Pilgrimage to Hazur Sahib & Nanak Jhira
Embarking on a road trip to Hazur Sahib in Nanded and Nanak Jhira in Bidar was a profoundly spiritual experience. Both destinations are significant pilgrimage sites for Sikhs worldwide, akin to the Akal Takht in Amritsar. Hazur Sahib, one of the five Takhts, holds immense religious importance. It is always surprising and humbling to visit such sacred places. Gurudwaras welcome all, so please visit irrespective of your faith. Here is my Pilgrimage to Hazur Sahib & Nanak Jhira.
Hazur Sahib: A Pilgrimage Town
Nanded is a bustling pilgrimage town, constantly welcoming many Sikhs and tourists. The city’s infrastructure has developed to accommodate the influx of pilgrims. Many hotels and lodgings, including the budget-friendly Nanded Yatri Niwas. It provides convenient and affordable accommodation for just Rs 500 a night, with online booking available through Hazur Sahib’s official website. I recommend booking in advance because of the high demand.
Travelling from Vijayawada to Nanded in our spacious ambassador car, long before expressways and modern amenities, allowed us to explore freely, stopping to enjoy the journey along the way. Hazur Sahib, one of the five Takhts. It is a place of worship and a historical site where Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the last Sikh Guru, spent his last days.
The Cultural Essence of Nanded
Nanded, although in Maharashtra, has a distinct Punjabi vibe, with local cuisine dominated by Aloo Parathas and Chole Bhature. The city’s linguistic diversity, with Punjabi, Marathi, and Hindi spoken widely, makes it easy for anyone to explore.
Exploring the History and Architecture of Gurudwara Hazur Sahib
Hazur Sahib’s architecture is awe-inspiring. The complex has five grand entrances with beautiful paintings and chandeliers. It is spacious and welcoming. The entrance is breezy, making it comfortable regardless of the time of day. Unlike most gurdwaras, Hazur Sahib doesn’t have a sarovar. But it houses priceless artefacts of the Guru in its inner chamber. The outer chamber is where priests perform daily rituals and hymns. The inner sanctum sanctorum is accessible only by the head granthiji. It has weapons or shastra and other belongings of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Pilgrims can view these artefacts when the inner sanctum doors open after the ardas. Kadha parshad is served right outside the door to all visitors.
Langar – Food for All & Kadha Parshad
Just like any other Gurudwara, there is a Langar Hall on one side of the complex. They give free food to all, irrespective of their religion or faith. They serve food 24×7, including tea and lassi. Although we arrived late and it was teatime, we were fortunate to get delicious moong dal, aloo sabzi, and roti. On Gurpurabs, kheer and mithai are also served.
The Mystical Ambiance of Hazur Sahib
There is an undeniable magic in the air at Hazur Sahib. The hymns, the grandeur of the Gurudwara, and the serene gardens create a deeply spiritual atmosphere. Seeing the descendants of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s horse, Dilbag and the ancient well adds to the mystical experience. Sitting by a pillar, I found the sight of the moon, a bird, and the Nishan Sahib in one frame to be captivating. The Gurudwara was bustling with people, and kids were playing around the lighted fountains in the sprawling gardens.
Pilgrimage to Hazur Sahib & Nanak Jhira
Pilgrimage to Hazur Sahib & Nanak Jhira–Reaching Nanded
Nanded is well-connected by air, road, and rail from major Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Amritsar, and Hyderabad. Driving down took us about four and a half hours, and the journey was smooth.
Exploring Nanded and Its Surroundings
Nanded boasts of ten historically significant gurdwaras and ten more local ones. We managed to visit Gurudwara Banda Ghat and Gurudwara Nagina Ghat, both located on the riverbank. There’s a laser show held every evening around 8 PM in a garden close to Hazur Sahib.
Nanak Jhira in Bidar: A Place of Solace
Nanak Jhira Gurudwara has always been a place that calls me back, time and again. It is rich in history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty. This sacred site is where I find true solace and peace. My visits to Bidar have been frequent since childhood, but last year’s trip in August was particularly surreal. It felt as if divine grace had drawn me there. While praying, I had a revelation that I would resolve all my financial problems by the end of the year—and indeed, I did. Filled with gratitude, I made the journey back last week to offer thanks for His benevolence.
The Gurudwara, associated with Guru Nanak’s miracle of providing water to the locals, holds a special place in my heart. The journey to Bidar from Hyderabad includes a scenic route through a forest reserve. The road improves as you enter Karnataka.
The Spiritual Significance of Nanak Jhira
Nanak Jhira’s historical significance stems from Guru Nanak’s visit and the miraculous stream of water that flows there. In 1500, Guru Nanak reached Bidar after he toured Maharashtra. Hearing the news of a guru coming to the city, many people flocked to share their plight with him. Apparently, there was an acute shortage of drinking water in Bidar and everything the locals tried didn’t yield results. Looking at their plight, Guru Nanak moved a stone with his toe and a clear stream of water started flowing. That’s how this place soon came to be known as Nanak Jhira.It is said that a holy dip here cleanses the body and the soul. You can collect the water in a bottle and take home for your family.
Pilgrimage to Hazur Sahib & Nanak Jhira
The Gurudwara complex, with its serene atmosphere and beautiful architecture, is a haven for spiritual seekers. The Amrit Kund collects the stream’s water and the town is also home to Baba Sahib Singh, one of the Panj Pyare, making it historically significant.
