Literally meaning the "Tribune of the Timeless (God)', the Akal Takht stands to the West of the Hari Mandir. Guru Hargobind laid the foundation stone of this three-storeyed building in 1607. The original structure was completed in 1609. It is said that the Guru used to sit here in public and hear the grievances o the people. All orders of political nature were issued from this place. The old and historic weapons, used by the Gurus and other prominent Sikh leaders, have been preserved at this place and are on display. The upper storey of this building is used as the 'Baptism Place'. There is also an underground chamber in the building of the Akal Takht. Guru Hargobind as a resting-place used it during summer.
The Granth Sahib, the Holy Book, is brought to this place from the Hari Mandir daily at about 10 p.m. and kept here with reverence. At 4 a.m. in summer and at 5 a.m. in winter, it is again taken to the Hari Mandir in a procession. The particular place where the Granth Sahib is kept at night is called 'Guru-ka-Kotha' (House of the Guru). Guru Ram Das and Guru Arjan Dev used to take rest at this place at night.
There is a head priest here. He is called the 'Jathedar'. The orders issued by this Jathedar from the Akal Takht are considered 'Divine Orders' by the Sikhs.