Paper: GS – I, Subject: Art and Culture, Topic: Religion, Issue: Holy Cities.
Context:
The Punjab government has officially granted “Holy City” status to Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib, and Talwandi Sabo through a notification approved by the state Cabinet. This decision was announced during a special Assembly session commemorating the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur.
Key Takeaways:
Background:
The Five Takhts of Sikhism: These three cities hold exceptional importance in Sikh religious and historical tradition:
- Akal Takht (Amritsar):(Home to the Golden Temple) Established in 1606 by Guru Hargobind, it symbolizes the unity of spiritual and temporal authority in Sikhism. It is the supreme Takht, issuing edicts and orders concerning the entire Sikh community.
- Takht Keshgarh Sahib (Anandpur Sahib): The birthplace of the Khalsa, the initiated Sikh warriors, established by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699.
- Takht Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo): Where Guru Gobind Singh prepared the revised version of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs.
- Takht Patna Sahib (Bihar): The birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh.
- Takht Hazur Sahib (Nanded, Maharashtra): Where Guru Gobind Singh spent his final days and was cremated in 1708.
- Historically, Sikh institutions and religious bodies have demanded greater recognition and protection of these sacred cities, including restrictions on activities considered against Sikh values.
| About Guru Tegh Bahadur: Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621–1675) was the ninth of ten Gurus of the Sikh religion. He was born as Tyaga Mal. He was the fifth and the youngest son of the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind. He came to be known by the name Teg Bahadur (Mighty of The Sword), given to him by Guru Hargobind after he showed his valour in a battle against the Mughals. In 1664, Guru Teg Bahadur succeeded Guru Har Krishan Ji as the ninth Sikh Guru. His son, Guru Gobind Singh, became the tenth Sikh guru. Life and Works: He built the city of Anandpur Sahib (in Rupnagar/Ropar district, on the edge of Shivalik Hills, near the Sutlej River, in Punjab). Here the last two Sikh Gurus lived and where Guru Gobind Singh Ji founded the Khalsa Panth in 1699. |
Key Highlights:
- Three Sikh religious centres granted “Holy City” status.
- Cabinet decision formalized via official notification.
- Special Assembly session linked to a major Sikh martyrdom anniversary.
- Focus on preserving religious, cultural, and historical identity.
- Increased civic and infrastructural attention expected.
The declaration of Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib, and Talwandi Sabo as “Holy Cities” marks a significant cultural and symbolic decision by the Punjab government. While it reinforces Sikh heritage and religious identity, its success will depend on balanced policy implementation, clear guidelines, and protecting livelihoods alongside preserving sanctity
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