Reaching Gurudwara Nanak Jhira
The Gurudwara is easily accessible within the city limits. To avoid the city traffic, you can take the Bidar Ring Road to reach the Gurudwara. The road narrows as you get closer to the Gurudwara. But the complex has a residential area called Sarai, where you can find accommodation if needed.
The Divine Experience at Gurudwara Nanak Jhira
The Gurudwara is open 24×7, allowing visitors to come at any time. The Sarovar in front of the Gurudwara adds to the serene environment. Inside, the main shrine’s interiors are breathtaking. Although photography is prohibited, I captured a few. I was fortunate to attend the aarti and receive the parshad and siropa, making my visit even more special.
Langar at Gurudwara Nanak Jhira
On the way out of the shrine, parshad is served. Nanak Jhira offers the traditional kadha parshad and a pouch of ghee-laden panjeeri to take home. The Langar Sahib, located to the left of the sanctum. We were there at 8 am and by 9 am we had hot moong ki dal, soya nuggets & potato curry, rice, and roti in Langar. The simplicity and taste of the Langar are always satisfying. Pilgrims have to wash their own dishes, contributing to the community service.
If you are a tourist, then you can visit the Bidar Fort, the Bahmani Tombs and Hazrat Multani Baba Dargah.
A Journey Worth Taking
Overall, my road trip to Hazur Sahib in Nanded and Nanak Jhira in Bidar was a profoundly enriching experience. Both destinations offer a unique blend of spirituality, history, and cultural richness that is not to be missed. Whether you’re seeking spiritual solace or simply exploring the heritage of Sikhism, these sacred sites provide an unforgettable journey.
This post was created for the Blogaberry Creative (Monthly) Challenge.
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Dr. Preeti Chauhan.
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Wow beautiful place. I’ve yet to visit a Gurudwara though we learnt about them in school. It’s great that the pilgrims have to wash their own plates.
I have been to Hazur Sahib and it was a sacred experience. Ambassador was the best car ever, I always compare it to a comfortable couch.
Nanak Jhira, I am hearing about for the fist time. And needless to say, langar is the best prasad ever for a devotee and the blessings that come from the holy water are what we all need.
What a heartfelt account of your pilgrimage Harjeet. It is evident that it really really meant a lot to you. I have only visited the Gurudwara in my hometown when I was young. They used to give very yummy halwa as prasad. I don’t know if they still do now. Golden Temple has always been in my bucket list but after reading your post, I have to add these two too. And one is in Karnataka so ab toh banta hai jaana.
From the photos itself the place gives out such serene vibes. I’ve been meaning to visit a gurudwara, do seva at the langar and have its food, for such a long time. Maybe coming across this post was a sign and hopefully I’ll be able to do it soon. Thanks for sharing
Oh what beauty and serenity your post invokes, Harjeet. A visit to any Gurudwara is surreal and places with historical significance that you mention enhance the experience. I recently visited Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, and I was blown away by the spirituality the place evoked in my heart and soul. Nanak Jhira and Hazur Sahib are places I have put on my must-see travel bucket list, and I hope to see and experience what you did sooner than later.
This post of yours gave me the feel that you waled a long way in the spiritual world and that what actually helped you to be the one who you are today. I so far visited only the Golden Temple and had langar twice over there and the experience was really good for me. It makes a person feel divine. God Bless you Harjeet Mam
The only Guru Dwara I’ve visited is the gorgeous Golden Temple. Had the tasty langar there too. Loved your post and learnt about a new place today. Thanks Harjeet.
Such a heart-felt travel piece. Must visit the one in Bidar. Closer to me:)
I have been to Hazur Sahib and there is a sense of calmness you feel when you visit. I loved reading about your pilgrimage. I have not visited Nanak Jhirabut I want to go there someday.
Just loved reading this. I haven’t had a chance to visit either of the Gurudwaras, Time to plan a pilgrimage. Thank you for sharing the history. I knew of the sakhi but it is always lovely re-exploring it.
This is definitely a journey worth taking. I love how the langar offers food to everyone, and the humble meal is always so delicious. While in college, we often used to offer our services in Bangla Sahib.
I haven’t been in a pilgrimage yet but I know the feeling of feeling surreal upon seeing a sacred place and how different it feels no matter how grand the place is if its not the faith you believe in.I must tell you, it was a totally different feeling for me upon going inside St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican and the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. While both looked majestic but woah, totally different feeling. Appreciate you sharing your travels!
Your soul-searching journey to Hazur Sahib and Nanak Jhira inspired you to share the experience as a meaningful write-up. Any route to connect with divinity brings out the good side in us.
It’s beautiful how places like these can offer such profound peace and revelations. I’m so moved by your personal connection and the solace you find there.
I went to Nanded long back for my engineering admission. Rains had wrecked havoc that day and me getting the college of my choice was no less than a miracle. We visited Hazur Sahib after the process was over and paid our humble respects. I bought a kada from there that I still have it. Such a peaceful place it was!
Amazing article with such amazing hidden gems. I would love to visit Hazur Sahib someday and explore all of the nearby places and surely will try to langar there.
Beautiful pictures! I admire your unique style of depicting about the place. I haven’t visited the place but after reading your post, I am eager to visit it. Thanks for providing the inner pictures of the Gurudwara.
I’m yet to visit these gurdwaras but they look lovely!
Really have my heart for this place. Looks so beautiful and serene. Hoping to visit soon🩷