NANDED

There are multiple theories about the origin of the name "Nanded". One theory suggests that it refers to the territory of the nine Nanda kings of the ancient Magadha empire, while another posits that it derives from the Sanskrit word "nandi," meaning "happy" or "joyous". Some believe it may be a corruption of the Tamil word nandu, meaning "bull," referring to the mount of Bhagwaan Shiv. Historically, Nanded was also known as Nandigram, meaning "place of Nandi." Places like Biloli are associated with Shiv as well—Biloli is believed to derive its name from Bel Patra, the sacred tree linked to Shiv.

Long ago, the area that is now Nanded was known as Nandigram, which translates to "the place of Nandi." According to local stories, Nandi, Bhagwaan Shiv's faithful vahana (vehicle), wandered these areas. The residents of Nandigram held Nandi in high regard, believing that the bull's blessings provided prosperity and protection.

Biloli, a small town near Nandigram, was considered one of its most sacred sites. Biloli was famed for its vast Bel Patra tree forests. These trees were regarded as sacred because their leaves were used in worship of Shiv. Every morning, the villagers would gather fresh Bel Patra leaves to offer at the nearby Shiv Mandir.

Long ago, Rishi Vasishta, well-known for his dedication to Bhagwaan Shiv lived in Biloli. It is believed that while meditating under a large Bel Patra tree, Rishi Vasishta experienced a vision. Nandi appeared before him. The sacred bull whispered to him, "Nandigram will thrive as long as the people here continue to devote themselves to the region. The Bel Patra trees are a gift from heaven, and their leaves will carry your problems to Mahadev's ears." As a result, Biloli became renowned for its sacred grove and Nandi's blessings.

Anusaya was the loving and gorgeous wife of Sant Atri. Her beauty and charm were praised even in the heavens, and the Devis Laxmi, Parvati, and Savitri envied her. As a result, they sent their respective husbands to test Anusaya’s chastity. Bhagwaans Shiv, Vishnu, and Brahma disguised themselves as destitute Brahmins and went to her house to beg alms. They told her they were hungry and needed food, which she had to serve them while wearing nothing.

Anusaya relayed this wish to her husband, Sant Atri. In response, the Sant drenched the three Brahmins with water from his "Kamandalu," quickly transforming them into three tiny babies. Anusaya then placed the babies in a cradle and cared for them as if they were her own children.

When Parvati, Laxmi, and Savitri learned of this, they confessed their envy and begged Anusaya to return their husbands to their natural forms. Anusaya asked, "Since I have treated Shiv, Vishnu, and Brahma as my children, even if only for a short time, I wish I could give birth to a child who will possess the qualities of each of these three Devtas." Her wish came true, and Bhagwan Dattatraya was born to her during the Margashirsha (November-December) month.

Dattatraya rose to become a famous yoga master and exemplary sannyasi (monk). His influence is particularly strong in India's Deccan area, where he has inspired various monastic communities practicing Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Shaktism.

The sant-poet Tukaram has mentioned Dattatraya in his writings, praising his pursuit of a simple life, friendliness to everybody, sharing of knowledge, and the true purpose of life during his travels.

Raja Renu gave birth to a beautiful daughter named Renuka, whose grace and virtue were celebrated throughout the kingdom. Her love for her husband, Sant Jamadagni, was well-known. Together, they led a peaceful life, aided by the cow Kamadhenu, who provided everything they needed. Rather than using Kamadhenu's gifts for themselves, they selflessly helped those in need, earning the respect and affection of their community.

Their peace was shattered by the arrival of the arrogant Maharaj Sahastrarjuna. Upon learning of Kamadhenu's extraordinary powers, he became greedy, believing that possessing the heavenly cow would make him invincible and allow him to expand his empire. Driven by this ambition, he and his troops attacked Sant Jamadagni's home, demanding Kamadhenu.

Renuka watched in horror as Sahastrarjuna's men tried to seize Kamadhenu. The cow sensed the danger and struggled, but the soldiers continued their assault. Sant Jamadagni stood firm between Kamadhenu and the Maharaja, pleading for them to leave. His cries went unheard, and in the ensuing conflict, he was struck down.

In the chaos, Renuka was also injured while trying to protect Kamadhenu. Heartbroken and filled with rage, she clutched her dying husband. Kamadhenu, sensing Renuka's despair, summoned mystical soldiers from within her to drive away the invaders. Realizing he had underestimated the divine power he sought, Sahastrarjuna fled with his men, but the damage was done.

Renuka's thoughts turned to her son, Parshuram, who was away at the time. Upon returning and witnessing the devastation, he was consumed by rage and a desire for vengeance. With tears in his eyes, he performed his father's funeral rites and vowed to punish those responsible for the wrongs done to his family.

