NANDED

Gurudwara Nagina Ghat Sahib is situated approximately 400 meters southwest of Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib along the Godavari River in Nanded. The Gurudwara was initially constructed under the patronage of Raja Gulab Singh Sethi of Delhi and completed in 1968 by his widow.

The Gurudwara has a white marble palki for the Guru Granth Sahib and an upper-level domed room intended for meditation. The site is associated with a narrative wherein Guru Gobind Singh is said to have discarded a precious gem (“nagina”) into the river to illustrate a teaching about material detachment. The story is preserved in Sikh tradition and forms part of the significance of the Gurudwara.

Kaleshwar Mandir is dedicated to Bhagwan Shiv and is located in Vishnupuri, approximately 8 km from Nanded city, along the Godavari River. 

The Shivling of the Mandir is considered swayambhu. According to local tradition, a cow was observed regularly pouring milk at a particular spot in the forest. When this was investigated by a pujari, the swayambhu Shivling was discovered, leading to the establishment of the Mandir at that site.

The Mandir displays a fusion of South Indian and Maharashtrian architectural elements. Its facade is adorned with detailed carvings that depict episodes from the Ramayan and Mahabharat, reflecting the integration of artistic traditions into the sacred space.

Kandhar Fort is located approximately 55 km from Nanded city, situated along the banks of the Manyad River. The fort has a long and layered history, with its origins traditionally traced to the Kakatiya dynasty in the 4th century CE, who are credited with its initial construction.

The earliest phase of the fort is attributed to the Kakatiya dynasty (4th century CE), who are believed to have constructed its initial structure. In the 7th century CE, Krishna I of the Rashtrakuta dynasty fortified the site and established Kandhar as his capital. During this period, a significant water reservoir named Jagattung Samudra was created to serve the fort, an uncommon feature in Maharashtra’s fort architecture. The Rashtrakutas referred to the site as Krishnadurga, indicating its prominence within the Rashtrakuta realm.

Following the Rashtrakutas, the fort came under successive control of the Yadavas of Devgiri (late 12th to early 14th centuries), the Delhi Sultanate (14th century), the Bahmani Sultanate (15th century), the Nizam Shahis of Ahmadnagar (late 15th to early 17th centuries), and finally, the Nizams of Hyderabad, who ruled the region until the mid-20th century.

Interestingly, it is said that the fort was originally constructed using wood and later rebuilt in stone, expanding over an area of approximately 24 acres. Structural additions during the Delhi Sultanate and Ahmadnagar Sultanate periods included layered ramparts, watchtowers, and a 12-meter-high enclosure wall. Among its notable structures are the Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace) and Ambar Khana (granary), both of which reflect the diverse architectural influences that the fort has absorbed over centuries.

One of the fort’s most distinctive features is a 60-foot-tall yaksha statue, believed to date from the Rashtrakuta period. Carved in stone, this monumental figure reflects the craftsmanship and sculptural scale characteristic of early medieval Deccan art. The presence of such a large figure within the fort’s complex suggests its significance not only as a military site but also as a center of cultural expression.

In addition to its historical and architectural importance, Kandhar Fort is associated with oral traditions passed down in the region. Local accounts identify the site with Panchalpuri, the place  where Draupadi is said to have married the Pandavas. The surrounding valley, known as Pandavdara, is connected to this tradition, linking the fort to long-standing narratives that continue to shape its identity within the regional cultural landscape.

Mahur is a town with significant religious importance. It is renowned as the birthplace of Devta Dattatreya, whose parents, Atri Rishi and Sati Anasuya Mata, resided here. Legends tell of Brahmadev, Vishnudev, and Bhagwaan Shiv testing Anusaya Mata’s piety, which led to the establishment of Mahur as a sacred site.

Mahur town features three mountains, each housing important mandirs. Renuka Mahar Devi Mata Mandir, dedicated to the mother of the Bhagwaan Parshuram, is on the first mountain. The other two mountains are home to Datta Shikhar and Atri Anasuya Shikar Mandir, with Datta Shikhar being the highest. This points to the ancient existence of Mahur and contributes to its historical significance.

Besides these, Mahur has other mandirs such as Rishi Jamdagni Mahar Mandir, Parshuram Mahar Mandir, Kalika Mata Mandir, Devdevshwar Mandir.

