Five Sikh Takhts
Shri Akal Takht Sahib located in Amritsar, Punjab, India is one of five sikh takhts, or seats of authority. It is extremely important to Sikhs’ political and religious lives. The sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind, created the Akal Takht Sahib in 1606. It is situated in the Harmandir Sahib complex and faces the Darbar Sahib, popularly known as the Golden Temple. The Akal Takht was founded to underline Sikhs’ dual commitment to balance their spiritual lives with their societal duties.
The Akal Takht was created by Guru Hargobind Sahib to serve as a seat of temporal authority, known as Miri, in addition to the existing spiritual authority, Piri. The Guru wore two swords to indicate both temporal and spiritual strength, symbolizing this dual notion. Initially, the Akal Takht was a basic brick platform built to a height of approximately 3.5 meters. It has been expanded and embellished over the years to become the spectacular building it is today.
Takht Shri Keshgarh Sahib
Takht Shri Keshgarh Sahib, commonly known as Keshgarh Sahib or Anandpur Sahib, is one of Sikhism’s five takhts (temporal seats of authority) and is located in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab, India. This hallowed site is historically and religiously significant to Sikhs, and it is considered the birthplace of the Khalsa, the community of initiated Sikhs.
Anandpur Sahib was established in 1665 by the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur. The town was formerly named Chakk Nanaki after his mother, Nanaki. It became a center for Sikh religious and political activities, attracting adherents from all over. The most notable historical event related with Takht Shri Keshgarh Sahib is the establishment of the Khalsa by the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, on April 13, 1699. On this day, Guru Gobind Singh convened a special congregation to establish the notion of the Khalsa, a community of saint-soldiers dedicated to maintaining righteousness and justice. He initiated the first five members, known as the Panj Pyare (the Five Beloved Ones), using a rite called as Amrit Sanchar. This event represented the official establishment of the Khalsa Panth and the transformation of Sikhs into a unique and autonomous community. Takht Shri Keshgarh Sahib exhibits numerous historical treasures, including weaponry and relics related with Guru Gobind Singh and the Khalsa. The gurudwara complex is an architectural masterpiece, combining traditional and contemporary elements. It is a major Sikh pilgrimage destination, attracting thousands of devotees and tourists each year. The gurudwara symbolizes Sikh religion, valor, and the enduring spirit of the Khalsa.
Takht Shri Damdama Sahib
(Talwandi sabo)
Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, situated in Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda, Punjab, India, is one of the five Takhts (seats of authority) in Sikhism. This Sacred place is historically and religiously significant to Sikhs because of its link with Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. Guru Gobind Singh landed in Talwandi Sabo in 1705, seeking refuge and rehabilitation from the wars of Chamkaur and Muktsar. He compiled the final version of the Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism’s major religious scripture, while dictating it to Bhai Mani Singh. This version, known as the “Damdami Bir,” emphasized the site’s significance. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) officially acknowledged Takht Sri Damdama Sahib in 1966 as one of the five Takhts. Today, it serves as a spiritual and temporal authority center, continuing to play an important role in the Sikh community’s religious and political life.
Takht Shri Patna Sahib
Shri Patna Sahib, also known as Harmandir Sahib, is situated in Patna, the capital of Bihar, India. This historic site bears great significance for Sikhs as it is the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, who was born here on December 22, 1666. Guru Gobind Singh spent his early youth in Patna Sahib before moving to Anandpur Sahib.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh constructed Takht Shri Patna Sahib in the early nineteenth century to honor Guru Gobind Singh’s birthplace. The Gurdwara complex includes a variety of historical relics, including weaponry, manuscripts, and Guru Gobind Singh’s personal things, making it an important hub for Sikh tradition. Aside from being the birthplace of Sri Guru Gobind Singh, Shri Patna Sahib was also visited by Sri Guru Nanak and Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur at various times in time.
Takht Shri Hazur Sahib
Takht Shri Hazur Sahib, commonly known as Hazur Sahib or Sachkhand Shri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib, is one of Sikhism’s five takhts, or temporary seats of authority. It is located in Nanded, Maharashtra, India, and is highly regarded by Sikhs due to its historical and spiritual significance. This historic place is where the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, spent his final days. After several fights and migrations, Guru Gobind Singh landed in Nanded in 1708. He designated the Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism’s holy scripture, to be the Sikhs’ eternal Guru, effectively ending the succession of human Gurus.
The word “Hazur Sahib” means “Master’s Presence,” indicating Guru Gobind Singh’s continuous spiritual presence at this area. The gurudwara was built on the spot where Guru Gobind Singh breathed his last, and the sanctum sanctorum contains his sacred relics, including weaponry and personal items. The main edifice of Hazur Sahib was built in the early nineteenth century with the patronage of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Sikh Empire’s first Maharaja. The architectural style blends ancient Sikh components with Mughal and Rajput influences, with exquisite marble work, domes, and gold-plated interiors.