Gurudwaras of World
Gateway to Sikhism proudly launches
Gurudwaras of World @ www.worldgurudwaras.com
Gateway to Sikhism proudly launches Gurudwaras of World @ www.worldgurudwaras.com on auspicious day of Khalsa Sajna Divas , Vaisakhi April 14th 2012. Worldgurudwaras.com will strive to be most comprehensive directory of Historical Gurudwaras and Non Historical Gurudwaras around the world.
The etymology of the term 'gurdwara' is from the words 'Gur (ਗੁਰ)' (a reference to the Sikh Gurus) and 'Dwara (ਦੁਆਰਾ)' (gateway in Gurmukhi), together meaning 'the gateway through which the Guru could be reached'. Thereafter, all Sikh places of worship came to be known as gurdwaras.
It is a work in progress and We strongly urge the Sikh Cyber Community to contribute to this project by submitting contact information, details, images of Gurudwaras around the world to make this a comprehensive directory.
Sikhism FAQs
Sikhism FAQs:What are the Seats of Authority (Takhats) in Sikhism?
Q118. What are the Seats of Authority (Takhats) in Sikhism? |
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'Takhat' which literally means a throne or seat of authority is a result of historical growth of Sikhism. There are five Takhats. The first and the most important one was established by Guru Hargobind in 1609. It is called 'Akal Takhat' (the Throne of the Timeless God) and is situated just opposite the gate of Harmandar Sahib - The Golden Temple, Amritsar. The Guru established it, because he thought that secular political matters should not be considered in the Golden Temple, which is meant purely for worship of God. Here the Guru held his court and decided matters of military strategy and political policy. Later on, the Sikh commonwealth (Sarbat Khalsa) took decisions here on matters of peace and war and settled disputes between the various Sikh groups. The Sarangi singers sung the ballads of the Sikh Gurus and warriors at this place and robes of honour (saropas) were awarded to persons who rendered distinguished services of the community of men in general.
The second seat of authority is called "Takhat Sri Patna Sahib".
Guru Tagh Bahadur lived with his family here in 1665. Here was born Guru
Gobind Singh. The building which was partly damaged by the great earthquake
of 1934 has been rebuilt. Here are preserved the relics of Guru Gobind
Singh including his cradle, weapons and Proclamations.
The third seat of authority is called "Takhat Sri Kesgarh Sahib".
The township of Anandpur was founded by the Ninth Guru in 1665 but the
Takhat therein owes its importance to the creation of the Khalsa by Guru
Gobind Singh in 1699. The Shrine contains the historic double-edged-sword-khanda
with which the Guru stirred the Amrit (baptism-water). It has also a number
of weapons of the Tenth Guru. During the annual Holi festival, mock-battles
between groups of Sikhs are held here. This is called the Holla Mahalla
festival by the Sikhs.
The fourth seat of authority is "Takhat Sri Huzur Sahib". It is the place where Guru Gobind Singh passed away in 1708 and is situated at Nander in Maharashtra State. Maharaja Ranjit Singh renovated the temple and provided a gold-plated dome and several costly decorations. The takhat puts on display of weapons of Guru Gobind Singh and other relics on Sikh festivals. Some manuscript copies of the Dasam Granth can be seen here.
The fifth seat of authority is called "Takhat Damdama Sahib". This place owes its importance to the literary work of Guru Gobind Singh done during his stay in 1706. Here the Tenth Guru prepared the authentic edition of the Adi Granth, to which he gave prepetual succession at the time of his death. The Guru held his court at Damdama Sahib for over nine months and imparted training in arts of war and peace to his followers.
The five Takhats have authority in their respective jurisdictions, and
recommend punishments for specific religious offences called 'Tankha'.
The daily routine of prayers etc. follows an old tradition. Only the best
Sikhs are selected as heads (Jathedars) of these five Takhats.
