Panj Takht — the Five Seats of Sikh Authority
The five gurdwaras recognised as seats of temporal Sikh authority, spread across northern and western India.
Significance & tradition
A Takht ('throne') is a seat of temporal — not purely spiritual — authority in Sikh tradition, distinct from a gurdwara's usual role: decisions made at the Akal Takht in particular carry the weight of a communal edict for the wider Sikh community.
History
Four of the five Takhts are directly linked to specific events in the lives of the Sikh Gurus. The Akal Takht itself was established by Guru Hargobind in the early 17th century, directly facing the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
How this list was compiled
An exhaustive list of the five recognised Takhts.
Akal Takht, Amritsar
Punjab
🗓️ Best: Jan–Mar, Oct–Dec
Takht Sri Patna Sahib
Bihar · not yet in Swamarg
Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, Anandpur Sahib
Punjab · not yet in Swamarg
Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo
Punjab · not yet in Swamarg
Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded
Maharashtra · not yet in Swamarg