The Panj Takhts (Five Thrones) are the five most sacred seats of temporal and spiritual authority in Sikhism. Decisions affecting the entire Sikh Panth (community) are made from these seats.
The Five Takhts
- Akal Takht Sahib, Amritsar — the highest seat, established by Guru Hargobind Ji in 1606. Akal Takht means "Throne of the Timeless One."
- Takht Patna Sahib, Bihar — birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh Ji
- Takht Hazur Sahib, Nanded, Maharashtra — where Guru Gobind Singh Ji passed away in 1708
- Takht Keshgarh Sahib, Anandpur Sahib — where the Khalsa was created in 1699
- Takht Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo — where Guru Gobind Singh Ji completed the final recension of SGGS
Significance The Akal Takht is the supreme religious authority in Sikhism. The Jathedar (head) of Akal Takht can summon any Sikh to appear before it and issue hukamnamas (edicts) to the Sikh community worldwide.