Sri Akal Takht Sahib

Sri Akal Takht Sahib, established by Guru Hargobind in 1606 directly opposite the Harmandir Sahib, is the highest seat of earthly authority for the Sikh faith and the foremost of the five Takhts. The Guru raised the platform to twelve feet in defiance of Mughal Emperor Jahangir's edict, wearing two swords symbolizing miri (temporal power) and piri (spiritual authority). Hukamnamas and Gurmatas issued from the Akal Takht are binding on Sikhs worldwide, and the building — later embellished with a golden dome by Hari Singh Nalwa under Maharaja Ranjit Singh — remains the seat of the Jathedar, the supreme spokesperson of the Khalsa.