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SRI SAHIB

The Akal Takht Sahib is the first and the most important of the five Takhts or seats of religious power in . It is the highest site of authority that addresses the spiritual and temporal concerns of the Sikh community. Established in 1606, it served as a symbol of political resistance against the Mughals during the 17th and 18th centuries. The Akal Takht Sahib has also undergone various attacks in the course of history, including the controversial Indian military action named Operation Blue Star. Today, it serves as one of the most important religious sites and tourist attractions in . Located in the same complex as the famous , Sri Harmandir Sahib, this intricately designed white structure offers a splendid sight.

HISTORY

The original building of Sri Akal Takht Sahib ji, which was called Akal Bunga, was constructed in 1609 by Hargobind, the sixth Sikh Guru, at the same site where it stands today. Back then, it was a simple platform measuring 3.5 meters in height, where the guru would hold court and listen to the petitioners. As a mark of his spiritual and temporal authority, he put two swords on the platform. Later, a semi-circular structure with gilded interior and marble pillars was constructed.

During the 18th century, the Sri Akal Takht Sahib and the Golden Temple came under repeated attacks from Ahmed Shah Abdali, the famous Afghani emperor and Massa Rangar, a Mughal commander. Between 1770 and 1780, the structure was reconstructed using bricks. , one of the generals under Maharaja , adorned the dome of the Sri Akal Takht Sahib with gold.

During the infamous Operation Blue Star by the Indian Army in 1984, the Sri Akal Takht Sahib suffered extensive damage. It was rebuilt by the Government of India but the did not accept the new structure. Finally, they demolished it and rebuilt the Sri Akal Takht Sahib in its present form in 1995.

SRI AKAL TAKHT SAHIB, AMRITSAR: ARCHITECTURE The Sri Akal Takht Sahib is part of the cluster of religious buildings located in the Golden Temple or Sri Harmandir Sahib Complex. Standing right opposite the Golden Temple, which is the principal house of worship for the Sikhs, the present-day Sri Akal Takht Sahib features five stories. The white structure has a dome plated with gold. It is located in an open courtyard, just beyond the large gateway at the main entrance.

Constructed in the Sikh style of architecture, the edifice features marble inlays, gilded interiors, and exquisitely painted wall panels.

ABOUT DAILY MARYADA OF SRI AKAL TAKHT SAHIB The Sri ji, the religious scripture of Sikhism, is kept on its first floor. Every morning, the holy book is carried out of the building to the sanctum of the Sri Harmandir Sahib in an ornate palanquin. This ceremony is known as Prakash or the Opening Ritual. Every evening, in a ceremony called Sukhasan or the Closing Ritual, the book is taken back to the Sri Akal Takht Sahib and put into a bed. Devotees throng at the building every morning and evening to witness these ceremonies.

THINGS TO SEE A visit to the Sri Akal Takht Sahib can be an exciting experience in itself, thanks to its location in the Golden Temple complex that is home to several other attractions. Among the things to see in and around the structure are:

 A unique collection of weapons that once belonged to the Sikh and warriors. Every evening, these weapons are exhibited on a golden palanquin inside the building.  The famous Golden Temple or Sri Harmandir Sahib.  The Central Sikh Museum where you can see a rich collection of coins, paintings of Sikh saints, gurus and warriors, old manuscripts and ancient arms.  Ramgarhia Bunga (red stone watchtowers) where the royal seat is kept.  Dukh Bhanjani Beri Tree, an old jujube tree that bears religious significance.  A clock tower that dates back to the British era.  Sri , a community kitchen that provides free food all through the days for everyone visiting the complex.  Darshani Deori, the elaborate entrance gate leading to the Golden Temple.  Amrit Sarovar, the holy tank around the temple.  Gurdwara Thara Sahib, a small gurudwara located about 40 meters north of the Akal Takht.  Teja Singh Samundri Hall, the administrative building that houses the office of the temple management.  Gurudwara Baba Atal Sahib, another famous gurudwara located near the Golden Temple Complex.

LESSER-KNOWN FACTS ABOUT AKAL TAKHT

The word Akal means The Timeless One while Takhat/Takht is the Persian word for Throne – when put together, the words mean the Throne of the Timeless One.

The edifice was built slightly lower in height than the Golden Temple. It signifies the order of importance in Sikhism.

The height of the original Sri Akal Takht Sahib was raised to 12 feet in order to defy the Mughal Emperor Jahangir who had issued an order prohibiting anyone else from sitting on a raised platform more than 3 feet in height.

Five Takhts of the Sikh Panth, only three are in (Sri Akal Takht, Sri Keshgarh Sahib, and Sri Damdama Sahib). The other two – Sri Harmandir Sahib, Patna are in Bihar and Sri , Nanded are in Maharashtra, respectively.