# Takht Sri Hazur Sahib - History, Timings & Visitor Guide | GurdwaraSahib.in > Takht Sri Hazur Sahib in Nanded, Maharashtra — one of the five Sikh Takhts, marking where Guru Gobind Singh Ji bestowed eternal Guruship to Guru Granth Sahib. ![Takht Sri Hazur Sahib](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/thumb.php?f=Takht_Sri_Hazur_Sahib.jpg&w=1200) Takht Sahib Historical world # Takht Sri Hazur Sahib ਤਖ਼ਤ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਹਜ਼ੂਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib, commonly known as Hazur Sahib, is one of the five Takhts (supreme seats of temporal authority) in Sikhism, located on the banks of the sacred Godavari River in Nanded, Maharashtra, India. This hallowed shrine marks the exact site where Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth and last human Guru of the Sikhs, spent his final days, bestowed the eternal Guruship upon the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, and departed for his heavenly abode on October 7, 1708. The word "Hazur" means "presence of the master," and the gurdwara's full title carries profound meaning. "Sachkhand" refers to the realm of truth or abode of God, while "Abchalnagar" translates to "steadfast city," a name bestowed upon Nanded by Guru Gobind Singh himself. The designation as a "Takht" (throne) signifies that it serves not only as a place of worship but as a seat of Sikh religious authority, where important decisions concerning the Sikh community can be issued. Standing alongside the Akal Takht in Amritsar, Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib, Takht Sri Patna Sahib in Bihar, and Takht Sri Damdama Sahib in Bathinda, Hazur Sahib occupies a position of immense spiritual prestige. It is often referred to as the "Kashi of the South" owing to its deep religious significance in the Deccan region. As the principal Sikh pilgrimage centre in southern India, it draws hundreds of thousands of devotees from across the globe each year. The gurdwara complex is a sprawling spiritual campus that includes multiple shrines, gardens, and community facilities. The main sanctum, known as Sachkhand, houses the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji during the day. Additionally, the complex preserves several sacred relics of Guru Gobind Singh, including a golden dagger, a matchlock gun, a quiver with thirty-five arrows, two bows, a steel shield adorned with precious stones, and five golden swords. These relics are kept within the inner vault and are accessible only to the head priest. What distinguishes Hazur Sahib from other gurdwaras is its adherence to ancient customs dating back to the time of Guru Gobind Singh. Unique rituals, such as the application of sandalwood tilak on the forehead of priests, are practised here — traditions that have been maintained continuously since the early eighteenth century. The gurdwara also houses both the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and the Sri Dasam Granth, a practice shared with Takht Sri Patna Sahib. Visitors to Hazur Sahib experience a blend of deep spiritual devotion and historical grandeur. The gurdwara operates a round-the-clock langar (community kitchen), serving free vegetarian meals to all visitors regardless of faith, caste, or background. A laser show at Gobind Bagh, held every evening from 7:30 to 8:30 PM, narrates the lives of the ten Sikh Gurus through captivating visuals accompanied by compositions of Jagjit Singh. The serene atmosphere along the Godavari River enhances the spiritual experience for pilgrims and visitors alike. ## Significance Takht Sri Hazur Sahib holds a singular position in Sikh theology and history as the site where the institution of human Guruship ended and the eternal Guruship of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib began. This transition, ordained by Guru Gobind Singh himself, represents one of the most transformative moments in Sikh history, making Hazur Sahib a place of profound spiritual resonance for Sikhs worldwide. As one of the five Takhts, Hazur Sahib carries both spiritual and temporal authority. Edicts (hukamnamas) issued from the Takhts are considered binding for the Sikh community, and Hazur Sahib's role in this structure underscores its importance beyond mere pilgrimage. The shrine is a living centre of Sikh governance and religious direction. The gurdwara preserves sacred relics of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, including his personal weapons and belongings, making it a tangible link to the Guru's physical presence. The inner sanctum, Angitha Sahib, stands on the very spot where the Guru was cremated, lending the site an aura of sacred immediacy unmatched by most other Sikh shrines. Hazur Sahib also serves as a powerful symbol of Sikh identity in southern India. As the principal Sikh pilgrimage centre in the Deccan, it bridges the geographical distance between Punjab and Maharashtra, reminding devotees that the Sikh faith transcends regional boundaries. The gurdwara upholds the core Sikh principles of seva (selfless service), langar (community kitchen), and sangat (congregational worship), welcoming visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. The celebration of Joti Jot Diwas — the anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh's merging with the divine light — is the most important annual event at Hazur Sahib, attracting tens of thousands of pilgrims who participate in processions, kirtans, and devotional services. