Do you wonder why the Panj Takht Tour is of high religious importance in the Sikh religion? It is a tour that allows you to explore 5 different pilgrimage sites of Sikhism in 8 nights/9 days or 10 nights/11 days. The Panj Takht (literally ‘Five Thrones’) is a term used in Sikhism to refer to the five gurudwaras which are considered of utmost importance to the faith. These sites are Sri Hazur Sahib (Nanded, Maharashtra), Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib (Anandpur Sahib, Punjab), Takht Sri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo, Punjab), Takht Sri Patna Sahib (Patna, Bihar) and Sri Akal Takht Sahib (Amritsar, Punjab). 

The tour is open to all Sikhs, and non-Sikhs are also welcome. Each of the Takhts represents a different historical era in Sikhism and has its unique importance and responsibilities. If you are planning for a 5 Takht tour, here are a few things that you should know before visiting the sites.

History of Panj Takht

  • Akal Takht

Akal Takht, which means ‘Throne of the Immortal’ is the highest seat of authority of the Sikhs, who consider it their ultimate temporal and religious authority. It is located in Amritsar, the holiest city of Sikhism. The word ‘Akal’ means ‘eternal’ and ‘Takht’ means ‘throne’. 

The origins of the Akal Takht can be traced back to 1577 when the fifth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, had a bunga or pavilion constructed on the Harmandir Sahib premises. It was here that He collected the holy scriptures and installed them in the new building. The first advertised meeting of Sikhs at Akal Takht took place on 20 September 1606, when Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, the sixth guru, sat on it for the first time.

The Akal Takht is situated in front of Darshani Deorhi inside the Golden Temple Complex in Amritsar.

How to Reach Akal Takht, Amritsar?

By Air: You can easily book a flight to Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport of Amritsar, located around 11 KM away from the city centre.

By Train: Amritsar Railway Station connects the city to almost all major Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Agra, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Chandigarh.

By Road: Travelling to Akal Takht Sahib by road is a very convenient way as you can take a rickshaw, taxis, buses, auto-rickshaw or hire a private driver.

Best Time to Visit: You can visit Golden Temple and Akal Takht Sahib at any time and month of the year but visiting there in the winter season from October to January is the best time.

Other Places to Visit in Amritsar

Besides visiting Akal Takht Sahib in Amritsar, there are several other places that you can consider visiting, such as:

  • Golden Temple
  • Jallianawala Bagh
  • Wagah Border
  • Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum
  • Harike Wetland
  • Partition Museum

  • Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib

The Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib is a famous gurudwara located in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab (India). It was founded by the tenth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, in 1699. The gurudwara complex consists of the main Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), a large tank, and numerous other buildings. The Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib is an important place of pilgrimage for Sikhs as it is the place where the Khalsa Panth, or Army of the Pure, was created. Thousands of pilgrims visit the temple each year to pay their respects and take part in religious ceremonies.

How to Reach Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib?

By Air: The nearest airport is at Chandigarh at a distance of approximately 100 KMs.

By Train: Nearest Railway Station is at Sri Anandpur Sahib.

By Road: Sri Anandpur Sahib is 60 KMs from district headquarters and 102 KMs from Chandigarh. So, you can easily travel by road either in your vehicle or in a Private Cab.

Best Time to Visit: August to September is the perfect time to visit Kesgarh Sahib and in the summers March to May is the right time. 

Other Places to Visit in Anandpur Sahib

  • Virasat-E-Khalsa Anandpur Sahib
  • Sarovar Anandpur Sahib
  • Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sikh Museum
  • Jhajjar Bachauli Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Naina Devi Temple

  • Takht Sri Damdama Sahib

Takht Sri Damdama Sahib is a historic Sikh pilgrimage site and one of the Five Takhts of the Sikhs. It is located in the state of Punjab in India. The site is associated with the 10th Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who is said to have stopped here on His way from Anandpur Sahib to Delhi. 

Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, located in the Bathinda district of Punjab, is one of the five thrones or seats of temporal authority of Sikhism. It was given to Guru Gobind Singh by the Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar II after the 10th guru had been forced into exile from Anandpur Sahib. Damdama Sahib has immense religious and historical significance for Sikhs, as it is here that the tenth Guru compiled and edited the final Granth. 

How to Reach Takht Sri Damdama Sahib?

By Air: Visit the nearest airport i.e. Bathinda Airport located at a distance of approx. 55 KM

By Train: You can travel by train as well at Bathinda Junction (at a distance of 30 KM approx.)

By Road: Takht Sri Damdama Sahib can be visited during Panj Takht Tour by road.

