TAKHT, Persian word meaning a throne or royal seat, has, besides its common literal use, other connotations in the Sikh tradition. In Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh Scripture, phrases such as sachcha takht (true throne) and pura takht (perfect throne) have been used to signify God`s seat of divine justice. Guru Nanak in Var Malar KI alludes to the created universe as His sacha takht (GG, 907), but also qualifies that “His is the sacha or everlasting takht while all else comes and goes” (GG, 1279). God in Sikh metaphysics is described as Formless but to make Him intelligible to the lay man He is sometimes personified and referred to as sacha sah, sultan, patsah meaning the true king or sovereign.
As such his seat is appropriately referred to a sachcha takht sitting on which he dispenses sachcha niaon, true justice. Bhai Gurdas (d. 1636), poet and exegete, also describes sadh sangat, holy fellowship, as God`s takht (Varan, .XI. 5). Guru in Sikhism is believed to be one with God, and it became common among the Sikhs, at least by the time of Guru Arj an (1563-1606), to refer to the Gurus too as sachcha patshah and to their gaddior spiritual seat as takht. The bards Balvand, Nalya and Mathura, in their verses included in the Guru Granth Sahib, use takht in this sense. Guru Hargobind (1595-1644) in fact adopted a princely style.
He constructed a high platform opposite Harimandar, the Golden Temple of modern day, for his investiture as Guru, in 1606. It was named Akal Takht, the Throne of the Timeless One. Subsequently a building, Akal Bunga, was raised over it so that the Akal Takht continues to be its popular name. Here the Guru conducted the secular affairs of the community. Sitting on high takht he held his court, received offerings, heard the bards recite heroic poetry, and issued hukamnamahs or edicts to Sikhs and distant sangats. In the open space between the Harimandar and the Akal Takht were held tournaments of physical feats in the afternoons.
The Akal Takht became for the Sikhs the highest seat of temporal as well as spiritual authority. The Sikhs recognize four other holy places as takhts. They are connected with Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708)Takht Sri Harimandar Sahib, Patna, where he was born ; Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Anandpur, where he created the Khalsa; Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur 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 recognized as such in the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925, the one at Talvandi Sabo was officially declared a Takht by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee at its general meeting held on 18 November 1966.
Takhts are equally regarded as high seats of religious authority, but the Akal Takht at Amritsar enjoys a special status as the religious capital of the Sikhs. For example, meetings of the Sarbatt Khalsa or a general assembly representative of the entire panth, can be summoned only by the Jathedar of Akal Takht and it is only there that cases connected with serious religious offences committed by prominent Sikhs are heard and penalties imposed where necessary. Important hukamnamahs, edicts or proclamations on behalf of the Panth, issued by the Akal Takht have precedence over those issued by other Takhts.
According to conventions evolved over the centuries, the Takhts as a matter of policy have refrained from entering political controversies or administrative questions unless a question also touches matters of religious faith or doctrine. Although ever since the rise of the Akali movement religious and political morchas (agitations) were generally conducted from the Akal Takht, administration of religious places is vested in a statutory representative body, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee of which Jathedars of all the five Takhts are exofficio members, and political affairs of the panth are handled by the Shiromani Akali Dal.
References :
1. Teja Singh, Sikhkm; Its Ideals and Institutions. Bombay, 1937
2. Dilgeer, Harjinder Singh, The Akal Takht. Jalandhar, 1980
3. Sukhdial Singh, Akal Takht Sahib. Patiala, 1984
The term Takht in Sikhism, meaning “throne” or “seat of authority,” holds profound historical and spiritual significance. It represents the highest centers of Sikh governance, spirituality, and justice. Here’s an exploration of its history and importance:
1. Historical Origins
The concept of Takht was introduced by Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh Guru, in 1609. He established the Akal Takht Sahib (Throne of the Timeless God) in Amritsar, opposite the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple). This marked a pivotal moment in Sikh history, as Guru Hargobind combined spiritual authority (Piri) with temporal authority (Miri), symbolizing the balance between devotion to God and responsibility toward society.
Over time, four additional Takhts were established, each with its own unique historical and spiritual significance:
- Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib (Anandpur Sahib): The birthplace of the Khalsa, founded by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699.
- Takht Sri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo): Where Guru Gobind Singh compiled the final version of the Guru Granth Sahib.
- Takht Sri Patna Sahib (Patna): The birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh.
- Takht Sri Hazur Sahib (Nanded): The site where Guru Gobind Singh spent his final days and declared the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru.
2. Significance of Takhts
The Takhts serve as the highest seats of authority in Sikhism, embodying the principles of justice, equality, and devotion. Their significance includes:
- Spiritual and Temporal Leadership: The Takhts symbolize the unity of spiritual wisdom and temporal responsibility, as introduced by Guru Hargobind.
- Centers of Decision-Making: Important religious and social decisions are made at the Takhts, often through hukamnamas (edicts) issued by the jathedars (leaders).
- Preservation of Sikh Heritage: The Takhts are sacred sites that commemorate key events in Sikh history and uphold the teachings of the Gurus.
- Inspiration for Devotees: Pilgrims visit the Takhts to connect with their faith, seek guidance, and draw inspiration from the legacy of the Gurus.
3. Symbolism of the Takhts
The Takhts are not merely physical structures but represent the ideals of Sikhism:
- Akal Takht Sahib: Justice, courage, and the sovereignty of the Khalsa.
- Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib: The spirit of equality and the founding of the Khalsa.
- Takht Sri Damdama Sahib: The sanctity of the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru.
- Takht Sri Patna Sahib: The early life and teachings of Guru Gobind Singh.
- Takht Sri Hazur Sahib: The culmination of Guru Gobind Singh’s mission and the eternal guidance of the Guru Granth Sahib.
Conclusion
The Takhts in Sikhism are more than historical monuments; they are living symbols of the faith’s core values. They remind Sikhs of their spiritual and temporal responsibilities, inspire devotion, and serve as beacons of justice and unity. Through the Takhts, the legacy of the Sikh Gurus continues to guide and uplift the Sikh community worldwide.
