Mumbai: The Sachkhand Gurdwara in Maharashtra is gearing up for its 300th anniversary.
Built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the gurdwara holds as much significance for Sikhs as Amritsar's Golden temple.
Nanded's Sachkhand gurdwara holds special significance for the Sikh community as this is the place where Guru Gobind Singh first put forth the Guru ki gaddi or the Granth Sahib as the holy book of worship.
The akhandpaaths (religious scriptures) have echoed in its corridors for over three centuries now and devotees with a special wish offer their prayers via the granthis (priests).
Bedecked in gold, this shrine holds a special place in every Sikh heart.
While one just can't miss the langar or community meals served in tradition, it's the Hindu rituals of aarti, ghanti and chandan tikaa practised for centuries, that remains yet another draw for devotees.
"It's a different feeling to see aarti, tikaa and ghanti at a gurdwara. It's just like we are at a temple," Samita Sethi, a devotee, says.
For believers like Maninder Singh, who's made this trip all the way from California after 22 years, it's the traditional essence of Sikhism that he hopes to take back home.
"I'm making a documentary for those staying outside India and can't take this pilgrimage," Singh says.
The city is already in revamp mode to live up to the centuries-long prominence of the Gurdwara.
About 25 lakh Sikhs from all over the world are expected to throng the shrine in 2008 and this dome still maintains its position as a sanctuary for the Sikh community.
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