FIVE TAKATS

The meaning of the word 'Takht' is a four-legged wooden seat or imperial throne; that is to say the royal seat of a monarch to issue imperial fiats. Quite a large number of such 'Takhts' came into their own in the world. Time has eroded them. The manner in which the word 'Takht' has been used in Gurmat conception is unique. The 'Takht' is not subject decay. Rather it is eternal . It is free from the limitations of time and place. Such a conception of the 'Takht' has been invested with empiricism by the Ten Gurus. This has become a proven fact that 'Takht' is not a totalization of the activities of the individual/individuals. Rather, it evidences impartiality, independence and sovereignty of the ways of the Guru Panth. Gurdwaras are a common heritage of one and all Sikhs. The 'Takhts' relate to Gursikhs only. All the 'Five Takhts' are a fountainhead of inspiration and a centre of enlightenment for the entire Khalsa Panth. Each 'Hukum' (commandment) is revered by a Gursikh. Bearing in mind the love and dedication of Gursikhs to the 'Takhts', the brief history regarding Takhts has been dedicated to them, this would mean that from a study of multi-coloured icons of the sacred 'Takhts' the reader may get a succinct historical information about them and feel inspired to visit them.