Jathedar

Giani Iqbal Singh Patna Sahib

Jathedar means "leader" and refers to a leader of 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 SGPC, an elected body of the Sikhs sometimes called "Parliament of Sikhs." The highest seat of Sikh religion is Akal Takht Amritsar, the first among the five takhts. The Jathedar of Akal Takht makes all the important decisions after consultations with the other four Jathedars of the takhts and SGPC.

Jathedars of Akal Takht Sahib since 1920

• Jathedar Teja Singh Ji Bhuchar (1920-1921)
• Jathedar Teja Singh Ji Akerpuri (1921-1923) & (1926-1930)
• Jathedar Udham Singh Ji Nagoki (1923-1924)
• Jathedar Bhai Acchar Singh Ji (1924-1925)
• Jathedar Didar Singh Ji (about a month in 1926)
• Jathedar Jawaher Singh Ji (very short period in 1926)
• Jathedar Giani Gurmukh Singh JI Musaffer
• Jathedar Mohan singh Ji Nagoki
• Jathedar Giani Partap Singh Ji
• Jathedar Bhai Sadhu Singh Ji Bhaura
• Jathedar Gurdial Singh Ji Ajnoha
• Jathedar Bhai Kirpal Singh Ji
• Jathedar Prof. Darshan Singh Ji
• Jathedar Bhai Jasbir Singh Ji Rodae
• Jathedar Bhai Gudave Singh Ji Kaunke
• Jathedar Prof. Manjit Singh Ji
• Jathedar Bhai Ranjit Singh Ji
• Jathedar Giani Puran singh Ji
• Jathedar Joginder Singh Ji Vadanti
• Jathedar Gurbachan Singh Ji
• Jathedar Balwant Singh Nandgarh, Jathedar of Damdama Sahi

External links

• Jathedar definition