Panj Takhts: The Cornerstones of Sikh Faith and Authority

These seats had the Akal Takht Sahib, considered the ultimate authority, opposite the Sri Harmandir Sahib, popularly known as the Golden Temple, in Amritsar, Punjab. Guru Hargobind, the sixth Guru, founded it in 1606. He realized that the nascent Sikh community needed protection from persecution and so established the Akal Takht as the seat of political sovereignty where military plans were drawn up and disputes settled. Decisions made here assume supreme religious and temporal authority for the whole global Sikh community.

Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, located in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab, is the birthplace of the Khalsa. This shrine is the place where, in the year 1699, Guru Gobind Singh formally established the Khalsa-the collective body of dedicated Sikhs-and gave to the world the revolutionary concept of the Saint-Soldier. This Takht is a symbol of dedication to the cause of maintaining freedom of religion and justice through martial readiness.

These three remaining Takhts have an intrinsic connection with the life and final decree of Guru Gobind Singh, and represent the geographical expansion and eternal foundation of the faith.

Takht Sri Patna Sahib, Patna, Bihar has deep reverence for being the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, who was born in 1666. Far east of Punjab, this place symbolizes the early childhood of the Guru and the far-reaching spiritual journeys of the Sikh Gurus across India.

Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded, Maharashtra-is the place where Guru Gobind Singh breathed his last in 1708. More importantly, it was here that his final edict-a declaration of the eternal Guruship being transferred from the physical to the Guru Granth Sahib-was made. This Takht is symbolic of the eternity and sanctity of the word.

Completing the five is Takht Sri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo, Punjab). Popularly called the ‘resting place,’ this is the place where Guru Gobind Singh stayed for several months in 1705 after fierce battles. Significantly, he compiled and authenticated the final complete version of the Guru Granth Sahib here, establishing the scriptural basis before announcing Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru.

They represent a unified spiritual and political system in that the Panj Takhts ensure the conduct of the Sikh faith is guided by the divine doctrine and an authoritative community structure. They are historical keystones guiding the moral, social, and political ethos of Sikhism worldwide.