Who founded the Akal Takht in 1606?

Guru Hargobind founded the Akal Takht in 1606. The sixth Sikh Guru established it opposite the Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar as a seat for discussing community affairs and exercising temporal responsibility.

The name Akal Takht means “Throne of the Timeless One.” Its creation is associated with Guru Hargobind’s teaching of Miri-Piri, the relationship between spiritual authority and temporal responsibility. The institution became an important center for Sikh collective decisions and public leadership.

The Akal Takht and Harmandir Sahib have complementary roles in Sikh tradition. The Harmandir Sahib is primarily associated with devotional worship, while the Akal Takht represents temporal authority. The present building has been reconstructed and altered over time, so the modern structure should not be confused with the original 1606 construction.