Sukhbir Singh Badal, President of the Shiromani Akali Dal and former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab, has been declared ‘Tankhaya’ (a term used for someone found guilty of religious or moral transgressions) by the Five Piaras of Takht Patna Sahib, one of Sikhism’s five highest temporal seats.
What is Takht Patna Sahib and why is it significant?
Takht Sri Patna Sahib, also known as Takhat Sri Harimandir Ji, is located in Patna, Bihar, and holds immense spiritual importance in Sikhism. It is one of the five Takhts, or seats of authority, in the Sikh religion.
Its significance is rooted in history. This sacred site is the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, who was born there on December 22, 1666, during the Mughal era. The city of Patna is also revered in Sikh tradition, as it was graced by visits from Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, and Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Guru.
The construction of Takht Patna Sahib was originally commissioned by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the early 19th century to honour the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh. After suffering damage in the devastating earthquake of 1934, the building was extensively reconstructed between 1948 and 1957, reportedly at a cost of around Rs 20 lakh.
Today, the Takht stands not only as a place of deep religious significance but also as a symbol of the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Sikh faith. It continues to draw devotees from across the world and plays an influential role in the religious and community affairs of Sikhs, particularly in eastern India.
