Gurudwara Mal Tekari Sahib

This was the place that Guru Nanak had blessed a Muslim saint who believed in the Guru.Many years later, this Gurudwara has also been visited by Guru Gobind Singh.In fact, he had discovered a huge treasure here.The present day Gurudwara seen here has been constructed in 1930 after the original structure was demolished by some Islam men.

History

In the north east of the city of Nanded of Maharashtra, is the Gurudwara Mal Tekari Sahib. Guru Nanak is supposed to have stayed here during his trip to what is in the present days known as Sri Lanka.On his way to the island nation, the Guru had stopped over at a place known either as Maal Tilla / Chakri Maal.It was at this place that the meeting of the blind Muslim saint Sayyed Shah Hussain Lakkad and Guruji happened and they continued their religious discussions here.

As per the legend associated with this place, in the olden days there Lakkad continued to pray for years together to the Guru. Over his prayers, he used to say that he from hear say he knew that the Guru was very merciful and would bless the believers abundantly.However since he was very old and agile, he was unable to visit the Guru in person and seek his blessings.The Guru realised this and one fine day walked up to Lakkad to bless him.

He appeared in person in front of him and asked Lakkad to open his eyes and see who had come to meet up with him.When Lakkad saw Guru Nanak standing in front of him, he was completely taken by surprise and was thankful toe the Guru for his kindness.The Guru advised him to just tidy the place and said he would be paid a decent amount.He also told him to not do anything more as he was quite old.Lakkad followed this until his death after a long period of time, and used to very faithfully clean the place.

After his death Lakkad was buried and the place where he had prayed to the Guru became the location for the Gurudwara to come up.The tomb of the Muslim saint Lakkad is even today seen behind the Gurudwara and most of the Sikhs who come to offer their prayers at the Gurudwara don't miss visiting the tomb as well.Since Lakkad has served his entire lifetime in the prayers and worship of Guru Nanak, he also holds a special place of reverence in their minds.

The current structure of the Gurudwara Mal Tekari Sahib is a very simple structure with just a single room, with a modest roof and some place to walk around the Gurudwara.In spite of its simplicity, the place is highly revered by the Sikhs, because this was the place where Guruji had walked upto his Bhakt to bless him.So it denotes that only dedication and severe passion is required to please the Guru.This is a very important lesson that transcends religion.

The other most important event that happened in this Gurudwara is that Guru Gobindji also visited this place of worship and on one such visit he is supposed to have discovered a great treasure here.As per popular stories, he is supposed to have distributed to the soldiers at the spot where the Gurudwara Sangat Sahib stands today.This is also remarkably closer and just a few kilometres away from the Mal Tekari Sahib Gurudwara.

In the year of 1928, the Gurudwara that was built originally was unfortunately razed down by some extremists of Islam who erroneously declared that the place was theirs.However in accordance with the order passed by the Nizam of Hyderabad, the current structure was put up in January 1930.

How to Reach

• Limited connectivity is available at Nanded railway station.There are a few cities that have connecting flights to this airport.For international travels and for travels from other major parts of the city, Mumbai is the nearest airport.It is about four hundred fifty seven kilometres from Nanded.
• Nanded is the nearest railway station, and is well connected to most of the cities of the country.
• Since there are many Gurudwaras in the state, the local transport systems are all well established, so the tourists can resume their journey without any hassles.

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