Nānded, India
Region: Maharashtra
Geographic Coordinates: 19.150000, 77.300000
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 40.0°C (68°F to 104°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 550439
Language: Marathi
Nanded is a city in Maharashtra, India, Located on the banks of the Godavari River. It has a significant historical and religious background dating back to the 6th century when it was ruled by various dynasties such as Satavahanas, Chalukyas, And Rashtrakutas. The city was also a vital center for trade during medieval times. One of Nanded’s most famous attractions is Hazur Sahib Gurudwara, One of India’s most important Sikh pilgrimage sites. It was built where Guru Gobind Singh Ji took his last breath after being attacked by assassins. The gurudwara complex comprises Langar Hall, Museum, Library and hospital.
Kandhar Fort is another well-known attraction in Nanded that dates back to the 12th century AD when King Krishna III of Rashtrakuta dynasty built it. The fort witnessed several battles between different dynasties that ruled over this region. The Godavari River flowing through Nanded offers tourists a peaceful environment away from bustling city life with boat rides or scenic views while relaxing on its banks. For those interested in history and culture, There are several museums in Nanded like Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Museum showcasing artifacts related to Sikhism’s history and culture.
Apart from these attractions, There are also several temples within Nanded like Renuka Devi Temple dedicated to Goddess Renuka believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. Visitors can enjoy local delicacies such as Bhakri (a type of bread made from millet flour), Varan (lentil soup), And Puran Poli (a sweet flatbread stuffed with lentils and jaggery). Overall, Nanded is an ideal destination for those interested in exploring India’s rich heritage with its blend of history, Culture religion and nature.
Important Landmarks
- Hazur Sahib Gurudwara is a renowned religious site for Sikhs, where Guru Gobind Singh Ji spent his last days.
- Kandhar Fort, built during the Rashtrakutas’ reign, offers breathtaking views of Nanded and its surroundings.
- Hottal Ganpati Temple is an ancient temple located on a hilltop and attracts devotees from all over India who come to worship Lord Ganesh.
- Shrikshetra Mahurgad houses several ancient temples, including those dedicated to Lord Dattatreya, Goddess Renuka Devi, and Lord Kalabhairava.
- Nanded Fort was constructed by the Bahmani Sultanate in the 15th century and provides insight into Nanded’s rich history.
- Takhat Sachkhand Shri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib is another significant Sikh pilgrimage site that houses several relics linked with Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
- Sahastrakund Waterfall is situated about 70 km from Nanded and allures tourists with its natural beauty and scenic surroundings.
- Siddheshwar Temple, devoted to Lord Shiva, boasts unique architecture and intricate carvings on its walls that are worth seeing.
- Kaleshwaram Temple complex situated about 100 km from Nanded has numerous shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities that attract devotees from far away places as well.
- Panchakki (Water Mill) is an engineering marvel built in the 17th century by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s spiritual guru Baba Shah Musafir; it uses hydro power to grind grains into flour.
Primary Industries
- Agriculture
- Textile manufacturing
- Retail trade
- Transportation and logistics
- Healthcare services
- Education services
- Tourism and hospitality
- Information technology sector
- Handloom fabric production (Paithani sarees and Himroo shawls)
- Kala Maruti Market
- Gandhi Market
Noteable History
- The death of Guru Gobind Singh: Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last Sikh guru, spent his final days in Nanded. He died in 1708 at Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, a gurdwara located in the city.
- The reign of the Nizams: Nanded was part of the Hyderabad State under the rule of the Nizams from 1724 until Indian independence in 1947.
- The Maratha Empire: During the 18th century, Nanded was an important center for Maratha power and served as a base for operations against Mughal forces.
- Raja Shivaji: Shivaji Maharaj visited Nanded during his military campaigns against Aurangzeb’s forces.
- Swami Ramanand Teerth: Swami Ramanand Teerth was a renowned freedom fighter and social reformer who hailed from Nanded.
- Bhagat Singh: Bhagat Singh visited Nanded to seek support for his revolutionary activities during India’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule.
- Sachin Tendulkar: Sachin Tendulkar, one of India’s greatest cricketers, hails from nearby Mumbai and has been associated with various charitable initiatives in Nanded over the years.
- Sant Namdev Maharaj: Sant Namdev Maharaj was a prominent saint-poet who lived during the 14th century and is venerated by both Hindus and Sikhs alike for his devotional poetry that promotes peace and harmony among all religions.
- Shri Hazur Sahib Gurudwara: It is one of five Takhts (temporal seats) or holy places where Sikhs are obligated to make pilgrimage at least once in their lives. The Gurudwara is believed to be built on site where Guru Gobind Singh ji left this world.
Museums and Things To See
- Hazur Sahib Gurudwara
- Kandhar Fort
- Nanded Fort
- Hottal Ganpati Temple
- Mahur Wildlife Sanctuary
- Shrikshetra Mahurgadh Temple
- Takhat Sachkhand Shri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib
- Godavari River
- Mallinath Digambar Jain Temple
- Siddheshwar Temple
Cultural Events
- Nanded is one of the four cities where Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years, a major Hindu festival where millions gather to take a dip in the holy river Godavari.
- Guruparab, the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism, is celebrated with great fervor in Nanded due to its significant Sikh population.
- Ganesh Chaturthi marks Lord Ganesha’s birth anniversary and is celebrated across India as the remover of obstacles and lord of wisdom.
- Diwali or Festival of Lights celebrates victory over darkness and evil by lighting lamps and fireworks.
- Holi marks spring’s arrival and known as India’s festival of colors where people throw colored powder at each other while enjoying traditional sweets.
- Ellora Festival showcases classical music and dance performances by renowned artists from across India annually.
- Dussehra celebrates Lord Rama’s victory over demon king Ravana for ten days, symbolizing triumph over evil forces.
- Sankranti/Pongal/Lohri/Bihu/Makar Sankranti/Uttarayan/Poush Parbon/Magh Bihu/Thai Pongal/Attukal Pongala/Kanuma/Pedda Panduga/Bhogi/Vishu/Makara Vilakku/Maghi/Fulera Jatra/Uzhavar Thirunal/Suggi Habba/Hadaga Festival/Sakraat/Haldi Kumkum/Ganga Sagar Mela/Tusu Puja/Suggi/Arunachal Pradesh Statehood Day are regional harvest festivals celebrated in various parts of India including Nanded involving traditional rituals, feasting, and cultural performances.
Cuisine
- Hyderabadi biryani at Hotel Sarang
- Maharashtrian thali at Hotel Rajdhani
- Punjabi food at Amritsar Kulcha House
- South Indian dosa and idli at Sri Venkateswara Swamy Tiffin Center
- Chinese cuisine at China Town Restaurant
- Mughlai food at Al Madina Biryani Centre
- Street food like vada pav, bhel puri, and pani puri at various stalls around the city
- Sweets like peda and barfi from Nandini Sweets
- Vegetarian dishes like sabudana khichdi and batata vada from Shree Balaji Pure Veg Restaurant
- Non-vegetarian dishes like chicken tikka masala and mutton curry from The Royal Kitchen restaurant
- Kandhar Fort
- Hazur Sahib Gurudwara
- Hottal Garden
- Godavari Riverfront Park
- Mahur Wildlife Sanctuary
- Nanded Waghala Municipal Corporation Garden
- Shri Siddheshwar Temple
- Shrikshetra Mahurgadh
- Parli Vaijnath Temple
- Nanded Water Park