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ### Sach-khand Nanded, India 871 m away Sach-Khand is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in India. It is situated in India, the birthplace of Sikhism and home to the largest Sikh population in the world. As with all gurdwaras, Sach-Khand welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. The gurdwara serves as a place of worship where the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of the Sikhs) is kept with great reverence. The community gathers here for daily prayers (Nitnem), Kirtan (devotional singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib), and Katha (religious discourse). The gurdwara operates a Langar (community kitchen) where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, gender, economic status, or ethnicity. This practice, established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and formalized by Guru Angad Dev Ji, embodies the Sikh principles of equality, sharing, and selfless service (Seva). Community ### Gurudwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji India 9.5 km away Open all day, typically from early morni... Gurudwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji is a historically and spiritually significant Sikh shrine located in Village Bahman Vada, District Nanded, Maharashtra, India. The gurdwara stands on the sacred ground where Mata Sahib Devaan Ji, revered as the 'Mother of the Khalsa,' personally supervised the Guru Ka Langar during the period when Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji resided at the nearby Gurdwara Shri Heera Ghaat Sahib. Nanded is one of the most important Sikh pilgrimage cities in the world, home to Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib — one of the five Takhts (seats of temporal and spiritual authority) in Sikhism — and every gurdwara in this region carries profound historical memory tied to Guru Gobind Singh Ji's final years. The gurdwara is situated approximately half a kilometer downstream from Gurdwara Hira Ghat along the banks of the Godavari River, placing it within a sacred corridor of shrines that together trace the movements and deeds of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and his companions. It is managed by Nihang Singhs under the auspices of the Sachkand Gurudwara Board, preserving the martial and devotional traditions of the Khalsa. Approximately 250 acres of land, partly arable, are attached to this gurdwara, which have historically supported the institution's langar and community services. Mata Sahib Devaan Ji, born on 1 November 1681, was an ardent devotee of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and was granted the elevated spiritual title of 'Mata Ji' in recognition of her deep piety, selfless service, and her unique role in the creation of the Khalsa. She is widely venerated as the 'Mother of the Khalsa' because Guru Gobind Singh Ji is believed to have included Patasas (sugar crystals) she offered into the Amrit (nectar) prepared during the first Amrit Sanchar ceremony in 1699, thereby giving the Khalsa a dual parentage — the Guru as Father and Mata Sahib Devan as Mother. The gurdwara serves as an active place of worship, remembrance, and langar (community kitchen) service, continuing the very tradition of nourishing all visitors regardless of caste, creed, or social standing that Mata Sahib Devaan Ji herself embodied and maintained. Pilgrims visiting the Nanded circuit of gurdwaras regularly include this shrine as an essential stop, and the site is particularly beloved by devotees who feel a deep personal connection to the concept of the Khalsa and its maternal spiritual lineage. Community ### Gurudwara Mata Jeeto Ji India 11 km away Open daily from approximately 4:00 AM to... Gurudwara Mata Jeeto Ji is a revered Sikh place of worship dedicated to the memory of Mata Jito Ji (also known as Mata Jeeto Ji), the beloved first wife of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth and final human Guru of Sikhism. Situated in India at coordinates 19.1418938, 77.4209329, this gurdwara stands as a spiritual sanctuary that honors one of the most venerated women in Sikh history and provides the local Sikh community with a center for daily worship, congregational prayer, and selfless service. Mata Jeeto Ji holds a place of immense reverence in Sikhism. She was the first wife of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, married in 1677 CE at Bassi Kalan (near Anandpur Sahib) and is widely believed to have been among the first to embrace the Khalsa way of life. Her deep piety, quiet strength, and devotion to the Guru's mission made her a towering spiritual figure for Sikh women across generations. Historical accounts