»SukhMani«
*Nirbhau Nirvair*
The Five Takhts
'Takht' which literally means a throne or seat of authority is a result of historical growth of Sikhism. There are five Takhts. Two of the five Takhts are located outside Punjab and are Takht Sri Patna Sahib , Patna in Bihar, and Takht Sri Hazoor Sahib at Nanded in Maharashtra. The other three Takhts are in Punjab - Akal Takht in Amritsar, Sri Keshgarh Sahib in Anandpur and Sri Damdama Sahib at Talwandi Sabo Bhatinda district.
The first and the most important one was established by Guru Hargobind in 1609. It is called 'Akal Takht' (the Throne of the Timeless God) and is situated just opposite the gate of Harmandir Sahib - The Golden Temple, Amritsar. The Guru established it, because he thought that secular political matters should not be considered in the Golden Temple, which is meant purely for worship of God. Here the Guru held his court and decided matters of military strategy and political policy. Later on, the Sikh commonwealth (Sarbat Khalsa) took decisions here on matters of peace and war and settled disputes between the various Sikh groups.
The Sarangi singers sung the ballads of the Sikh Gurus and warriors at this place and robes of honour (saropas) were awarded to persons who rendered distinguished services of the community of men in general. The second seat of authority is called "Takht Sri Patna Sahib". The Five Takhts are the five gurudwaras and these have a very special significance for the Sikh community. Takht means a throne. They are considered the seats of Sikh religious authority. The important decisions concerning the religious and social life of the Sikh community have been taken here.
Sri Akal Takht Sahib
Akal Takht Sahib literally means Eternal Throne. It is also part of the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar. It's foundation was laid by Guru Hargobind Sahib . The Akal Takht is situated opposite to Harmandir Sahib and are 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 Takht symbolizes the dispensing of justice and temporal activity. During the day the Guru Granth Sahib is kept in the Golden Temple, while at night it is kept in the Akal Takht Sahib. 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 Baisakhi and Diwali. Here the community used to have general meetings and approve resolutions. The Akal Takht is the oldest of the Five Takhts. Click here to see the video for Akal Takht.
'Takht' which literally means a throne or seat of authority is a result of historical growth of Sikhism. There are five Takhts. Two of the five Takhts are located outside Punjab and are Takht Sri Patna Sahib , Patna in Bihar, and Takht Sri Hazoor Sahib at Nanded in Maharashtra. The other three Takhts are in Punjab - Akal Takht in Amritsar, Sri Keshgarh Sahib in Anandpur and Sri Damdama Sahib at Talwandi Sabo Bhatinda district.
The first and the most important one was established by Guru Hargobind in 1609. It is called 'Akal Takht' (the Throne of the Timeless God) and is situated just opposite the gate of Harmandir Sahib - The Golden Temple, Amritsar. The Guru established it, because he thought that secular political matters should not be considered in the Golden Temple, which is meant purely for worship of God. Here the Guru held his court and decided matters of military strategy and political policy. Later on, the Sikh commonwealth (Sarbat Khalsa) took decisions here on matters of peace and war and settled disputes between the various Sikh groups.
The Sarangi singers sung the ballads of the Sikh Gurus and warriors at this place and robes of honour (saropas) were awarded to persons who rendered distinguished services of the community of men in general. The second seat of authority is called "Takht Sri Patna Sahib". The Five Takhts are the five gurudwaras and these have a very special significance for the Sikh community. Takht means a throne. They are considered the seats of Sikh religious authority. The important decisions concerning the religious and social life of the Sikh community have been taken here.
Sri Akal Takht Sahib
Akal Takht Sahib literally means Eternal Throne. It is also part of the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar. It's foundation was laid by Guru Hargobind Sahib . The Akal Takht is situated opposite to Harmandir Sahib and are 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 Takht symbolizes the dispensing of justice and temporal activity. During the day the Guru Granth Sahib is kept in the Golden Temple, while at night it is kept in the Akal Takht Sahib. 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 Baisakhi and Diwali. Here the community used to have general meetings and approve resolutions. The Akal Takht is the oldest of the Five Takhts. Click here to see the video for Akal Takht.