After Sri Harmandir Sahib, Darbar Sahib at Amritsar, the most important Gurdwaras are the five Takhts.
A Takht means a throne or royal seat. Thus, these five Takhts are the royal seats for the Sikhs. The same
are :-
* Sri Akal Takht Sahib
* Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Anandpur Sahib
* Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo
* Takht Sri Harimandar Sahib, Patna Sahib
* Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazoor Sahib, Nanded
Sri Akal Takht Sahib is the first Takht of the Sikhs. Some time referred to as Akal Bunga, it is situated
inside the Golden Tempe complex opposite Darbar Sahib Harmandir Sahib. The Akal Takhat was originally
established by the Sixth Guru, Guru Har Gobind Ji in 1606 A.D. for taking important community decisions.
Guru Sahib used to hold his court, receive offerings, hear the Bards reciting heroic poetry and issue
Hukamnamas or edicts to Sikhs living at distant places. In the open space between the main shrine and the
newly build Akal Takht, tournaments of physical feats were held in the afternoons. Since then, the Sikhs have
always been assembling at this place for taking crucial decisions. Even in the 18th century, when the Mughal
Rulers were determined to exterminate the Sikhs, they used to visit Sri Harmandir Sahib for Holy Bath at
the Sarover and obeisance at Central Sanctorum. At that time also, they used to hold Sarbat Khalsa at Sri
Akal Takht Sahib for taking the Panthak decisions. Presently, Sri Akal Takhat Sahib is the symbol of miri-
piri concept given by the Sixth Guru and ever followed thereafter. Sri Guru Granth Sahib is installed here,
Maryada is observed. Kirtan and Katha including singing of Vaars by dhadies continue to be organized and
the complaints against the erring Sikhs or organisations are also heard by the Jathedar, Sri Akal Takht Sahib
and penalties imposed where necessary. The practice of issuing Hukamnamas or edits or proclamations on
behalf of the Panth is also being carried on by the appointed Jathedar. It may be mentioned here that any
order issued by the Jathedar Akal Takht Sahib has precedence over those issued by other Takhts. In addition
ancient sacred manuscripts are preserved on the premises along with antique shaster weaponry used by Sikh
Gurus and warriors. The same are shown to the devotees every evening.
Takhts Associated with Guru Gobind Singh
Whereas Sri Akal Takht Sahib is associated with the Sixth Guru, The other four Takhts are connected with
Guru Gobind Singh (1966-1708)-Takht Sri Harimandar Sahib, Patna, where he was born; Takht Sri Kesgarh
Sahib, Anandpur, where he created the Khalsa; Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazoor Sahib, Abchalnagar, Nanded
in Maharashtra, where he passed away and Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, Talvandi Sabo, where he stayed for
several months in 1706. While the other Takhts were originally accepted, Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo
was officially declared a Takht by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee at its general meeting held
on 18th November 1966.
