Shiromani Panth Akaali Budha Dal Panjva Takhat

The Budha Dal holds a profound history that can be traced back to the Akaal Sena, the army established by the 5th Guru, Akali Guru Arjan Dev Ji, and further strengthened by the 6th Guru, Akali Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. The Akaal Sena's headquarters resided at the Akaal Takhat Sahib. It grew in strength, encompassing soldiers from diverse faiths. Their mission was not directed against any specific group, but against injustice, aiming to uphold peace and equality in the territories they safeguarded. Over time, the Akaal Sena transformed into the Khalsa Fauj, which became the official army of Sahib Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Within the Khalsa Fauj, the Budha Dal and Tarna Dal emerged as two distinguished battalions

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The Budha Dal, traditionally respected and recognized as the Panjva Takhat or 5th Takhat, held immense power and was entrusted with the duties of maintaining rule within the Khalsa Panth, as well as preserving and protecting Gurdwaras and historical sites throughout Punjab and hence the name Shiromani Akali Budha Dal Panjva Takhat. It served as a sanctuary for Vidhvaans, who carried a lineage dating back to the Gurus, alongside war veterans and promising soldiers. The Budha Dal played such a significant role that the renowned and legendary Jathedar Akali Baba Phoola Singh Ji, the 6th Jathedar of the Budha Dal and the General of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's Army, went as far as ordering punishment for Maharaja Ranjit Singh, as he had violated a code of conduct within the Sikh Dharam.

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In 1734, the revered Jathedar Akali Baba Nawab Kapoor Singh Ji, the third Jathedar of the Budha Dal, undertook the reorganization of the Khalsa Fauj. This reorganization resulted in the division of the Khalsa Fauj into two Dals: the Budha Dal and the Tarna Dal. Despite facing numerous hardships throughout its existence, the Budha Dal endures to this day. This blessed Panth will persist and thrive, guided by the blessings of the Tenth Master.

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The Budha Dal derived its name from Baba Buddha Ji, who had the privilege of accompanying the first six Gurus and applying Tikka (forehead mark) to five of them. Recognizing Baba Buddha Ji's exceptional qualities and devoted service, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji proclaimed that Baba Buddha Ji would hold a significant position in the House of the Guru. This beloved Gursikh was renowned not only for his remarkable virtues and selfless service but also for the honor bestowed upon him—the naming of the Guru Khalsa Fauj after him.