Best Time to Visit: In summer, you can consider visiting Damdama Sahib in March-May. However, October to February is still an ideal and most preferred time.

Other Places to Visit in Bathinda

  • Qila Mubarak
  • Rose Garden, Bathinda
  • Zoological Garden 
  • Chetak Park
  • Mazar of Peer Haji Rattan

  • Takht Sri Patna Sahib

Takht Sri Patna Sahib often is one of the significant Takhts of Sikhism. It was established by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru. The present-day gurdwara was built in the late 17th century by Maharaja Jagatjit Singh. It is one of the holiest places for Sikhs and is located in the holy city of Patna, in the Indian state of Bihar. The Takht is home to many relics and artefacts associated with the Sikh religion, including a copy of the Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhs.  

How to Reach Takht Sri Patna Sahib?

By Air: The nearest airport to Patna Sahib is Patna (PAT)

By Train: Patna Junction is the convenient stop to travel to Patna by train

By Road: Bus, taxis, and private cabs can be booked to reach the destination 

Best Time to Visit: The winter season from October to March is the most comfortable time to visit Patna Sahib. 

Other Places to Visit in Patna

  • Gandhi Ghat
  • Srikrishna Science Centre
  • Revolving Restaurant
  • Golghar
  • Bihar Museum

  • Takht Sri Hazur Sahib

Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, also spelt as Takht Sri Hazoor Sahib and Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib, is one of the five takhts in Sikhism. It is located in the town of Nanded, in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra, India. The gurudwara at Takht Sri Hazur Sahib is the place where the tenth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, left His mortal remains. The present building was constructed in 1790 by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and houses the tomb of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

How to Reach Takht Sri Hazur Sahib?

By Air: Book a flight at Guru Gobind Singh airport for air travel.

By Train: Sachkhand Express is the only train going towards Nanded if you are travelling from Delhi.

By Road: Visit the main bus station from Hyderabad and catch the bus to Bidar.

Best Time to Visit: June to February is the best time to visit and explore this historic city.

Other Places to Visit Near Hazur Sahib

  • Grineshwar Temple
  • Bibi Ka Maqbara
  • The Ajanta Caves
  • Ellora Caves
  • Daulatabad Fort
  • Aurangabad Caves
  • Nanded Fort

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How many takhts thrones are there in the Sikh religion?

A: Sikhism has five takhts of great significance. These are:

  • Sri Akal Takht Sahib
  • Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib
  • Takht Sri Damdama Sahib
  • Takht Sri Patna Sahib
  • Takht Sri Hazur Sahib (or Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib)

Q: Who stayed at Akal Takht?

A: Sri Akal Takhat was founded by the sixth Guru, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji in the Golden Temple complex, Amritsar. He used to play at the site in His childhood and He sat in court to receive petitions and administer justice.

Q: What happened at Akal Takht?

A: The Akal Takht was damaged on 4 June 1984, when the Indian Army stormed Harmandir Sahib under then Prime minister of India-Indira Gandhi during Operation Blue Star.

Q: Why is Akal Takht important?

A: Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Amritsar is referred to as the highest site of authority that addresses the spiritual and temporal concerns of the Sikh community. Hence, it is said to be the most significant Takht among 5 takhts.

Q: Where are the 5 takhts located?

A: The three (i.e. Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Takht Sri Damdama Sahib) of the five takhts are located in Punjab whereas the other two (namely Takht Sri Patna Sahib, Takht Sri Hazur Sahib) are established in Bihar and Maharashtra.

Q: Who established 5 Takht?

A: The first and foremost Takht in Sikhism i.e. Akal Takht Sahib was established by Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji (the 6th Sikh Guru). 

Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib was founded by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji-the tenth Sikh Guru.

Proclaimed as the fifth Takht-Takht Sri Damdama Sahib was established by Guru Gobind Singh Ji where He compiled the final edition of Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

Takht Sri Patna Sahib is the birthplace of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and a place visited by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Guru Teg Bahadur Ji.

Takht Sri Hazur Sahib is a permanent abode to Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. This is the place where He preached to take Guru Granth Sahib Ji as a living Guru after Him.

Q: Where are the Panj Takht?

A: In Sikhism, there are 5 Takhts among which three are in Punjab namely Akal Takht (Amritsar); Takht Kesgarh Sahib (Anandpur Sahib); Takht Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo) — and the other two are Takht Patna Sahib (Bihar) and Takht Hazur Sahib (Nanded, Maharashtra). You can explore these thrones with Panj Takht Tour, the Best Tour and Travel Company in India.