Akal Takht

Akal Takhat-(etarnal seat of power), originally known as Akal Bunga, is located directly opposite to the Golden Temple. Akal means ‘The Timeless One’ -God. Takhat means ‘the throne’ in Persian. Akal Takhat means the ‘Throne of the Immortal’. It is the highest institution of the Sikhs from where the spiritual and temporal concerns of the Sikh community are addressed upon. Among five Takhats of the Sikhs, Akal Takhat is the governing hub. This spiritual court was established by sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji on June 15, 1605. When he wore two swords-one indicating his spiritual (Piri) and other is temporal authority (Miri). It is the place from where Guru Ji used to pass religious orders and judgments regarding Sikhism and also listen to the public issues. It stood as a symbol of political rampart against the Mughal authority, Ahmed Shah Abdali and Massa Rangar in the 17th and 18th century attacked Akal Takhat and Harimandir Sahib many times and demolished the whole complex. But with strong and dedicated will, the Sikhs got it reconstructed every time. Inside of Akal Takhat Sahib, various Sashtras (Weapons) of Guru Sahib are on display, as pilgrims bow their heads before them and feel proud to be Sikh.