Five Takhts of Sikhism

In Sikhism, the Five Takhts (literally meaning “thrones of authority”) represent the supreme seats of temporal and spiritual power. Each Takht serves as a centre of Sikh governance, decision-making, and religious guidance. Established at different periods in Sikh history, these institutions embody the principles of justice, unity, and spiritual sovereignty envisioned by the Sikh Gurus. They collectively form the highest authority in Sikhism, guiding the community on matters of faith, tradition, and ethics.

Concept and Significance of the Takhts

The word “Takht” originates from Persian, meaning “throne” or “seat”. In the Sikh context, a Takht symbolises both spiritual leadership (Miri) and temporal authority (Piri)—a dual concept introduced by Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh Guru, to signify the integration of religious devotion and worldly responsibility.
The Five Takhts are not merely physical locations but also institutions of moral and religious decision-making. They have the authority to issue Hukamnamas (edicts), interpret Sikh doctrine, and resolve disputes within the community.
Each Takht is associated with major historical events in Sikh history and continues to serve as a centre of pilgrimage and spiritual inspiration.

1. Akal Takht Sahib (Amritsar, Punjab)

Established by: Guru Hargobind in 1606 CELocation: Within the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) complex, Amritsar
The Akal Takht Sahib is the first and highest seat of authority among the five Takhts. It was founded by Guru Hargobind opposite the Harmandir Sahib to represent the temporal power (Miri) of the Sikh community, complementing the spiritual power (Piri) symbolised by the Golden Temple.
Guru Hargobind built the Akal Takht as a platform from which he addressed the Sikhs on matters of social, political, and religious importance. The term “Akal Takht” means “Throne of the Timeless One (Akal Purakh).”
Historically, it became the seat of the Sarbat Khalsa, the general assembly of the Sikhs, which deliberated on collective decisions and issued Gurmatas (resolutions). The Akal Takht continues to serve as the central authority for all religious edicts (Hukamnamas) within Sikhism.

2. Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib (Anandpur Sahib, Punjab)

Established by: Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 CELocation: Anandpur Sahib, District Rupnagar (Ropar), Punjab
Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib marks the birthplace of the Khalsa Panth, the collective body of initiated Sikhs. On Baisakhi Day (13 April 1699), Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa here by initiating the first five Sikhs—the Panj Pyare—through the ceremony of Amrit Sanchar (baptism).
The sacred site houses relics associated with Guru Gobind Singh, including his weapons, such as a double-edged sword (Khanda), which was used during the creation of the Khalsa.
Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib symbolises the Sikh ideals of courage, equality, and self-sacrifice. It stands as a reminder of Guru Gobind Singh’s call for Sikhs to uphold righteousness and defend justice.

3. Takht Sri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo, Punjab)

Established by: Guru Gobind Singh in 1705 CELocation: Talwandi Sabo, District Bathinda, Punjab
Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, also known as the “Seat of Meditation”, was established by Guru Gobind Singh after his battles with the Mughal forces. He halted here for several months to rest, teach, and engage in literary work.
At this site, Guru Gobind Singh compiled the final and authoritative version of the Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred scripture of Sikhism, in 1705. He added the hymns of Guru Tegh Bahadur, his father and the ninth Guru, to the earlier text compiled by Guru Arjan Dev.
Because of its deep scholarly and spiritual association, Damdama Sahib is revered as the centre of Sikh learning. It is often referred to as Guru ki Kashi (the Guru’s Varanasi), reflecting its role as a seat of education and scripture study.

4. Takht Sri Patna Sahib (Patna, Bihar)

Established by: Later Sikh rulers; commemorates the birthplace of Guru Gobind SinghLocation: Patna City, Bihar
Takht Sri Patna Sahib, also known as Harmandir Sahib, Patna, marks the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, who was born here in 1666 CE.
During his childhood, Guru Gobind Singh spent his early years in Patna before moving to Anandpur Sahib. The shrine was later developed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the nineteenth century.
The Takht preserves several personal belongings (relics) of Guru Gobind Singh, including his weapons, cradle, and handwritten manuscripts. It symbolises the universality of Sikhism, showing how the faith spread beyond Punjab into eastern India.

5. Takht Sri Hazur Sahib (Nanded, Maharashtra)

Established by: Built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the early 19th centuryLocation: Nanded, Maharashtra
Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, also called Abchalnagar Sahib, marks the place where Guru Gobind Singh Ji attained Joti Jot (merged with the Divine Light) in 1708 CE.
It was here that Guru Gobind Singh appointed the Guru Granth Sahib as his eternal successor, declaring that henceforth no human Guru would lead the Sikhs. This declaration made the scripture the final and everlasting spiritual guide of the Sikh community.
The shrine, constructed under Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s patronage, preserves several sacred relics, including Guru Gobind Singh’s weapons and the Kalgidhar’s attire. The daily rituals here still follow ancient traditions, with ceremonial recitations and historical reenactments.

Collective Importance of the Five Takhts

Together, the Five Takhts form the institutional framework of Sikh authority and unity. They perform complementary roles in guiding the Sikh Panth (community) in both spiritual and temporal affairs.
Their collective functions include:

• Issuing Hukamnamas: Edicts or directives to the Sikh community on religious, social, or political matters.
• Preserving Sikh Doctrine: Ensuring adherence to the teachings of the Gurus as enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib.
• Promoting Unity: Acting as moral and administrative centres that unite Sikhs across regions.
• Maintaining Historical Memory: Preserving sacred relics, manuscripts, and architectural monuments central to Sikh heritage.