Takht is a Punjabi word, which means throne. It is referred as the seat of authority in the Sikh religion. It marks the important religious, social or political decision of the Sikh community. There are Panj Takht and these Panj Takht are 5 important Gurudwaras in Sikhism. Every Takht has its own importance and historical significance.
The Panj Takht are:
Sri Akal Takht Sahib :
Akal Takht Sahib was established by Guru Hargobind Sahib, the sixth Guru of the Sikhs in 1609. Akal Takht means Eternal Throne. It is built in the complex of Golden Temple Gurudwara in Amritsar. In the complex, the Akal Takht is situated opposite to Harmandir Sahib. It is the highest seat of the Sikh authority. Here the community used to have general meetings and approve resolutions. The Akal Takht is the oldest of the Five Takhts. All the social, political, economic and religious decisions for welfare of Sikh community are taken here. The decisions of Sri Akal Takht are respected by Sikhs all over the world. It was rebuilt in 1984, as it was damaged in the “Operation Blue Star”.
Takht Sri Damdama Sahib :
Takht Sri Damdama Sahib is located in the village of Talwandi Sabo near Bhatinda. It is also known as Talwandi Sab. At this place in 1705, Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs resided here and compiled the final edition of Adi Granth, which is the holy book of Sikhism, honored as Guru Granth Sahib. It was officially recognized as Fifth Takht of Sikh in 18 Nov 1966.
Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib :
Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib is situated at Sri Anandpur Sahib in Punjab. It is the place where Khalsa originated. The order of the Khalsa was initiated by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 on the occasion of Baisakhi. The weapons used by Guru Gobind Singh are exhibited here.
Takht Sri Hazur Sahib :
Takht Sri Hazur Sahib is situated on the banks of Godavari River in the state of Maharashtra. This place is considered to be the home of Guru Gobind Singh where he settled in his final days of life. In 1708, he was cremated and the Angitha Sahib is built over that place inside Gurudwara complex that is known Sach-Khand, which means ‘Realm of Truth’.
Takht Sri Patna Sahib :
As the name suggests Takht Sri Patna Sahib is placed in Patna, the capital of the state of Bihar. It is also known as Takht Shri Harmandir Sahib Patna. It was built in the memory of Guru Gobind Singh’s birthplace. Guru Gobind Singh was born on 22 Dec 1666. It was constructed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
