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Akal Takht Sahib: Seat of Sikh Authority

Visit Akal Takht Sahib in Amritsar, the supreme seat of Sikh authority, a symbol of justice, resilience, and the synthesis of spiritual and temporal power.

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Akal Takht Sahib, the 'Throne of the Timeless One,' is the supreme seat of authority for the Sikh religion, located in Amritsar's Golden Temple complex. Established in 1606 by Guru Hargobind, it symbolizes the fusion of spiritual and temporal power, serving as a center for justice and the resolution of community matters.

A brief summary to Akal Takht Sahib

  • JVCG+753 Harmandir Sahib, Golden Temple Rd, Amritsar, Amritsar Cantt., Atta Mandi, Katra Ahluwalia, Punjab, 143006, IN
  • +911832540820
  • Visit website
  • Monday 3 am-10 pm
  • Tuesday 3 am-10 pm
  • Wednesday 3 am-10 pm
  • Thursday 3 am-10 pm
  • Friday 3 am-10 pm
  • Saturday 3 am-10 pm
  • Sunday 3 am-10 pm

Local tips

  • Dress modestly and cover your head with a scarf or a cap as a sign of respect when entering the Akal Takht.
  • Remove your shoes and socks before entering the complex, and wash your feet and hands.
  • Refrain from smoking or drinking alcohol within the premises.
  • Maintain silence and respect the sanctity of the place.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Akal Takht Sahib is located within the Golden Temple complex, so walking is the most common way to reach it once you are in the vicinity. Enter the Golden Temple complex and follow the path towards the main shrine. The Akal Takht is situated right opposite the Golden Temple.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by bus or train to Amritsar, take a local bus, auto-rickshaw, or e-rickshaw to the Golden Temple. From the Amritsar Bus Stand, the Golden Temple is approximately 1.5 km away. From the Amritsar Railway Station, it is about 2.5 km. Local bus tickets from the airport to the Golden Temple start from ₹15. Auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws are readily available outside the bus and train stations. App-based cabs like Uber/Ola are also available.

  • Taxi

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are available throughout Amritsar. You can hire a taxi from the airport, railway station, or any part of the city to reach the Golden Temple. A taxi ride from the city center to the Golden Temple typically costs between ₹200 to ₹500, depending on the distance. Note: Parking near the Golden Temple is limited. Several official parking areas are available, including Saraghari Car Parking Galiara Multilevel and Kesri Bagh Car Parking. Parking charges at hotels range from ₹100-300/day.

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Discover more about Akal Takht Sahib

Akal Takht Sahib, meaning 'Throne of the Timeless One,' is the most prominent of the five Takhts, or seats of authority, in Sikhism. Situated within the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) complex in Amritsar, Punjab, it was established in 1606 by Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh Guru. The Akal Takht symbolizes the joining of spiritual and temporal concerns of the Sikh people. Originally known as Akal Bunga, it was built to serve as a court where the Guru could address the needs of the Sikh community and deliver justice. The Akal Takht has been a symbol of resistance and resilience during times of oppression. Here, the Guru would address the Sikh community and dispense justice. The Akal Takht plays a crucial role in resolving disputes within the community, ensuring that justice is served in accordance with Sikh principles. The building has a five-story structure, with stunning architecture that features unique Sikh design elements. The Akal Takht that stands today is a rebuilt version, as the original structure was damaged during Operation Blue Star in 1984. Visitors can witness the evening ceremony, where the Guru Granth Sahib is brought to the Akal Takht. Also, displayed are historic weapons used by Sikh gurus and soldiers.

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