Takhts

Takhts are the highest seats of authority in Sikhism, with the term takht meaning throne or seat. In Sikh tradition, takhts represent the central centers from which spiritual and temporal leadership under the Khalsa is exercised, preserved, and adjudicated. The Panj Takht, or five takhts, are the most important of these seats and are regarded as the supreme centers of Sikh authority. Each takht is closely associated with a city and with notable events in Sikh history.

The Panj Takht are:

- Akal Takht Sahib, Amritsar: the central throne within the Golden Temple complex, established by Guru Hargobind in 1606 as the highest temporal authority for Sikhs.

- Takht Keshgarh Sahib, Anandpur Sahib: linked to Guru Gobind Singh’s founding of the Khalsa in 1699.

- Takht Damd Sahib, Talwandi Sabo: associated with Guru Gobind Singh’s reassembly of the Sikh scripture, Guru Granth Sahib, in 1705.

- Takht Hazur Sahib, Nanded: commemorates Guru Gobind Singh’s last years and the granting of his final hukm.

- Takht Patna Sahib, Patna: birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, recognized as a Takht in the modern institutional framework.

In addition to the Panj Takht, other major gurdwaras are sometimes referred to as takhts, but the Panj Takht are regarded as the canonical five seats of Sikh authority. The Takhts play a ceremonial and judicial role in matters of doctrine, discipline, and community governance within Sikhism.