Panj Takht: The Five Holy Shrines of Sikhism

Akal Takht (Throne of the Immortal) is the highest political institution of the Sikhs, founded by the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind in 1606. Located in the famous Golden Temple complex of Amritsar, the Akal Takht is one of the five Takhts of the Sikhs. These Takhts are seats of power and authority among the Sikh community, and the place of the Jathedar, the highest spokesmen among them. The Akal Takht is meant to be a symbol of political sovereignty and justice, where the spiritual and earthly concerns of the Sikh people could be addressed and examined.

Takhat Sri Kesgarh Sahib Ji is a famous Gurudwara is located right in the heart of Anandpur Sahib and is among the most revered Sikh institutions in the country. It is one of the five supreme seats of authority (Takhts). Its foundation was laid in 1689, and the Khalsa Panth was born here. The initiation of Khande di Pahul by Guru Gobind Singh Ji happened here on the holy day of Baisakhi in 1699. This sacred shrine holds great importance among locals.

Located in Bathinda, Punjab, Takht Sri Damdama Sahib is one of the 5 takhts in Sikhism. Takhts, also called Seats of Temporal Authority are religious places which hold significant importance in Sikh religion. The one in discussion is where the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, assembled and instituted the Holy Book of Sikhs, Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The book is the only thing which the Sikhs worship. Not a person, picture or any statue, just Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the Holy Book which is the compilation of the hymns, teaching and preaching of the Sikh Gurus and some other people.

This Gurudwara was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in remembrance of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Patna being his birthplace. He was the 10th and the last Guru of Sikhs. Many scriptures of the Sikhs can be viewed here. It is also among one of the 5 takhtas or holy seats of authority of the Sikhs.

Hazur Sahib is a sacred monument that houses one of the five takhts or thrones of temporal authority. Also famous as Abchalnagar and Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib, Hazur Sahib is a renowned location for Sikh Pilgrimage. This is where Guru Gobind Singh breathed his last in 1708. The temple or the Gurudwara was built around the location where Guru Gobind Singh was cremated. The stunning architecture of the Gurudwara is quite a treat to the eyes and so is the complex that extends around it on the banks of River Godavari in Nanded, Maharashtra.