record that when Guru Gobind Singh Ji prepared the Amrit (sacred nectar) during the founding of the Khalsa Panth on Baisakhi 1699, Mata Jeeto Ji is believed to have contributed Patashas (sugar crystals) to the Amrit, symbolizing the union of Shakti (power) and sweetness in the spirit of the Khalsa. This tradition places her not merely as a consort but as an active participant in one of Sikhism's most defining moments. Gurudwara Mata Jeeto Ji serves the surrounding community as a living institution of faith. The premises house a sanctified Darbar Sahib (main prayer hall) where the Guru Granth Sahib, the eternal living Guru of the Sikhs, is installed and revered. Daily prayers, Nitnem recitations, and kirtan (devotional singing) form the spiritual heartbeat of the gurdwara. The institution also runs a Langar (community kitchen) that provides free meals without discrimination of caste, creed, religion, or economic status, embodying the Sikh principles of Seva (selfless service) and Sarbat da Bhala (well-being of all). As a community focal point in India, the gurdwara hosts important Sikh festivals including Gurpurabs (anniversaries of the Gurus), Baisakhi, and other religious observances that bring together Sikhs and members of other faiths in a spirit of unity and celebration. India, the birthplace of Sikhism, is home to some of the faith's most significant shrines, and gurdwaras like this one play a vital role in sustaining Sikh culture, heritage, and identity far beyond Punjab. Community ## Founding Story Takht Sri Hazur Sahib (also known as Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib) marks the site where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, passed away on October 7, 1708. Before his departure, Guru Gobind Singh declared the Sri Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru of the Sikhs, ending the line of living Gurus. The gurdwara was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the early 19th century. The inner sanctum (Angitha Sahib) marks the exact spot of the Guru's cremation. ## Historical Timeline 1832 ### Event in 1832 and 1837 by Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780–1839) 1917 ### Event in 1917 –1978) was an eminent Ragi who did Seva at the Takhat from AD 1934 to 1978 (till death) 1956 ### Event in 1956 an Act was passed by the legislature of Hyderabad under which the management of the Takhat Sahib and 2008 ### Event in 2008 the 300th-anniversary celebration of the Guruship of Guru Granth Sahib ji took place here 2009 ### Event in 2009 ), ISBN 978-0-9560168-0-5 2011 ### Event in 2011 at the Wayback Machine sgpc ## Detailed History The history of Takht Sri Hazur Sahib is inextricably linked to the final chapter of Guru Gobind Singh Ji's life. In mid-1708, the tenth Sikh Guru journeyed southward accompanying Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah during his Deccan campaign. After crossing the Tapti River in mid-June and the Ban Ganga on August 13, the two camps reached Nanded towards the end of August 1708. While the Emperor continued to Golkonda after a brief halt, Guru Gobind Singh chose to remain at Nanded on the banks of the Godavari River. During his stay at Nanded, Guru Gobind Singh met a recluse named Madho Das, a Rajput ascetic. The Guru's spiritual power so moved Madho Das that he proclaimed himself "Banda" (the Guru's servant). He was subsequently baptised as Banda Singh Bahadur and dispatched to Punjab to challenge Mughal tyranny — a mission that would transform Sikh political history. Tragedy struck when two Pathan assassins, believed to have been sent by the Nawab of Sirhind, attacked Guru Gobind Singh in his camp. Though a surgeon stitched the wound, it reopened when the Guru drew a bow. Sensing the approach of his final moments, Guru Gobind Singh made the momentous declaration on October 6, 1708: the Guruship would pass permanently to the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. On October 7, 1708, the Guru departed for his heavenly abode. He renamed Nanded as "Abchalnagar" (the steadfast city) before his passing. Following the Guru's cremation, Sikhs constructed a simple room over the site of his court platform and installed the Guru Granth Sahib, naming it Takhat Sahib. Over time, the site fell under the control of Udasi priests. During the nineteenth-century Singh Sabha Movement, Sikhs reclaimed management of the shrine. The present magnificent structure was commissioned by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Lion of Punjab. Construction took place between 1832 and 1837, producing a grand edifice modelled after the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar. The structure underwent significant renovation, with the current form completed on April 13, 1968. Since 1956, the gurdwara has been administered by a seventeen-member Gurdwara Board and a five-member Managing Committee. In October 2008, the shrine hosted grand celebrations marking the tercentenary of the eternal Guruship of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. ## Sacred Relics & Artifacts ### Angitha Sahib sacred_site Associated with