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A takht, or taḵẖat (Punjabi: ਤਖ਼ਤ), literally means a throne or seat of authority[1] and is a spiritual and temporal centre of Sikhism.[2] There are five takhts (Punjabi: ਪੰਜ ਤਖਤ, romanized: Pañj takhat, lit. 'five thrones'), which are five gurudwaras that have a very special significance for the Sikh community. Three are located in Punjab whilst the remaining two are located outside of it.[3]
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Akal Takht Sahib
Damdama Sahib
Keshgarh Sahib
Hazur Sahib Nanded
Patna Sahib
Locations of the five Takhts of Sikhism in India
The first and the most important takht was established by Guru Hargobind in 1609: Akal Takht (the Throne of the Timeless God), located just opposite the gate of Harmandir Sahib (The Golden Temple), in Amritsar. While the Harmandir Sahib, or Golden Temple, represents Sikh spiritual guidance, the Akal Takht symbolizes the dispensing of justice and temporal activity. It is the highest seat of temporal authority of the Khalsa and the seat of the Sikh religion's earthly authority. There, the Guru held his court and decided matters of military strategy and political policy. Later on, the Sikh Nation (Sarbat Khalsa) took decisions here on matters of peace and war and settled disputes between the various Sikh groups.[4]
In December 2010, the Deccan Odyssey train, taken on charter from the Government of Maharashtra, started with the aim to have a journey across four Sikh takhts, with a flight by devout and sightseers to the fifth takht (Takht Sri Patna Sahib).[5] A special train for the pilgrimage to the five takhts, named Panj Takht Special Train, began service on 16 February 2014.[6][7][8][9][10]
Akal Takhat Sahib means Eternal Throne. It is also part of the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar. Its foundation was laid by Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh guru.[2] The Akal Takhat is situated opposite to Harmandir Sahib and is connected by a passage. The building of the Akal Takht opposite the Golden Temple has a special meaning. While the Golden Temple stands for spiritual guidance the Akal Takhat symbolizes the dispensing of justice and temporal activity. In earlier days all Sikh warriors sought blessings here before going to battle fields. During the 18th century while Sikhs were fighting a guerrilla war in the forests they used to gather at the Akal Takht on special occasions such as Vaisakhi. Here the community used to have general meetings and approve resolutions. The Akal Takht is the oldest of the Five Takhats.[4]
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Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib is incredibly significant historically since it is the home of the Khalsa, a Sikh community of initiated individuals. The Khalsa Panth was founded here on April 13, 1699, by the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. Every year, during the Vaisakhi festival, this event is remembered. The Khalsa were founded when Guru Gobind Singh gave the Panj Pyare, or the Five Beloved Ones, at Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib Amrit, or pure nectar. The finest principles of Sikhism, such as bravery, righteousness, and equality, were intended to be embodied by the Khalsa.[11][12][13]
Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib is located near the cradle of the Khalsa and has witnessed several important Sikh historical events. During the reign of Guru Gobind Singh, it functioned as a hub for both martial and spiritual pursuits.[12]
There are numerous historically and religiously significant buildings inside the Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib complex. Along with additional structures honoring different facets of Sikh religious and cultural practices, this comprises the main Gurdwara edifice, which houses the Takht. Some of Guru Gobind Singh's weapons are kept in Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib along with other relics and artifacts related to him. The sense of bravery and martial spirit that are essential to Sikh identity are recalled by these items.
Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib is a major destination for Sikhs worldwide. Visiting the Takht allows devotees to honor the rich history and legacy of Sikhism, as well as to pay their respects and ask for blessings.[14]
Takht Sri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo) is situated in the village of Talwandi Sabo near Bathinda.[15] Guru Gobind Singh stayed here for about a year and compiled the final edition of Guru Granth Sahib also known as the Damdama Sahib Bir in 1705.[16] Damdama Sahib was proclaimed the fifth takht on November 18, 1966.[17]
Takht Sri Patna Sahib is situated in Patna city which is also the capital of Bihar state.[3] Guru Gobind Singh was born here in 1666 and He spent His early childhood here before moving to Sri Anandpur Sahib.[18][19] Besides being the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh,[20] Patna was also visited by Guru Nanak and Guru Tegh Bahadur at different points of time. Here also stayed Guru Gobind Singh's mother, Mata Gujri and it was house of Salis Rai Johri.[21]
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Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, one of the five Takhts in Sikhism, is well-known for its profound theological and historical significance and is situated in Nanded, Maharashtra state on the bank of river godavari.,[3] India. In Sikh history, it is significant since it was founded near the location where the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, gave his farewell speech and died in 1708. The Takht was constructed in the early 1800s by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.[22][23] The magnificent Hazur Sahib Gurudwara, with its white marble domes and elaborate artwork, is a prime example of the architecture, which combines Rajput and Sikh architectural elements. The Hola Mohalla festival and Gurpurabs are two of the many occasions and celebrations that are enthusiastically observed throughout the year.[24][25] Under the management of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the Takht welcomes pilgrims from all over the world who come to honor, circumambulate, and take part in prayers and rituals, maintaining its status as a revered location of Sikh spirituality and heritage that embodies the teachings and legacy of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.Guru Gobind Singh Ji's treasures and the Guru Granth Sahib are housed in its sanctuary, Sachkhand.
Contested
Takht Budha Dal
According to the Budha Dal organization of Nihangs, the Budha Dal is the fifth takht.[26]
Potential
Gurudwara Janam Asthan
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A proposal for a sixth Sikh takht at Guru Nanak Dev’s birth place in Nankana Sahib in Pakistan has sparked a debate in the Sikh community, and among historians and scholars.[27]
Shiromani Akali Dal (Delhi) president and former president of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSMGC) Paramjit Singh Sarna has stirred a controversy by demanding that Gurdwara Janamasthan Nankana Sahib in Pakistan be declared the sixth takht (seat of authority) of Sikhs. Acting jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Harpreet Singh was the first to censure the demand, saying: “This is a baseless demand which belittles the concept of Panch Pardhani (significance of five) in Sikhism like five articles of faith, five beloved ones (Panj Payaras) and five Bania.” The proposal was ignored afterwards.
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