriching experience.

The route passes through the biggest city in Marathwada, Aurangabad where you can stop and spend a day at the world heritage sites, Ajanta and Ellora caves. Also on the way is an ancient Shiva temple, 8th Jyotirlinga, Aundha Nagnath Temple with its impeccable architecture. You can also take a detour and visit the world-famous Lonar Lake for a day filled with natural beauty. Additionally, you can also take a trip to the neighbouring state of Telangana from Nanded to load up on your experiences.

Make the most of this Gurpurab and take a spiritual and cultural detour from your every day with Joshi Travels’ A Sikh Pilgrimage to Hazur Sahib, Nanded. We provide experienced staff and top-of-the-line coaches, buses and cars on hire and exclusive packages for your personal travel needs.