Mahur Fort, or Mahurgad, located in Mahur taluka of Nanded district, is a significant hill fort that reveals Nanded’s connection to the ancient past. Strategically located on the main route linking northern India to the Deccan, Mahur Fort held military prominence during the medieval period.

The Gond king from Nagpur initially held control over Mahurgad, although the fort’s construction predates Gond rule. Appasaheb Deshmukh served as the ruler of Mahur Sarkar and was the sardar of the Gond king in the 12th century. In the 15th century, the fort came under the Bahmani Sultanate and was designated as a Subah. During the 16th century, it became a contested site among the Nizamshahi, Adilshahi, and Imadshahi rulers. By the early 17th century, the fort was absorbed into the Mughal Empire and governed by Mughal Subedars. During Mughal prince Shahjahan’s rebellion against Emperor Jahangir, he briefly took refuge at Mahurgad with his wife and children.

The fort remained under various powers over time, including the Ahmadnagar Sultanate, the Marathas under Chhatrapati Shivaji in 1670, and eventually the Mughals again in 1689. It later passed to the Nizam of Hyderabad in 1724 and remained under Hyderabad State until its annexation into the Indian Union in 1948. During the Mughal period, Savitribai Deshmukh, the ruler of Varhad, held the jagir of Mahur and was honored with the title Rai Bagan (Royal Tigress) by Aurangzeb.

Architecturally, Mahurgad is a large hill fort spread across two adjoining hills, with fortification walls running nearly six miles in circumference. The main entrance is the massive Hathi Darwaja (Elephant Gate). Inside the fort are remnants of structures such as a Chini Mahal, granaries, water cisterns, and bastions, although much of the area is now overgrown with vegetation. A large tank called Injala or Brahmatirth lies between the hills. Near the entrance is a Mahakali Mandir that draws regular visitors.

Nanded Fort, also known as Nandgiri Fort, is located in the city of Nanded on the banks of the Godavari River. The fort’s establishment is commonly attributed to Muhammad bin Tughluq, who captured Nanded in 1318 during the expansion of the Tughlaq dynasty. Subsequently, the fort came under the control of various political powers, including the Bahmani Sultanate, the Ahmadnagar Sultanate, the Mughal Empire, the Maratha Empire, and the Nizam of Hyderabad.

While the fort’s construction is traditionally linked to the Tughlaq period as mentioned, recently found archaeological evidence suggests the site may have earlier origins, potentially dating back to the Satavahana period. As reported by Pramod Chaudhary (2020), artifacts such as ancient bricks have been uncovered at the fort which support the possibility of earlier occupation or construction. These findings have been brought to public attention through reports by journalists such as Sudhakar Doiphode, and were later acknowledged by the Archaeology Department.

Despite its historical significance, the fort is currently in a deteriorated condition. Local residents have expressed concerns that urban development, particularly the construction of two water tanks by the municipal corporation, has adversely affected the site's historical environment. Although the fort is designated as an archaeologically protected monument, it has not been promoted as a significant tourist destination and suffers from inadequate maintenance and preservation. Community members and heritage advocates continue to call for enhanced conservation efforts to safeguard the site and address its ongoing neglect.

Sati Anusuya Mata Mandir, located in Mahur, is dedicated to Devi Anusuya, who is venerated for her devotion and wisdom. Anusuya is regarded as the mother of Dattatreya, and Mahur is considered his birthplace. The Mandir is part of Datta Kshetra and an important site for followers of Dattatreya.

The Shiur Caves are located on the right bank of the Penganga River in Hadgaon Taluka, Nanded district. Carved into the eastern face of a low rock formation, the caves represent an example of early rock-cut architecture in the region.

In contrast to the elaborate cave complexes found elsewhere in Western India, the Shiur Caves are noted for their relatively simple and functional design. This architectural style is comparable to similar cave sites in Vidarbha, suggesting regional continuity in artistic and religious expression.

A distinctive feature of the caves is the concentration of carvings on the pillars, rather than on the walls, a stylistic element that has parallels in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. This characteristic has led some scholars, such as archaeologist Vaishali Welankar (2015), to suggest a possible cultural exchange between these regions during the relevant period.

