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[[File:Mural of Guru Hargobind seated atop the original Akal Bunga (later known as the Akal Takht), from Gurdwara Baba Atal.jpg|thumb]] [[File:Akal Takht after Operation Blue Star (1984).jpg|thumb]] [[File:Mural painting of Guru Hargobind from the 19th century.jpg|thumb]] [[File:Fresco of Guru Hargobind with Sikh musicians.jpg|thumb]] {{Infobox religious building
{{Infobox religious building
| name = Akal Takht
| name = Akal Takht
| native_name = ਅਕਾਲ ਤਖ਼ਤ
| image = [[File:AkalTakhtGoldenTempleComplex.jpg|thumb|Akal Takht in the Golden Temple Complex]]
| native_name_lang = pa
| location = [[Amritsar]], [[Punjab]], [[India]]
| image =  
| religious_affiliation = [[Sikhism]]
| alt =
| established = 1606
| caption =
| founder = [[Guru Hargobind]]
| location = Amritsar, Punjab, India
| coordinates =
| religious_affiliation = Sikhism
| leadership =
| architecture_type =
| architecture_style =
| year_completed = 1606
| creator = Guru Hargobind
}}
}}


The '''Akal Takht''' (Punjabi: ਅਕਾਲ ਤਖ਼ਤ), meaning "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 is the highest seat of earthly authority of the [[Khalsa]] (the collective body of all initiated Sikhs) and is the central altar for Sikh political assembly.
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==
==History==
The Akal Takht was established by the sixth Sikh Guru, [[Guru Hargobind]], in 1606. It was built as a place of justice and consideration of temporal issues, a place where the spiritual and temporal concerns of the Sikh community could be addressed. Guru Hargobind constructed the Akal Takht in front of the [[Harmandir Sahib]], symbolizing the dual concept of [[Miri and Piri]] (temporal and spiritual authority) in Sikhism.
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 Akal Takht has historically been the site where the [[Sikh Gurus]] and later the [[Sikh community]] would gather to deliberate on important issues. It has been a symbol of resistance against oppression and injustice, and it has played a crucial role in the political and social life of the Sikhs.
[[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]]


==Architecture==
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.
The original structure of the Akal Takht was a simple platform, but over the centuries, it has undergone several renovations and reconstructions. The current building is a five-story structure with a gilded dome, reflecting a blend of traditional Sikh and modern architectural styles. The Akal Takht is adorned with marble and gold, and its interior is richly decorated with frescoes and inlay work.


==Significance==
==Significance==
The Akal Takht holds immense significance in Sikhism as it represents the temporal authority of the Sikh community. It is the place where the [[Jathedar]] (head priest) of the Akal Takht issues [[hukamnamas]] (edicts) and provides guidance on religious and social matters. The Akal Takht is also the site where the [[Sikh Rehat Maryada]] (code of conduct) is upheld and interpreted.
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.


The Akal Takht has been a focal point for Sikh activism and has played a pivotal role in the community's response to political challenges. It is a symbol of the Sikh struggle for justice and equality, and it continues to be a place where Sikhs gather to discuss and resolve issues affecting the community.
==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 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.


==Contemporary Role==
[[File:Fresco_of_Guru_Hargobind_with_Sikh_musicians.jpg|thumb|Fresco of Guru Hargobind with Sikh musicians]]
In contemporary times, the Akal Takht remains a vital institution for Sikhs worldwide. It serves as a unifying force for the Sikh diaspora and provides a platform for addressing global issues facing the community. The Akal Takht continues to be a place of pilgrimage and reverence for Sikhs, attracting millions of visitors each year.


==Also see==
==Also see==
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* [[Guru Hargobind]]
* [[Guru Hargobind]]
* [[Miri and Piri]]
* [[Miri and Piri]]
* [[Sikhism]]
* [[Takhts in Sikhism]]
* [[Khalsa]]
* [[Khalsa]]
* [[Jathedar]]
* [[Sikh Rehat Maryada]]


{{Sikhism}}
{{Sikhism}}

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.

Mural of Guru Hargobind seated atop the original Akal Bunga

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.

Mural painting of Guru Hargobind from the 19th century

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.

Fresco of Guru Hargobind with Sikh musicians

Also see[edit]