Holy City Status and Sikh Heritage | 29 Dec 2025

Source: IE

Why in News?

Punjab has officially declared Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib, and Talwandi Sabo as holy cities due to their deep Sikh heritage, as each hosts one of the faith’s five Takhts. 

  • This designation aims to develop these cities as key religious and cultural centers by enforcing a ban on the sale of liquor, tobacco, cigarettes, and meat within city limits to preserve their sanctity.

Summary

  • Punjab has declared Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib, and Talwandi Sabo as holy cities due to their deep Sikh heritage, as each hosts one of the faith’s five Takhts. 
  • Sikhism, founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, emphasizes monotheism, equality, and ethics, with institutions like Gurdwaras, Takhts, the SGPC, and the Khalsa Panth central to its practice and governance.

What is Sikhism?

  • Core Tenets and Origins: Founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the 15th century in Punjab, Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that evolved through ten Gurus and was influenced by Bhakti and Sufi traditions.
    • It emphasizes devotion to one God, ethical living (Seva), and equality.
    • Sikhs form the Khalsa, established by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699, who adhere to a code of conduct and wear the Five Ks (Kesh, Kangha, Kara, Kachera, Kirpan).
  • Sacred Texts and Key Institutions: The primary scripture is the Guru Granth Sahib (written in Gurmukhi), considered the eternal Guru. The Dasam Granth is a supplementary text.
    • The Gurdwara is the Sikh place of worship and community service, open to all.
    • The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is the apex elected body managing major Gurdwaras.
    • The Khalsa Panth is the collective body of the Sikh community.
  • Five Takhts (Seats of Authority): The 5 Takhts guide Sikh religious and temporal affairs.
    • Akal Takht (Amritsar, Punjab): The supreme seat, established by Guru Hargobind Singh in 1606, symbolizing the union of temporal (Miri) and spiritual (Piri) authority.
    • Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib (Anandpur Sahib, Punjab): Site where Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa.
    • Takht Sri Patna Sahib (Patna, Bihar): Birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh.
    • Takht Sachkhand Hazur Sahib (Nanded, Maharashtra): Where Guru Gobind Singh was cremated.
    • Takht Sri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo, Punjab): Where Guru Gobind Singh finalized the Guru Granth Sahib.
  • Historical Reform Movement: The Gurdwara Reform (Akali) Movement (1920) sought to free Sikh shrines from corrupt mahants.
    • It led to the formation of the SGPC (1920) and the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925, granting Sikhs legal control over their Gurdwaras.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the significance of the five Takhts in Sikhism?
The five Takhts are seats of temporal and spiritual authority. The Akal Takht in Amritsar is the supreme seat, symbolizing Miri-Piri (temporal-spiritual unity), while the others are linked to key events in Guru Gobind Singh's life.

2. Who founded Sikhism and when?
Guru Nanak Dev Ji founded Sikhism in the 15th century in Punjab, emphasizing monotheism, equality, and ethical living.

3. What are the Five Ks in Sikhism?
Kesh, Kangha, Kara, Kachera, and Kirpan — worn by Khalsa Sikhs as symbols of faith, discipline, and identity.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) 

Q. Consider the following Bhakti Saints: (2013)

  1. Dadu Dayal 
  2. Guru Nanak 
  3. Tyagaraja

Who among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over?  

(a) 1 and 3  

(b) 2 only  

(c) 2 and 3  

(d) 1 and 2 

Ans: (b)