The caves are primarily Vaishnavite in character, containing depictions of Vishnu and scenes from the Harivamsa, including Kaliyamardan (the subduing of the Nag Kaliya by Krishna) and Putana Vadh (the slaying of the rakshas Putana by infant Krishna). In addition, a few Shaiva images are also present in the cave.

Based on stylistic and historical analysis, Welankar (2015) traces the origins of the caves back to the post-Vākāṭaka period, during which time the region was briefly under the rule of the Visnukundin dynasty from Andhra Pradesh. This historical context contributes to the understanding of the religious and artistic influences in the area.

The Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Museum is located in Nanded and is dedicated to the life and teachings of Guru Gobind Singh. The museum features a collection of artifacts, weapons, artwork, and multimedia exhibits related to Sikh history and the legacy of the tenth Guru.

Shri Renuka Mata Mandir, located in Mahur, is a significant yatra site dedicated to Renuka Devi and is regarded as one of the Shakti Peethas in Maharashtra. The Mandir is situated on a hill, requiring visitors to ascend approximately 200–250 steps to reach the shrine.

Renuka Devi is traditionally identified as the mother of Parashuram, the sixth incarnation of Bhagwaan Vishnu. As per local belief, Renuka lost her spiritual powers while fetching water, after which her husband, Rishi Jamadagni, instructed Parashuram to behead her. After complying, Parashuram was granted a boon to restore her to life. It is believed that Renuka’s presence remains at Mahur, where she is revered as Renuka Mata.

The Siddheshwar Mandir in Hottal, Nanded, is the principal religious structure in the village. Hottal, historically referred to as Navaru or Pottal, is a village located in Degloor Tehsil, Nanded district, Maharashtra. It is situated near the border of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and was historically a sub-principality under the Chalukya dynasty.

The Mandir, built in the Hemadpanthi architectural style characterized by the use of local stone and detailed carvings, is dedicated to Bhagwaan Shiv. Believed to have been constructed in the 12th century CE by the Chalukyas, the mandir is located near the Godavari River.

The Mandir is part of a complex that includes the Mahadev Mandir, Nandi Mandir, and Parashuram Mandir. These structures are recognized as state-protected monuments. Restoration work was undertaken in 2012 to preserve the site.

Additionally, the village contains three inscriptions from the period of Kalyani-Chalukya rule. One inscription, dated to the reign of Chalukya Somesvara II (1068–1076 CE), references the Ashram of Agastya Rishi on the banks of the Vanjara River, showcasing the rich history the village holds.

Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib, also known as Hazur Sahib, is one of the five takhts (seats of authority) in Sikhism. It is located in Nanded, on the banks of the Godavari River. The site is historically significant in Sikh tradition, as it is associated with the final days of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, who died in Nanded in 1708.

In 1708, Guru Gobind Singh arrived in Nanded after several military campaigns, including battles at Anandpur Sahib and Chamkaur Sahib. During his time in Nanded, he is said to have composed the Zafarnama, a letter addressed to the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, and engaged in interactions with Mughal prince Bahadur Shah I. Guru Gobind Singh’s stay in Nanded also coincided with the early involvement of Banda Singh Bahadur, who would later become a prominent figure in Sikh military history.

Guru Gobind Singh sustained injuries from an attack in Nanded and died in 1708. His cremation site became the location of Hazur Sahib.

The current structure of Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib was commissioned by Maharaj Ranjit Singh and constructed between 1832 and 1837. The Gurdwara features gilded domes and marble inlay work. The inner sanctum, known as Angitha Sahib, marks the cremation site of Guru Gobind Singh. The walls of the sanctum are covered with gold plating, and the dome is topped with a gold-plated copper kalash.

The complex houses various relics attributed to Guru Gobind Singh, including weapons and personal items. A distinctive decorative element of the Gurdwara is jaratkari, a form of inlay art comparable to pietra dura, featuring motifs of flowers, animals, and human figures. The inlay work is present on both the marble panels and the gilded walls.

Daily religious practices at Hazur Sahib include the ceremonial bathing of sacred objects and the recitation of hymns. A laser show depicting the lives of the ten Sikh Gurus is conducted daily in the evenings.

The Gurta Gaddi festival, which commemorates Guru Gobind Singh’s declaration of the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru, is observed in Nanded. This event is held once every century and attracts a large number of visitors. The Hazur Sahib complex also includes seven smaller shrines, each associated with events from the life of Guru Gobind Singh.