Nanded
Nanded, beautifully situated on the banks of the sacred Godavari River in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra, is a city where deep antiquity meets immense spiritual devotion. Globally revered as one of the holiest destinations in Sikhism, it also holds a sprawling history that stretches back over two millennia.
Nanded, beautifully situated on the banks of the sacred Godavari River in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra, is a city where deep antiquity meets immense spiritual devotion. Globally revered as one of the holiest destinations in Sikhism, it also holds a sprawling history that stretches back over two millennia.
Historical Highlights
1. Ancient Origins & The Nanda Dynasty
Nanded’s roots extend deep into ancient Indian history.
- The Etymology: The name is believed to have evolved from “Nanditat” (the banks of the Nanda).
- The Legends: One local tradition links the name to Lord Shiva’s mount, Nandi, who is said to have performed penance on the banks of the Godavari. Historically, it was part of the territory ruled by the Nanda Dynasty in the 4th–5th Century BCE, before being absorbed into Emperor Ashoka’s Mauryan Empire.
- Over the centuries, control successively shifted through powerful southern dynasties including the Satavahanas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, and the Yadavas of Devgiri.
2. A Pivotal Turning Point in Sikh History (1708)
Nanded is permanently etched into world history because of events in 1708 involving Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth and final living Sikh Guru. After the passing of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, Guru Gobind Singh traveled south and made Nanded his permanent abode.
It was right here in Nanded, just before his departure from the mortal world, that he instituted a foundational pillar of Sikhism: he ended the lineage of human Gurus and proclaimed the holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, as the eternal, living Guru for all time.
3. Nizams, Freedom Struggle & Modern Integration
In 1725, Nanded became a prominent part of the Princely State of Hyderabad under the Nizams. During India’s independence era, it was a major epicenter for the Hyderabad Liberation Movement, a fierce resistance led by Swami Ramanand Teerth to liberate the region from the Nizam’s rule. Following police action in 1948, it joined independent India and was seamlessly integrated into Maharashtra when states were linguistically reorganized in 1960.
Key Historical & Spiritual Places to Visit
- Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib: One of the Five Takhts (seats of highest temporal authority) in Sikhism. Built between 1832 and 1837 by the orders of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, this magnificent marble-and-gold complex is constructed on the site of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s cremation. Its inner sanctum houses the Guru’s personal weapons and historic artifacts.
- Kandhar Fort: Located about 35-40 km from the city center, this massive architectural marvel was built by King Krishna III of the Rashtrakuta Dynasty. It features a unique architecture style, a defensive moat, and a famous 60-foot stone sculpture of a Yaksha.
- Mahur (Renuka Devi Temple): Perched atop a hill grid, this ancient shrine is highly revered as one of the three-and-a-half Shakti Peethas in Maharashtra. It is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Dattatreya.
- Hottal Siddheshwar Temple: A magnificent stone temple located within the district that serves as a pristine example of Chalukyan art and architecture, featuring incredibly detailed stone relief carvings.
- Nanded Fort: Bordered by the Godavari River on three sides, this ancient fort (now mostly in ruins) offers wonderful panoramic views of the riverfront landscapes.