Gurudwara Hira Ghat Sahib

This Gurudwara is situated at a distance of 9km from Nanded, on the banks of the Godavari River. It is also about 1.5 miles away from the Gurudwara Shikar Ghat Sahib. Hira, in Hindi, means diamond. The story behind this Gurudwara goes thus: One day Emperor Bahadur Shah had come from the Golconda region and met the Guru on the river banks. He presented the Guru with a very precious diamond stone, thinking that the Guru might be thrilled at the valuable gift. However, to his shock, the Guru totally disregarded the gift and threw into the river. Taken aback by the Guru's reaction, the Emperor proceeded to question the Guru on why he threw away the precious stone into the river. However, the Guru simply gave him a blank expression and asked him to take back his diamond from the river.

Upon the Guru's instruction when Emperor Bahadur Shah entered into the river, he was smitten by surprise because the river bed was full of diamonds and precious stones. The diamonds that were found inside the river were far more precious than the one he had presented to the Guru. It was at that instant, that the Emperor felt thoroughly humbled and realized the enormity of the Sikh religion's values. It was then that he realized that there is absolutely no shortage of wealth, love, affection or any other blessing at Guru Nanak's Durbar. Wealth was one of the least important things to the Sikhs as their primary objective was to treat fellow humans with love and care. This was the philosophy that not only Guru Gobind Singh, but all the nine gurus above him and taught the Sikh Community.

Guru Gobind Singh left for his heavenly abode in the year 1708 AD and the Takht Sachkhand Hazur Sahib Gurudwara that is nearby the Hira Ghat Sahib, is built upon his cemetery. Nanded is holy place that has some famous Gurudwaras and the Hira Ghat is one of them. Every year, there are hundreds of people flocking to the main Takht Hazur Sahib and each one of them also makes a visit to the Hira Ghat, because this was one of the places where the Guru's miracles were performed. The Guru himself was very brave, handled an efficient team and fought many victorious battles.

However, an unprecedented attack by Gul Khan made the Guru suffer severe wounds from which he could never recover. Gul Khan, ironically, was brought up by the Guru himself. Upon receiving the stab wounds, the Guru still fought back and killed Gul Khan in just one stroke. However he succumbed to his wounds that were very severe. Though there were initial hopes that he might recover as his wounds started showing signs of healing, they started opening up again, caused further damage. Guru Gobind Singh himself predicted that his end was near. Upon his orders, his disciples built a room for him, which he entered into and never came back alive, as his light has already mingled with the light of God.

This is quite a scenic Gurudwara which is open to all religions and which has entrances in all four directions to symbolize the transparency of the Sikh religion. Devotees who come here feel at peace as they think of the miracles of the Guru and they realize that service to mankind is the best thing to do in their lives. This place makes devotees to reduce their focus on material possessions and engage in tasks that give them mental enrichment. This place is located at a slightly elevated structure with few steps leading to the main entrance.

How to Reach

By Air - The nearest airport to this Gurudwara is Nanded as the famous Gurudwaras are in close proximity to the airport. The Hyderabad airport which is around 250km away and Mumbai airport which is around 480km away are the other nearby airports.

By Rail - Sikhs from Amritsar can take a pilgrimage tour to Nanded and visit all the famous Gurudwaras around easily as the Sachkhand Express runs directly from Amritsar to Nanded.

By Road - There are lots of bus and taxi services from major cities of Maharashtra to this place. Government-owned and private-owned buses ply frequently to Nanded and it is around 650km drive from Mumbai, 4-5 hours' drive from Aurangabad and 11 hours' drive from Pune.

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