The role of the 5 Sikh takhts, and the debate over a proposal for a 6th

The role of the 5 Sikh takhts, and the debate over a proposal for a 6th

News:

A proposal for a sixth Sikh takht at Guru Nanak Dev’s birth place in Nankana Sahib in Pakistan has sparked a debate in the Sikh community.

Facts:

• Takht is a Persian word that means imperial throne.
• At present Sikhs recognise five places as takhts. Three are in Punjab —Akal Takht (Amritsar); Takht Keshgarh Sahib (Anandpur Sahib); Takht Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo) — and the other two are Takht Patna Sahib (Bihar) and Takht Hazur Sahib (Nanded, Maharashtra).
• Akal Takht (Throne of the Timeless One) is the oldest of the takhts, and considered supreme among the five because it was created by a Sikh guru himself
• Damdama Sahib was the last and the most recent one to be recognised as a takht

What is the role of takhts?

• Takhts are known to issue hukumnamas or Sikh doctrine and code of conduct on issues that concern the community.
• Any edict or order concerning the entire community is issued only from Akal Takht
• Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) appoints the jathedars (Leader of Jatha/Clergy/Takht) for these.

Why there is controversy over 6th Takht

• The location of the new Takht is proposed in Pakistan and raises questions about its independence, as Gurdwara across the border are not controlled by the community as is the practice in India, but by a department of the government called Evacuee Trust Board.

Additional Facts:

• About Guru Hargobind
  • Hargobind was the sixth Sikh Guru.
  • Introduced martial arts and weapons training and created a standing military force for the defense of the masses following his father’s martyrdom.
  • Built the Akal Takht in 1608 – which is now one of five Takhats (Seats of Power) of the Sikh Religion.
  • First Guru to engage in warfare winning 4 defensive battles against Mughal forces.