Sri Takhat Sahib, prominently referred to as the "Sri Akal Takhat" (the Eternal Throne), is a well-known Sikh Gurudwara which is located in the city of Amritsar, Punjab, India. It was built by the sixth Sikh guru, Shri Guru Hargobind Sahib, in the 17th Century. The Sri Takhat Sahib stands firm as a witness to the sovereignty idea of Sikh community and this is actually the core base of building this Gurudwara Sahib since it symbolizes the intertwining of the temporal temperament of Sikhism with the spiritualism.

'Takhat' exactly means a Seat or a Throne of power and authority. There are total 5 Takhats, 3 are in Punjab while 2 are situated outside Punjab. These 5 Takhats are result of prominent historical intensification of Sikhism. Sri Takhat Sahib is the supreme one of all the Five Takhats of Sikhism and other four are Patna Sahib, Hazur Sahib, Keshgarh Sahib and Damdama Sahib.

Sri Takhat Sahib is considered highly holy by Sikh community. It was built by Shri Guru Hargobind Sahib with a simple intention to construct a place of worship for men & women of all religions to come and worship God equally. More than thousands of people visit the holy shrine daily for worship.

History

Sri Takhat Sahib was built by Shri Guru Hargobind Sahib, the sixth Guru of Sikh religion. There is a legend that the ground over which Sri Takhat Sahib is present was actually the ground where Shri Guru Hargobind Sahib used to play as a child. This Gurudwara Sahib represents the political dominion and sovereignty of Sikhism. It stood firm as a pictogram of military & political resistance of Sikhism against the cruelty and tyranny of the 17th as well as 18thcentury monarchs in India. This Gurudwara was initially established as a central area from which the temporal & spiritual concerns of Sikh community could be safely and strongly acted upon. Actually, during 17th & 18th century Punjab faced attacks from Mughal emperors like Ahmed Shah Abdali and many more. During these series of attacks by Mughal emperors, Sri Takhat Sahib stood firmly as an icon of Sikh political bulwark.

Construction of Sri Takhat Sahib

Originally Sri Takhat Sahib was constructed by the orders of Shri Guru Hargobind Sahib. Then later on Hari Singh Nalwa, a reputed General under the ruler-ship of great Maharaja Ranjit Singh, donated a part of his wealth to make Sri Takhat Sahib magnificent with pure gold.

On 4th of June, 1984, Sri Takhat Sahib was badly smashed and damaged by Indian Army under the Operation Blue-Star. But later on Indian Army constructed it which was unaccepted by the Sikh community so they demolished it again and did the re-construction of their own with which people get the present day Sri Takhat Sahib.

Architecture

The Sri Takhat Sahib is basically a 5 storey building with a gold-leafed dome and inlaid marble. The top three storeys were built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The Akal Takhat is kept at lower level for devotees to seek blessings. The ceilings of the building are glided with ornaments quite same as of Golden temple.

Visitor Information

In observance with the rules observed at all the Sikh Gurudwaras universally, the Sri Takhat Sahib is open for all the populace irrespective of their color, religion, belief, or sex. There are only a few restrictions on the Sri Takhat Sahib's visitors concerning their behavior that need to be obeyed when entering and while visiting the Gurudwara:

• Preserving the purity of the Gurudwara Sahib along with one's body while in it:
• Upon entering the premises, one should remove the shoes and then wash them off in the small pool of water at the entrance;
• Not drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes or eating meat, or other drugs while in the holy place
• Dressing suitably:
• Wearing a head covering which is a sign of respect (the Gurudwara authority provides head coverings (scarves) for visitors who have not brought a suitable covering);
• Not wearing shoes (see above).
• How to act:
• One must sit peacefully on the ground while in the Gurudwara Sahib as a sign of deference & respect to both the Guru Granth Sahib and Divinity.

First-time visitors to Gurudwara Sahib are advised to start their visit at the Gurudwara’s information office and then proceed to the shrine.

Festivals

There are many festivals celebrated with full passion and devotion in Sri Takhat Sahib which includes Baisakhi, Diwali, Bandi Chhor Divas, the birthday of Guru Nanak, the martyrdom day of Guru Teg Bahadur and birthdays of other Sikh Gurus. During such holy days, continuous ‘Langar’ (free food) is arranged which goes for 24 hours for all the visitors and devotees irrespective of religion and class. Sikh people make a visit to Sri Takhat Sahib at least once in their life to seek holy blessings.