The Takhat Sachkhand Shri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib
is the main Gurudwara of Nanded. It?s historical significance lies in the fact
that it is one of the most sacred pilgrimage centers of the Sikh community. It is one of the five Takhts
(thrones) of the Sikhs and is much venerated by them. The shrine is located about half a kilometer
from the left bank of the river Godavari in
Nanded.
In 1708,
Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth spiritual leader of the Sikhs came here to convalesce after being attacked by assassins and made it his permanent abode. The shrine marks the site where the tenth Guru had his camp and held his court
and congregation. He proclaimed
himself the last living Guru and established the Guru Granth Sahib as the
eternal Guru of the Sikhs. This elevated the reverence of Granth to the position
of a living Guru. It is here that Guru Gobind Singhji breathed his
last and from where he rose to heaven along with his
horse Dilbag.
Guru Gobind Singh, while conferring
Guruship on the holy Book named Nanded as Abchalnagar (means steadfast city) after
the first word of a hymn read at random on the occasion. Sachkhand (means
region of Truth) had been used by Guru Nanak Dev to mean the abode of God.
At the site where the Guru breathed his last, a
Gurudwara was built between 1832 and 1837, under instructions from Maharaja
Ranjit Singh with money, artisans and labor from Punjab.
It is named the "Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchal Nagar Sahib".
The
complex of the Takhat Sahib is spread over several hectares. An imposing golden
dome with intricate carvings and beautiful artwork crowns the top of the Gurudwara. The
two-storey building resembles the Golden temple of Amritsar
in its architectural design. Its interiors are artistically styled like the
Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar. Golden plates cover the walls of the inner
room called Angitha Sahib. You will hear melodious recitation from Sri Guru
Granth Sahib through day and night.
A
golden dagger, a matchlock gun, an archer with 35 arrows, two bows, a steel
shield studded with precious stones and five golden swords are some of the
sacred relics of Guru Gobind Singh that are preserved here. The pious shrine is
visited by thousands of devotees throughout the year from all around the world.
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