Nanded
Nanded in Maharashtra is one of the historical places in Marathwada region. The city of Nanded is situated on the banks of Godawari River. The place is very famous for Sikh Gurudwaras. The place is of great antiquity and it is known to have been ruled by Nandas for generations. Pandavas traveled through the land in Puranic days. It was also a part of the Mauryan Empire during the rein of Emperor Ashoka.
Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth spiritual leader of the Sikhs came here in Nanded in 1708. He declared himself the last guru and established the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal guru of the Sikhs. The Granth is considered as a living Guru by the Sikh community. There is a monument where the Guru Gobind Singh breathed his last. Maharaja Ranjit Singh built the sacred temoles Takth Sri Patna Sahib and Takth Sri Hazur Sahib. The later is in Nanded and the Gurudwara features an imposing golden dome with intricate carvings. The artwork at the gurudwara in Nanded is breathtaking.
Sachkand Gurudwara is among the five Takhts and houses the holy Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Nearly Millions of pilgrims visit this place each year. There are eight beautifully constructed Gurudwaras in Nanded along the river and all these are connected to the life of the tenth Guru.
There is a Masjid in Nanded, the Masjid of Biloli. This place of worship for the Muslims was constructed in the 17th century. Sarfaraz Khan built it and hence is popularly called as Nawab Sarfaraz Masjid.
Shrikshetra Mahurgad is a Hindu Pilgrimage center and a very popular Shaktipeeth. The temple is on top of a hill just a mile away from Nanded. The Yadava rulers built it in the 11th century.
The village of Unkeshvar is located on the banks of River Penganga. There are hot water springs here and they are supposed to have healing powers. The spring waters are miraculous and have miracle skin rejuvenating properties.
Nanded fort and Kandhar fort are the forts in Nanded. Nanded fort is near to the Railway station and has beautiful landscaped gardens and fountains. The Nanded fort is surrounded by water from three sides. Kandhar fort was constructed by King of Malkhed. The architecture of the fort has some amazingly elaborates security designs. There is a ditch in the periphery and Mogul style construction in the Kandhar fort is remarkable.
Other places of tourist interest in Nanded are the narrow winding and tightly knit streets. The designs lend its character to dense buildings with elongated courtyards. The traditional dwellings are aesthetically constructed and the temples and Gurudwaras have uncanny appeal.