Akal
Takht is the highest temporal seat of Sikh community means the throne
of the immortal. The Jathedar of Akal Takht is the highest spokesperson
of Sikh panth and is meant to be spiritual leader without any control or
influence from outside or politically motivated sources. The present
Jathedar of Akal Takht is Gyani Gurbachan Singh.
Akal Takht was established as a place where both the temporal and spiritual concerns of Sikhs could be acted upon.
History of Akal Takht:
It
was founded by sixth Sikh guru, Guru Hargobind Rai on June 15, 1606
(now celebrated on July 2) and was established on the principle of Miri
and Piri, where Miri signifies temporal authority and Piri, spiritual
authority. Guru Hargobind himself wore two swords of Miri and Piri.
Situated
in the Darbar Sahib complex, opposite to Darshani Dheori, Akal Takht
stood as a symbol of political bulwark against the Mughal rulers during
the 17th and 18th century. There had been various attacks on Akal Takht
and Harmandir Sahib in the 18th century led by Ahmed Shah Abdali and
Massa Rangar.
However, the day of June 4, 1984 is
remembered as the most unfortunate days in the history of Sikhs when
Indian Army attempting to take out Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and
his supporters in the cause of Khalistan not just destroyed the sanctity
of Takht but also reduced it to rubble during Operation Bluestar.
Two
years after installation of Adi Ganth in Harmandir Sahib, fifth Sikh
guru, Guru Arjan Dev was brutally tortured to death by Mughal emperor
Jahangir. His martyrdom transformed Sikh character from purely spiritual
to the martial aspect as well for protection of the masses.
Anticipating his death, Guru Arjan Dev had asked his son Hargobind to
“sit fully armed on his throne and maintain an army.”
At
the tender age of eleven, Guru Hargobind at the ceremony of ascension,
wore a sword-belt with two swords of Miri and Piri and made it clear
that Sikhs were going to be an armed community which will protect the
interests of not only the Sikhs but underprivileged and down trodden as
well.
On Monday, fifth day of Har, Samvat 1663,
Guru Hargobind laid foundation of Akal Takht. The original structure of
Akal Takht, built by Guru Hargobind and Baba Buddha, remarked that seat
of guru will serve Sikh panth for eternity.
The
platform of Takht was raised to twelve feet, in defiance to the edict of
Jahangir that no other person except emperor himself could sit on a
raised platform of more than three feet. Guru would regularly sit on the
platform, with all marks of royalty and dispensed justice for all Sikh
disputes.
It is worth mentioning that Akal Takht
was built a fraction lower than Harmandir Sahib, signifying that
sptiuality was always prime in Sikhism.
Significance of Akal Takht
All
the hukamnamas related to Sikh community regarding any guidance or
clarification are issued from Akal Takht. Any person found violating
religious discipline or with activity prejudicial to Sikh interests or
solidarity is declared ‘tankhaiya’ by Akal Takht and has to complete
penance charges as decided by the Sikh clergy.
Source:
Punjab Newsline Network : LINK
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