Akal Takht: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 00:49, 10 December 2024

The Akal Takht (Punjabi: ਅਕਾਲ ਤਖ਼ਤ, "Throne of the Timeless One") is one of the five Takhts (seats of power) in Sikhism. It is located in the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) complex in Amritsar, Punjab, India. The Akal Takht was established by the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind, in 1606. It serves as the highest seat of earthly authority of the Khalsa and is the central altar for Sikh political assembly.

History[edit]

The Akal Takht was founded by Guru Hargobind as a symbol of political sovereignty and justice in the Sikh community. It was constructed in front of the Harmandir Sahib, the spiritual center of Sikhism, to represent the dual concept of Miri and Piri, the temporal and spiritual authority.

The original structure was a simple platform, known as the "Akal Bunga," where Guru Hargobind would sit and conduct court. Over time, the structure evolved into a more elaborate building, reflecting its growing importance in Sikh governance and religious life.

Significance[edit]

The Akal Takht is the primary site for the administration of the Sikh community's temporal affairs. It is the place where the Jathedar, the appointed leader of the Akal Takht, issues edicts and resolutions on matters of religious and social importance. The Akal Takht is also a symbol of resistance against oppression and injustice, as demonstrated throughout Sikh history.

Architecture[edit]

The Akal Takht has undergone several renovations and reconstructions over the centuries. The current structure is a five-story building with a gilded dome, reflecting a blend of traditional Sikh and Mughal architectural styles. The building houses the sacred texts and historical artifacts of the Sikh faith.

Role in Sikhism[edit]

The Akal Takht plays a crucial role in the governance of the Sikh community. It is the site where the Sarbat Khalsa, a representative assembly of Sikhs, is convened to discuss and decide on important issues. The Akal Takht also serves as a court of appeal for disputes within the Sikh community.

Also see[edit]

