Panj Takht Yatra - Travelling To The Five Holy Shrines Of Sikhism

1. Panj Takht Yatra: Travelling To The Five Holy Shrines Of Sikhism Panj Takht Yatra is a great way to explore the five most important Gurgdwaras of Sikhism. These Five Takhts hold great importance and represent the vast history of this religion. There are five takhts in Sikh tradition among which three, namely Akal Takht Sahib (Amritsar) Takht Keshgarh Sahib (Anandpur Sahib) and Takht Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo) are located in Punjab whereas the other two i.e. Takht Patna Sahib and Takht Hazur Sahib are located in Bihar and Nanded (Maharashtra), respectively. Meaning of Takht Takht is a Persian word meaning imperial throne. The Sikh religious authorities (meaning Gurus) are considered to be seated there. In such Gurudwaras, the people make many important decisions concerning religious and social life. Now, before looking into the itinerary of the tour, the pilgrims must better know the place before visiting there. Thus, read the history of these five takhts and know their importance in the Sikh Religion. 1. Akal Takht Sahib (Amritsar) Akal Takht Sahib means the Eternal Throne, which is the first and most important Takht. Akal Takht was founded by the sixth Guru Shri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji in 1609. It is located opposite Harmandir Sahib (The Golden Temple) in Amritsar and is a part of the Golden Temple complex. Golden Temple symbolizes spiritual guidance, while Akal Takht Sahib represents justice and temporal activity. In earlier times, all Sikh warriors went here to seek blessings before going to the battlefield. Guru Ji wore two swords of Miri and Piri at Akal Takht Sahib and commanded the Sikhs to bring weapons & horses as offerings. He also asked them to be both saints and soldiers. The Akal Takht is one of the oldest of the Five Takhats. 2. Takht Patna Sahib (Bihar) Takht Patna Sahib is located in Patna, Bihar. It is known as the birthplace of the tenth guru of the Sikhs-Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. He was born in 1666 in Patna Sahib and spent some early years before going to Anandpur. In addition to being the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, Patna Sahib has also been honoured by the visits of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.

2. Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s belongings include a 'pangura' (cradle) with four stands covered with golden plates, four iron arrows, the sacred sword of the Master, and a pair of his sandals, which are still preserved in this shrine. The Gurudwara has also kept the ‘Hukamnamas’-the written orders of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. 3. Takht Keshgarh Sahib (Anandpur Sahib) Takht Shri Keshgarh Sahib is the place where the Khalsa Panth was founded by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. It is one of the five takhts or seats of the Sikh religion. In 1699, it was the eve of Baisakhi Day (13th April) when people were gathered at the Fort of Keshgarh Sahib to celebrate Baisakhi. When Guru Gobind Singh Ji along with his sword in his hand addressed the gathering and said that they are all dear to Him, He went ahead of devotees and asked people to volunteer. At that moment, Daya Ram (Bhai Daya Singh), the Khatri of Lahore, aroused and offered himself to the Guru. Guru Gobind Singh Ji came back with his sword dripping blood and demanded another head. At this time Dharam Das (Bhai Dharam Singh), a Chamar from Hastinapur presented himself to the Guru. Similarly, the other three i.e. Himmat Rai (Bhai Himmat Singh), Mohkam Chand (Bhai Mohkam Singh), and Sahib Chand (Bhai Sahib Singh) volunteered their heads to Guru. After that, when Guru Ji came out, the disciples wore saffron-coloured raiment topped over with neatly tied turbans of the same colour. Guru Gobind Singh Ji was similarly dressed up and He introduced His chosen Sikhs to the audience (the Sangat) as Panj Pyare, the five devoted spirits of the beloved of the Guru. He performed the ceremony of preparing the holy water (known as Khande Di Pahul), as He kept churning it with khanda, i.e. double-edged sword while reciting over the sacred verses. The Guru himself took the “Amrit” from the Panj Pyaras, removing the distinction between himself and followers. Guru Gobind Rai became Guru Gobind Singh on that day. This ceremony gave followers of Guru Ji a new identity- that is to prepare the Sikhs for their struggle against the Mughal State and influence the future of the country. 4. Takht Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo) Takht Shri Damdama Sahib is located in the village of Talwandi Sabo near Bathinda, Punjab. In 1705, Guru Gobind Singh stayed at this place for about a year. Here, He compiled the final edition of the Adi Granth, which the Sikhs now revere as Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji or the Damdama Sahib Bir.

3. He also added the hymns of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib at this place, the ninth Guru & father of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Damdama Sahib is also known as the Guru Ki Kashi. It was declared the fifth Takht on November 18, 1966. 5. Takht Hazur Sahib (Nanded, Maharashtra) Takhat Sachkhand Shri Hazoor Sahib is situated on the north bank of Godavari, in the southeastern part of Maharashtra. Here, at Nanded, Guru Gobind Singh Ji set up camp in 1708 after the flight of Emperor Bahadur Shah. He preached amongst the Sikhs that there need not be any Human Guru for them after Him and they should accept Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as their living Guru, feeling no difference between Him and Guru Granth Sahib Ji. There is a monument dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh Ji at the place where he left His body to merge with everywhere. The monument is called Angitha Sahib (Funeral Pyre). The Takht Sachkand Shri Hazoor Shri Abchal Nagar Sahib was constructed around the Angitha Sahib. 8-Nights & 9-days Travel Itinerary for the Customized Panj Takht Yatra is as follow: Day 1: Visiting Shri Akal Takht Sahib, Amritsar and other significant places in the city Day 2: Exploring several Gurudwaras of Goindwal Sahib and Tarn Taran Day 3: Amritsar- Takht Shri Damdama Sahib and visiting ● Gurudwara Manji Sahib ● Gurudwara Likhansar Sahib ● Gurudwara Jandsar Sahib ● Gurudwara Tibbi Sahib ● Gurudwara Shri Nanaksar ● Gurudwara Niwas Asthan Patshahi Dasvin ● Gurudwara Mata Sundari and Sahib Devan Day 4: Damdama Sahib to Takht Shri Keshgarh Sahib (Anand Pur Sahib) Day 5: Chandigarh to the glorious shrine Sri Harmandir Sahib Ji, Bihar (Shri Patna Sahib) Day 6: Patna - Hyderabad Day 7: Hyderabad - Hazur Sahib (320 Km/ 4-5 Hrs) via Bidar Day 8: Hazur Sahib and visiting the Nanded Gurdwaras ● Gurudwara Banda Ghat Sahib ● Gurudwara Shikar Ghat Sahib ● Gurudwara Nagina Ghat Sahib ● Gurudwara Sangat Sahib

4. ● Gurudwara Mal Tekdi Sahib ● Gurudwara Hira Ghat Sahib and Mata Sahib Devan Ji Day 9: Hazur Sahib – Hyderabad-Home Town The yatra can also be accomplished starting from Hyderabad. The travel itinerary of Hyderabad to Panj Takht Yatra takes almost 10 Nights and 11 Days. Final Words The history of these five holy shrines is extremely amazing and inspiring. One can book his/her tour package with the Best Tour and Travel Company in India and have customized travel itineraries and tours for a privileged, comfortable and memorable travel experience to admire the divine spirit of the pilgrimage covering these major shrines.