Armed with his divine axe, Parshuram embarked on a quest to find Sahastrarjuna. He fought several fierce battles against the Maharaj and his troops, demonstrating unparalleled strength and determination. Ultimately, Parshuram defeated Sahastrarjuna, fulfilling his vow of revenge.

After avenging his father's death, Parshuram took his injured mother to Mahur, a sacred site in the highlands. Renuka chose to perform 'sati,' a self-immolation ritual that would allow her to join her husband in the afterlife. With a heavy heart, Parshuram built a pyre for her. As Renuka prepared for her sacrifice, a divine voice assured Parshuram that his mother would return to him.

Transformed by the flames, Renuka ascended to the heavens, yet her spirit remained present. Mahur became a sacred site where she was immortalized. Despite his loss, Parshuram found solace in the divine promise. He dedicated his life to righteousness, honoring his parents' legacy.

“Gurudwara Hazur Sahib”, built on the banks of the Godavari river, is one of the Takht, commemorating an important event in Sikhism's history. The shrine is also known as Takht Sachkhand Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib (Nanded is also called Abchalnagar, meaning Steadfast City) and was built in honor of the tenth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Angitha Sahib is the inner prayer room where Guru Gobind's cremation took place in 1708. The dome is gold-plated, and the Kalash is gold-plated copper.

In 1708, Guru Gobind Singh Ji moved to Nanded and began his daily pravachans. Wazir Khan commissioned two men to eliminate Guru Ji. Guru Gobind Singh Ji suffered serious injuries,  even though the injuries were severe Guru Gobind Singh Ji survived.  Few days later, his wounds started to bleed again, and he passed away in Nanded. He designated the holy book or “Granth Sahib” as the Guru of Sikhism.

Gurudwara Nagina Ghat is located on the banks of the Godavari River, approximately 400 meters south of Sri Hazur Sahib. Raja Gulab Singh Sethi, a Raja from Delhi, initiated the construction of this Gurudwara, which was completed by his widow in 1968. The Guru Granth Sahib is housed here beneath a white marble palkhi, and there is a smaller room with a dome on the first floor.

The Gurudwara is associated with a well-known story from the life of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. One fine day, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, along with a few other Sikhs, was admiring the flow of the Godavari River when a wealthy and arrogant merchant approached them. He presented a priceless stone called a Nagina to the Guru. In response, Guru Ji casually threw the stone into the river, which upset the merchant, who pitied the Guru for not recognizing the stone's value. However, Guru Ji, having read the merchant's thoughts, invited him to retrieve the stone from the river. To the merchant's astonishment, the river was now filled with millions of precious stones.

The Gurudwara Banda Ghat is situated 400 meters from Gurudwara Nagina Ghat in Nanded and is named after Bhai Madho Das Bairagi, who later became known as Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. He is celebrated for his courageous efforts to protect the history of Sikhism.

The Gurudwara is associated with a well-known story. Lachhman Das, originally from Jammu and Kashmir, once accidentally killed a pregnant doe. Overcome with guilt, he turned to meditation and, through his deep devotion, gained certain mystical abilities. Initially, he held a disdainful attitude towards Guru Gobind Singh Ji. To challenge him, Guru Ji killed two of Lachhman Das's goats, which enraged him. He confronted the Guru, demanding an explanation. He displayed his wrath and all his powers, and made the ground tremble. The Guru remained undettered. Humbled, Lachhman Das reflected on the situation, realised his arrogance, and offered his services to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, referring to himself as a simple man, or "Banda." Under Guru Ji's guidance, he learned the Sikh way of life and evolved into a leader. Although Guru Ji renamed him Gurbakhsh Singh, the name Banda Bahadur became more widely recognized.

Following the death of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Banda Bahadur led the fight against the Mughals and played a crucial role in establishing Punjab as the first independent Sikh state. This state was later overthrown by the British and Hindus. Nevertheless, Banda Bahadur remained steadfast in his commitment to defend Sikh rights and principles. His remarkable bravery inspired the Sikh community, ensuring that none renounced their faith under his leadership.

Gurudwara Shikar Ghat is located at the top of a small hill, 12 kilometers away from Gurudwara Hazur Sahib in Nanded, Maharashtra. The  visually captivating structure features a white marble exterior and dome.

According to believers, Guru Gobind Singh Ji killed a rabbit at this site, believing it to be the reincarnation of Bhai Maula Karar of Sialkot. Bhai Maula had been a travel companion of Guru Nanak Dev Ji but avoided meeting him on one occasion, not wanting to go on another long journey. After Guru Nanak Dev Ji left without him, Bhai Maula Karar hid and was bitten by a snake, soon passing away. It is said that his aatma has since been seeking redemption by taking on various forms and bodies over the years, due to the guilt of avoiding Guru Nanak Dev Ji. By hunting the rabbit, Guru Gobind Singh Ji is believed to have helped Bhai Maula Karar finally attain moksha.