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-[[file:Akal_takhat_amritsar.jpg|thumb|left]] [[file:Mural_of_Guru_Hargobind_seated_atop_the_original_Akal_Bunga_(later_known_as_the_Akal_Takht),_from_Gurdwara_Baba_Atal.jpg|thumb|left]] [[file:Akal_Takht_after_Operation_Blue_Star_(1984).jpg|thumb|right]] [[file:Mural_painting_of_Guru_Hargobind_from_the_19th_century.jpg|thumb|right]] [[file:Fresco_of_Guru_Hargobind_with_Sikh_musicians.jpg|thumb|right]] '''Akal Takht''' (Punjabi: ਅਕਾਲ ਤਖ਼ਤ, "Throne of the Timeless One") is one of the five [[Takhts]] (seats of power) in [[Sikhism]]. It is located in the [[Harmandir Sahib]] (Golden Temple) complex in [[Amritsar]], [[Punjab, India]]. The Akal Takht was established by the sixth [[Sikh Guru]], [[Guru Hargobind]], in 1606. It serves as the highest seat of earthly authority of the [[Khalsa]] and is a place of justice and consideration of temporal issues.
+{{Infobox religious building
+| name = Akal Takht
+| image = [[File:AkalTakhtGoldenTempleComplex.jpg|thumb|Akal Takht in the Golden Temple Complex]]
+| location = [[Amritsar]], [[Punjab]], [[India]]
+| religious_affiliation = [[Sikhism]]
+| established = 1606
+| founder = [[Guru Hargobind]]
+}}
+The '''Akal Takht''' (Punjabi: ਅਕਾਲ ਤਖ਼ਤ, "Throne of the Timeless One") is one of the five [[Takhts]] (seats of power) in [[Sikhism]]. It is located in the [[Harmandir Sahib]] (Golden Temple) complex in [[Amritsar]], [[Punjab]], [[India]]. The Akal Takht was established by the sixth Sikh Guru, [[Guru Hargobind]], in 1606. It serves as the highest seat of earthly authority of the [[Khalsa]] and is the central altar for Sikh political assembly.
 ==History==
-The Akal Takht was founded by [[Guru Hargobind]] as a symbol of the sovereignty of the Sikhs. It was constructed to face the [[Harmandir Sahib]], signifying the dual concept of [[Miri and Piri]] (temporal and spiritual authority) in Sikhism. The Akal Takht has historically been the site where important decisions regarding the Sikh community are made, including the issuance of [[Hukamnamas]] (edicts).
+The Akal Takht was founded by [[Guru Hargobind]] as a symbol of political sovereignty and justice in the Sikh community. It was constructed in front of the [[Harmandir Sahib]], the spiritual center of Sikhism, to represent the dual concept of [[Miri and Piri]], the temporal and spiritual authority.
-==Architecture==
+[[File:Mural_of_Guru_Hargobind_seated_atop_the_original_Akal_Bunga_(later_known_as_the_Akal_Takht),_from_Gurdwara_Baba_Atal.jpg|thumb|Mural of Guru Hargobind seated atop the original Akal Bunga]]
-The original structure of the Akal Takht was a simple platform, but it has undergone several renovations and reconstructions over the centuries. The current building is a five-story structure with a gold-leafed dome, reflecting the architectural style of the [[Harmandir Sahib]].
+The original structure was a simple platform, known as the "Akal Bunga," where Guru Hargobind would sit and conduct court. Over time, the structure evolved into a more elaborate building, reflecting its growing importance in Sikh governance and religious life.
 ==Significance==
-The Akal Takht holds immense significance in Sikhism. It is the primary seat of the [[Jathedar]], the appointed head of the Takht, who is responsible for making decisions on behalf of the Sikh community. The Akal Takht also serves as a place where the [[Guru Granth Sahib]], the holy scripture of the Sikhs, is recited and where important religious and social issues are discussed.
+The Akal Takht is the primary site for the administration of the Sikh community's temporal affairs. It is the place where the [[Jathedar]], the appointed leader of the Akal Takht, issues edicts and resolutions on matters of religious and social importance. The Akal Takht is also a symbol of resistance against oppression and injustice, as demonstrated throughout Sikh history.
+[[File:Mural_painting_of_Guru_Hargobind_from_the_19th_century.jpg|thumb|Mural painting of Guru Hargobind from the 19th century]]
+==Architecture==
+The Akal Takht has undergone several renovations and reconstructions over the centuries. The current structure is a five-story building with a gilded dome, reflecting a blend of traditional Sikh and Mughal architectural styles. The building houses the sacred texts and historical artifacts of the Sikh faith.
-==Role in Sikh Governance==
+==Role in Sikhism==
-The Akal Takht plays a crucial role in the governance of the Sikh community. It is the site where the [[Sarbat Khalsa]], a biannual assembly of Sikhs, is held. During these gatherings, decisions regarding the community's welfare, religious practices, and political stance are made. The Akal Takht also issues [[Hukamnamas]] that guide the community on various matters.
+The Akal Takht plays a crucial role in the governance of the Sikh community. It is the site where the [[Sarbat Khalsa]], a representative assembly of Sikhs, is convened to discuss and decide on important issues. The Akal Takht also serves as a court of appeal for disputes within the Sikh community.
-==Modern Era==
+[[File:Fresco_of_Guru_Hargobind_with_Sikh_musicians.jpg|thumb|Fresco of Guru Hargobind with Sikh musicians]]
-In the modern era, the Akal Takht continues to be a central institution in Sikhism. It has been involved in various political and social movements, including the struggle for Sikh rights and the preservation of Sikh heritage. The Akal Takht remains a symbol of the Sikh community's resilience and commitment to their faith.
-==See Also==
+==Also see==
 * [[Harmandir Sahib]]
 * [[Guru Hargobind]]
+* [[Miri and Piri]]
+* [[Takhts in Sikhism]]
 * [[Khalsa]]
-* [[Miri and Piri]]
-* [[Jathedar]]
-* [[Sarbat Khalsa]]
-* [[Hukamnama]]
-==References==
+{{Sikhism}}
-{{Reflist}}
-==External Links==
-{{Commons category|Akal Takht}}
 [[Category:Sikhism]]
@@ Line 35: / Line 43: @@
 [[Category:Amritsar]]
 [[Category:1606 establishments in India]]
-{{Sikhism-stub}}