Guru Gobind Singh The exact spot of Guru Gobind Singh's cremation. ## Structures in the Complex ### Sachkhand (Main Darbar Sahib) prayer_hall The main prayer hall and inner sanctum of Hazur Sahib, housing the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji on a white marble canopied throne during the day. This two-storey structure features gold-plated walls, intricate frescoes, and gilded panels, crowned by a magnificent gold-plated dome. ### Angitha Sahib prayer_hall The most sacred inner chamber, built on the exact spot where Guru Gobind Singh Ji was cremated in October 1708. It features gold-plated walls and a marble platform where the Guru's sacred relics — weapons, personal belongings, and manuscripts — are preserved and displayed. ### Bunga Mai Bhago Ji museum A memorial shrine honouring Mai Bhago, the legendary Sikh woman warrior who fought alongside Guru Gobind Singh Ji at the Battle of Muktsar. This structure houses sacred texts and some of the Guru's personal belongings, serving as both a place of veneration and a historical repository. ### Guru Ka Bagh sarovar A serene and beautifully maintained garden complex where Guru Gobind Singh Ji is believed to have held his court and congregation. Today it features a daily laser show (7:30-8:30 PM) depicting the lives of the ten Sikh Gurus, set amidst lush greenery along the Godavari riverbank. ### Langar Hall langar_hall The expansive community kitchen that operates 24 hours a day, serving free vegetarian meals to all visitors in keeping with the Sikh tradition of equality and selfless service (seva). The hall significantly expands its operations during major festivals to accommodate the influx of pilgrims. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head covering is mandatory for all visitors. Remove shoes before entering the gurdwara premises. Modest clothing is required — avoid shorts, sleeveless tops, and revealing attire. ### Photography Photography and videography are strictly prohibited inside the main sanctum and prayer hall. Photography is permitted in the outer complex and gardens. ### Etiquette Maintain silence and reverence inside the main sanctum. Bow before the Guru Granth Sahib upon entering. Do not turn your back to the holy scripture. Sit on the floor cross-legged. Mobile phones should be switched off or kept on silent inside the prayer hall. Alcohol and tobacco are strictly prohibited within the complex. ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Accommodation ### Nearby Hotels Available in nearby area ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) The langar serves lakhs (hundreds of thousands) of devotees annually. During major festivals and gurpurabs, the capacity is significantly expanded to accommodate the surge of pilgrims. Seating Capacity ## Community Services ## Architecture The gurdwara is a majestic two-storey structure built in a fusion of Sikh and Rajput architectural styles. Constructed from white marble, the building is crowned with a resplendent gold-plated dome and a copper kalash (finial) with a gilded apex, reminiscent of the Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar. The interior is richly adorned with intricate frescoes, gilded panels, and exquisite stucco work. The main prayer hall features a white marble canopied throne where the Sri Guru Granth Sahib is placed during the day. The inner sanctum, Angitha Sahib, has gold-plated walls and a separate marble platform where the Guru's personal weapons and relics are displayed. At night, the holy scripture is moved inside and placed on a marble platform. The broader complex encompasses several structures: Bunga Mai Bhago Ji, a memorial to the legendary Sikh woman warrior; Guru Ka Bagh, a tranquil garden where the Guru held his court; and the Langar Hall, which operates continuously. The sprawling complex, spanning several hectares along the Godavari riverbank, combines spiritual grandeur with serene natural beauty, offering pilgrims a contemplative environment steeped in history. Architectural Style: Sikh Gurdwara architecture ## Sarovar (Sacred Pool) ## Structures in the Complex ### Sachkhand (Main Darbar Sahib) prayer_hall The main prayer hall and inner sanctum of Hazur Sahib, housing the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji on a white marble canopied throne during the day. This two-storey structure features gold-plated walls, intricate frescoes, and gilded panels, crowned by a magnificent gold-plated dome. ### Angitha Sahib prayer_hall The most sacred inner chamber, built on the exact spot where Guru Gobind Singh Ji was cremated in October 1708. It features gold-plated walls and a marble platform where the Guru's sacred relics — weapons, personal belongings, and manuscripts — are preserved and displayed. ### Bunga Mai Bhago Ji museum A memorial shrine honouring Mai Bhago, the legendary Sikh woman warrior who fought alongside Guru Gobind Singh Ji at the Battle of Muktsar. This structure houses sacred texts and some of the Guru's personal belongings, serving as both a place of veneration and a historical repository. ### Guru Ka Bagh sarovar A serene and