Gurudwara Heera Ghat Sahib, known as the first place Guru Gobind Singh Ji made a tent when he arrived in Nanded, is situated 9 km away from Nanded. It is located on the Godavari River's northern bank. It is a tiny, spotless shrine covered in green vegetation.

The legend of this location is comparable to that of Gurudwara Nagina Ghat, with the exception that Bahadur Shah, son of Aurangzeb, was the one who gave Guru Ji the precious stone, a diamond, here. Bahadur Shah was hurt when Guru Ji threw the Heera into the moving river. Guru Ji asked him to look at the river stream where he saw heaps of diamonds. Upon seeing it, Bahadur Shah couldn’t help but bow down to him. It made him realize that it wasn't that Guru Ji didn't recognise the value of the offering made to him by, but that such a gift was immaterial to Guru Ji because there was no lack of wealth in his abode and such material attractions didn't tempt or catch his attention.

Gurudwara Sri Mata Sahib is located half a kilometer from Gurudwara Heera Ghat and is dedicated to Mata Sahib Kaur, who set up a tent here. She was Guru Gobind Singh Ji's wife and she organised Langar for everyone while Guru Ji was staying at Heera Ghat. The langar, which was built in 1976, is still open to everyone who comes to visit and receive blessings. The langar sewa here is now managed by the Nihangs.

Gurudwara Maltekri Sahib is located about 5 km from the city of Nanded, near the airport. It was here in 1512 AD that Guru Nanak Dev Ji stopped on his way to Sangla-Deep, present-day Sri Lanka, to see a Muslim man named Sayyad Shah Hussain Lakad.

Lakad Shah Faqir used to meditate and pray to Guru Nanak Dev Ji to come and see him because he couldn't walk or see. He admired Guru Ji and his teachings and saw him as a representation of Bhagwaan himself. Guru Nanak Dev Ji paid him a visit during one of his prayers. His holy presence overwhelmed Lakad Shah Faqir. Guru Ji bestowed his aashirwad on him and asked him to take care of the hut he was staying in and keep it clean. For his daily service, he was promised two ashrafis (gold coins). Feeling blessed, the Faqir continued to clean his hut for the rest of his life, passing away in Guru Ji's service in 1610 AD. His makarb (grave) is located behind the Gurudwara.

Gurudwara Sri Sangat Sahib is located in Nanded's old town. It is said that a Sikh Sangat existed in Nanded between the time of Guru Nanak Ji's visit to Maltekri and the arrival of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Bhai Dharam Singh and Bhai Daya Singh brought the money that Guru Nanak Dev Ji had buried at Maltekri and had been guarded by Bhai Lakad Shah Faqir to this location. It was distributed among Guru Gobind Singh Ji's and Bahadur Shah's armies in exchange for their services along the way. It is said that the 300-person army received a generous distribution of wealth via a shield.

Gurudwara Sri Nanaksar Sahib is located 10 km from Nanded, towards Gurudwara Sri Ratangarh. This location is well-known for being visited by Guru Nanak Dev Ji on his way to Bedar. He meditated for 9 days and 9 hours under a Ber tree.

The significance of this location is interesting. Guru Nanak's companion, Bhai Mardana, once asked him for water. Guru Ji instructed him to play the Dhun of Kartar, or the tune of Bhagwaan, which caused a stream of water to appear in front of them. Soon after, an individual who had leprosy asked Guru Ji for assistance with his condition. Guru Ji instructed him to drink and bathe in the stream's water. The individual was cured of his leprosy.

Maharaj Ranjeet Singh transformed the area into a holy Sarovar where people can cleanse themselves of their sins and pray. The Sarovar was renovated by Baba Narinder Singh.

The Ratangrah Sahib Gurudwara is located in the outskirts of Nanded district (13 km from the district). It is believed that, after the earthly demise of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the Khalsa and the Sikhs were feeling utterly dejected and didn’t know what to do. After his last rites were performed, a sant showed up and told them that he was visited by Guru Ji on his horse and his eagle. Guru Ji asked the man to convey to the Sikhs and the Khalsa to continue being in high spirits and keep reciting the name of Bhagwaan. Upon checking, Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s horse and eagle were missing. So, the people believed it to be Guru Ji’s divine intervention. Because they were mourning his death and feeling directionless, Guru Ji had blessed them and heeded them to carry on his teachings and not to forget the Sikh way of living.