Takht or Taḵẖata, which literally means a throne or seat of authority, are the spiritual & temporal centre of Sikhism. There are five Takhts and these Takhts are five gurudwaras which have a very special significance for the Sikh community. The first and the most important one was established by Guru Hargobind in 1609. It is called 'Akal Takht' and is situated just opposite the gate of Harmandir Sahib – The Golden Temple, 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. Here the Guru held his court and decided matters of military strategy andpolitical policy. Later on, the Sikh Nation 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 were awarded to persons who rendered distinguished services of the community of men in general. From December 2010, The Deccan Odyssey train, taken on charter from Government of Maharashtra started with aim to have a journey across four Sikh takhts, with a flight by devout and sightseers to the fifth takht. A special train named Panj Takht Special train for the pilgrimage of five Sikh takhts, was flagged off on 16 February 2014.
Akal Takht Sahib
Akal Takhat Sahib means Eternal Throne. It is also part of the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar. Its foundation was laid by Guru Hargobind Ji, the sixth Sikh Guru. 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.
Takht Sri Damdama Sahib is situated in the village of Talwandi Sabo near Bathinda. 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.
Takht Sri Patna Sahib is situated in Patna city which is also the capital of Bihar state. Guru Gobind Singh Ji was born here in 1666 and He spent his early childhood here before moving to Anandpur Sahib. Besides being the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Patna was also visited by Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji and Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji at different points of time. Here also stayed Guru Gobind Singh Ji's mother who is Mata Gujri Ji. In the house of salis rai jaohri.
Takht Sri Hazur Sahib
is one of the historical places in Marathwada region of Maharashtra State. It is situated on the north bank of Godavari River, in the southeastern part of Maharashtra, bordering Telangana. It is famous for Sikh Gurudwaras and is a town of great antiquity. In 1708, Guru Gobind Singh came to Nanded, His permanent abode. It was He who preached amongst the Sikhs that there need not be any Human Guru for them after Him and they should take Guru Granth Sahib as their living Guru and there will be no difference between Him and the Guru Granth Sahib. A monument has been constructed at the place where Guru Gobind Singh left his body to merge with the omnipresent, known as the Angitha Sahib. The Takht has been constructed around the Angitha Sahib, and is collectively known as Thakt Sachkand Sri Hazoor Sri Abchal Nagar Sahib.
