Wikipedia

Panj Takht

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]

Panj Takht is located in India
Akal Takht Sahib
Akal Takht Sahib
Damdama Sahib
Damdama Sahib
Keshgarh Sahib
Keshgarh Sahib
Hazur Sahib Nanded
Hazur Sahib Nanded
Patna Sahib
Patna Sahib
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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 Takht

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Main article: Akal Takht
 
Akal Takht.

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]

Takht Keshgarh Sahib

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Main article: Takht Kesgarh Sahib
 
Takht Kesgarh Sahib

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 Damdama Sahib

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Main article: Takht Sri Damdama Sahib
 
Takht Sri Damdama Sahib

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 Patna Sahib

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Takht Sri Patna Sahib.
Main article: Takht Sri Patna Sahib

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]

Takht Hazur Sahib

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Hazur Sahib Nanded.
Main article: Hazur Sahib Nanded

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.

Others

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Contested

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Takht Budha Dal

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According to the Budha Dal organization of Nihangs, the Budha Dal is the fifth takht.[26]

Potential

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Gurudwara Janam Asthan

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Main article: Gurdwara Janam Asthan
 
Gurudwara Janam Asthan

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.

References

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  1. ^ "New Persian-English Dictionary". dsal.uchicago.edu. Chicago University. Archived from the original on 1 September 2023. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
  2. ^ a b Dogra, R. C.; Mansukhani, Gobind Singh (1995). Encyclopaedia of Sikh Religion and Culture. Vikas Publishing House. p. 356. ISBN 9780706983685.
  3. ^ a b c Chandra, Aditi; Chandra, Vinita (2019). The Nation and Its Margins: Rethinking Community. Cambridge Scholars Publishing. p. 80. ISBN 9781527544574.
  4. ^ a b Singh, Khushwant (2004-11-18), "Constitutional Reforms and the Sikhs", A History of the Sikhs, Oxford University Press, pp. 216–234, retrieved 2024-03-31216-234&rft.date=2004-11-18&rft.aulast=Singh&rft.aufirst=Khushwant&rft_id=http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195673098.003.0014&rfr_id=info:sid/en.wikipedia.org:Panj Takht" class="Z3988">
  5. ^ "A luxury train trip across Sikh takhts". December 13, 2010.
  6. ^ "Singla flags off Panj Takht Special Train for pilgrims at Dhuri". Hindustan Times. February 16, 2014.
  7. ^ "Now, Shatabdi to halt at Dhuri". Hindustan Times. February 9, 2014.
  8. ^ "Union railway ministry: Special train to connect all five Takhats, first run on February 16 | Chandigarh News - Times of India". The Times of India.
  9. ^ "IRCTC launches special train to cover all Pank Sikh Takhts". Hindustan Times. March 11, 2014.
  10. ^ "Train to cover Panj Takhts from Chandigarh next week". Hindustan Times. April 11, 2014.
  11. ^ "Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib | Discover Sikhism". www.discoversikhism.com. Retrieved 2024-03-31.
  12. ^ a b Shankar N & kaur, Vijay & Harminder (2010). Anandpur Sahib – A Miracle of The Human Spirit. Corporate Vision in collaboration with Lahore Book Shop, Delhi. p. 156. ISBN 81 89692-02-X.
  13. ^ "Sikh sacred places (article) | Sikhism". Khan Academy. Retrieved 2024-03-31.
  14. ^ "Takhat Sri Keshgarh Sahib, Sri Anandpur Sahib. – Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee". sgpc.net. Retrieved 2024-03-31.
  15. ^ Johar, Surinder Singh (1998). Holy Sikh Shrines. M.D. Publications Pvt. Ltd. p. 88. ISBN 9788175330733.
  16. ^ Singha, H. S. (2000). The Encyclopedia of Sikhism (over 1000 Entries). Hemkunt Press. p. 51. ISBN 9788170103011.
  17. ^ "Sikh Encyclopedia". Sikh Encyclopedia.
  18. ^ Mona Mehta. "The tenth Guru was born here". The Times of India.
  19. ^ "Five jathedars visit Patna, kick off '17 preparations | Patna News - Times of India". The Times of India.
  20. ^ "Takhat Saheb set for prakashotsav | Patna News - Times of India". The Times of India.
  21. ^ "PATNA - The Sikh Encyclopedia". 2000-12-19. Retrieved 2024-03-31.
  22. ^ "GURU NANAK'S HYMNS", The Sikh Religion, Cambridge University Press, pp. 261–379, 2013-03-28, retrieved 2024-04-03261-379&rft.date=2013-03-28&rft_id=http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/cbo9781139506540.024&rfr_id=info:sid/en.wikipedia.org:Panj Takht" class="Z3988">
  23. ^ "24.–27. September 2015 in Münster". djbZ. 18 (2): 90–99. 2015. doi:10.5771/1866-377x-2015-2-90. ISSN 1866-377X.90-99&rft.date=2015&rft_id=info:doi/10.5771/1866-377x-2015-2-90&rft.issn=1866-377X&rft_id=http://dx.doi.org/10.5771/1866-377x-2015-2-90&rfr_id=info:sid/en.wikipedia.org:Panj Takht" class="Z3988">
  24. ^ International Conference on Metropolitan Tourism (Shanghai, China, 17 – 18 November 2006) (contains papers in English and in Chinese). World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). 2008. ISBN 978-92-844-1273-0.
  25. ^ Singh, Gurharpal (2021-02-19). "Reconsidering Sikh architecture: The Sama̅dhi of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in Lahore". Sikh Formations. 17 (4): 519–529. doi:10.1080/17448727.2021.1886403. ISSN 1744-8727.519-529&rft.date=2021-02-19&rft_id=info:doi/10.1080/17448727.2021.1886403&rft.issn=1744-8727&rft.aulast=Singh&rft.aufirst=Gurharpal&rft_id=http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17448727.2021.1886403&rfr_id=info:sid/en.wikipedia.org:Panj Takht" class="Z3988">
  26. ^ "Homepage of Budha Dal official website". Budha Dal. Retrieved 30 June 2023. The Budha Dal were blessed with the duties of maintaining rule within the Khalsa Panth and preserve and protect the Gurdwaras and Ithihasik Asthaans throughout Punjab. The Budha Dal used to be the institute where the Vidhvaans who held a lineage which dated back to the Gurus rested. Also, war veterans and promising soldiers resided at the Budha Dal. The Budha Dal was traditionally respected and recognised as the Panjva Takhat, or 5th Takhat. This was due to the immense power the Budha Dal held. It was recognised to such an extent that the renowned and legendary Jathedar Akali Baba Phoola Singh Ji, the 6th Jathedar of the Budha Dal and the General of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's Army, ordered punishment for Maharaja Ranjit Singh for breaking a conduct of the Sikh Dharam.
  27. ^ "Explained: The role of the 5 Sikh takhts, and the debate over a proposal for a 6th". The Indian Express. 2018-12-06. Retrieved 2021-01-10.
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Official Website - HOLY TAKHATS

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