Akal Takht In Amritsar, Punjab

History of Akal Takht Sahib

Its construction was started in 1606 by Shri Guru Hargobind. He was the 6th Sikh Guru who laid down this foundation with a view to create a central place for justice and consideration of temporal issues. When the construction was completed, Guru Sahib put forth 2 swords of miri (indicating temporal authority) and piri (indicating spiritual authority).

The original structure of Akal Takht Sahib was a simple platform for the Guru to sit. Later, an open-air semi circular structure supported by marble pillars was also added to the original structure. The modern structure features a 5-storey building including a marble dome plated with gold. The Akal Takht in 1984 was attacked by the Indian Army during operation Blue Star but later it was restored by the Sikhs.

Akal Takht Amritsar is still headed by an appointed head known as the Jathedar. Each Akal Takht has an appointed Jathedar. Currently, Singh Sahib Giani Gurbachan Singh is the Akal Takht jathedar. The jathedars of different takhts are appointed by the SGPC (Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee).

Being a religiously, and historically important place, Akal Takht is a must visit place for people who are visiting Amritsar. A visit to the Akal Takht lets a person peep into the illustrious Sikh history, and also reveals the significance of this sacred place.