beautifully maintained garden complex where Guru Gobind Singh Ji is believed to have held his court and congregation. Today it features a daily laser show (7:30-8:30 PM) depicting the lives of the ten Sikh Gurus, set amidst lush greenery along the Godavari riverbank. ### Langar Hall langar_hall The expansive community kitchen that operates 24 hours a day, serving free vegetarian meals to all visitors in keeping with the Sikh tradition of equality and selfless service (seva). The hall significantly expands its operations during major festivals to accommodate the influx of pilgrims. ## Events & Celebrations ### gurpurab #### Joti Jot Diwas (Guru Gobind Singh Ji) Marks the anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji's departure from the mortal world on October 7, 1708. This is the most important annual event at Hazur Sahib, attracting tens of thousands of pilgrims for processions, continuous kirtan, and special prayers. Also known as Gurta Gaddi Diwas, it commemorates the bestowing of eternal Guruship to the Guru Granth Sahib. #### Guru Gobind Singh Prakash Gurpurab Celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru. The gurdwara comes alive with nagar kirtans (street processions), devotional music, and special langar arrangements. Pilgrims gather in large numbers to honour the Guru whose final days are immortalised at this very site. #### Guru Nanak Gurpurab Celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. Large-scale celebrations include prabhat pheris (morning processions), akhand path (continuous reading of Guru Granth Sahib), kirtan, and expanded langar services for the thousands of devotees who attend. ### festival #### Baisakhi Marks the Sikh New Year and the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699. Celebrated with great fervour at Hazur Sahib with special prayers, kirtan darbars, and community gatherings. The festival holds additional significance at this Takht given its deep connection to Guru Gobind Singh. #### Hola Mohalla A Sikh festival established by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, celebrated the day after Holi. At Hazur Sahib, devotثons include martial arts demonstrations, kirtan, poetry recitations, and community feasts, honouring the warrior spirit and spiritual devotion championed by the tenth Guru. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### visiting Takht Sri Hazur Sahib is open 24 hours daily. Morning rituals begin at 2:00 AM with holy water brought from the Godavari River, scripture recitation starts at 2:15 AM, and darshan is available from approximately 3:15 AM onwards. The evening laser show at Gobind Bagh runs from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM daily. Photography and videography are strictly prohibited inside the main sanctum and prayer hall. However, photography is permitted in the outer complex, gardens, and Gobind Bagh area. Yes, the langar (community kitchen) at Hazur Sahib operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors without any distinction of caste, religion, or gender. Visitors can also volunteer for seva (service) in the langar hall. The best time to visit is between October and March when the weather in Nanded is pleasantly cool. Visiting during Joti Jot Diwas (October) or Guru Gobind Singh Prakash Gurpurab offers a particularly special spiritual experience with grand processions and kirtans. ### history Takht Sri Hazur Sahib marks the site where Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, spent his final days and passed away on October 7, 1708. Before his departure, he bestowed the eternal Guruship upon the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. The present structure was built between 1832 and 1837 by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, modelled after the Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar. The inner vault of Hazur Sahib preserves several sacred relics of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, including a golden dagger, a matchlock gun (kadelock gun), a quiver with thirty-five arrows, two bows, a steel shield decorated with precious stones, and five golden swords. These relics are accessible only to the head priest. Hazur Sahib is one of the five Takhts (supreme seats of authority) in Sikhism. It marks the site where Guru Gobind Singh Ji ended the line of human Gurus and bestowed eternal Guruship upon the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. It is the principal Sikh pilgrimage centre in southern India, often called the 'Kashi of the South.' ### transport By air: Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Airport (NDC) is approximately 4 km away with flights from Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad. By rail: Hazur Sahib Nanded Railway Station (NED) is just 1 km away, served by trains including the Sachkhand Express from Amritsar. By road: Nanded is 650 km from Mumbai and 275 km from Aurangabad, connected by regular bus services and highways. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Takht Sri Hazur Sahib Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. Suggest an Edit