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Summary of Question:	How Is The Jathedar Selected
Category:	General Sikhism
Date Posted:	Saturday, 3/20/1999 11:07 PM MDT

How is the Jathedar of the Akal Takhat selected? Now it is a highly politicized process that is amnaged by the SGPC and the other Jathedars of the remaining four Takhts. But at the time of our Gurus, and even after them, there had to be some way of selecting a Jathedar. What were the requirements or selection criteria? Who were the selectors? Also can a Jathedar be removed from their position by the Sangat if he/she makes a large enough mistake?

If you know of any books, articles, or passages from Gurbani that deal with this, they would be most helpful, please mail them to: [email protected]
Thanx

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REPLY
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Sorry for the delay in answering your question.

We had sent your question to a member of the SGPC Executive. But as you can realize, they are all very busy right now arranging the celebration of the 300th Birthday annivarsary of the Khalsa.

We have received a short reply as follows. Detailed reply will follow in a few weeks.

"Regarding appointment of Akal Takht Jathedar- At present a "Granthi Singh" among those who are doing sewa in the SGPC managed historical Gurdwaras,a senior Granthi is appointed to the post of Jathedar of Akal takht.

Ideally Jathedar should be one who has formally trained for sewa from Shaheed Sikh Missionary College. The duration of the course is three years."

Jasjit