Jathedar

Jathedar refers to a leader of a jatha (a group, a community or a nation). Among the Sikhs, a Jathedar is an ordained leader of the clergy and leads a Takht, a sacred and authoritative seat.

Sikh clergy consists of five Jathedars, one each from five takhts or sacred seats. The Jathedars are appointed by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), an elected body of the Sikhs sometimes called "Parliament of Sikhs." The highest seat of the Sikh religion is called Akal Takht. The Jathedar of Akal Takht makes all the important decisions after consultations with the Jathedars of the other four Takhts and SGPC.

Jathedars of Akal Takht Sahib of 1920

• Teja Singh Bhuchar (1920–1921), before him was Arur Singh Naushshera (1907-1920), resigned in 1920.
• Teja Singh Akerpuri (1921–1923) & (1926–1930)
• Udham Singh Nagoki (1923–1924)
• Bhai Acchar Singh (1924–1925)
• Didar Singh (about a month in 1926)
• Jawaher Singh (very short period in 1926)
• Giani Gurmukh Singh Musaffer (1930-1931)
• Mohan singh Nagoki (1931-1938)
• Giani Partap Singh (1938-1948)
• Bhai Sadhu Singh Bhaura (1948-1963)
• Gurdial Singh Ajnoha (1980-1983)
• Bhai Kirpal Singh (1963-1965) & (1983-1986)
• Prof. Darshan Singh (1986)
• Bhai Jasbir Singh Rodae (1986)
• Bhai Gurdev Singh Kaunke (1986-1993)
• Baba Gurbachan Singh Manochahal
• Prof. Manjit Singh
• Bhai Ranjit Singh
• Giani Puran singh
• Joginder Singh Vadanti

Current Jathedar:

• Giani Gurbachan Singh

Jathedars of Buddha Dal - Panjva Takhat Chalda Vaheer

• Baba Binod Singh
• Baba Darbara Singh
• Nawab Kapoor Singh
• Sardar Jassa Singh Ahluwalia
• Baba Naina Singh
• Akali Phula Singh
• Baba Hanuman Singh
• Baba Prahlad Singh
• Baba Gian Singh
• Baba Teja Singh
• Baba Sahib Kaladhari
• Baba Chet Singh
• Baba Santa Singh
• Disputed

External links

• Jathedar definition