Summary :
* He was trained in the arts of archery
* He was trained in the martial arts of swordsmanship and horse riding
* Knew old classics
* Set out on a number of missionary journey
* Sacrificed his life fot the sake of another religion
In the year 1674, the Hindu religious leaders, approached Guru Ji and compalined that Emperor Aurangzeb was forcing them to change their religion to Islam. Guru told the Pundits, "Go and tell the Emperor that you will agree to embrace Islam if he can persuade your Guru Tegh Bahadur to be converted to the Muslim faith".
On conveying the message to Aurangzeb, he gave orders to arrest Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib ji. On not agreeing with Aurangzeb, Guru Ji and his followers were tortured badly. Bhai Mati Das, the devoted Sikh, was tied between two pillars and his body split in two by being sawn alive. Bhai Dyala was boiled alive in a cauldron of boiling water and Bhai Sati Das was wrapped in cotton wool and burnt alive. Guru Ji was even prepared to give up his life. By seeing this Aurangzeb became furious and ordered that Guru Tegh Bahadur ji be executed publicly in Chandi Chowk.
On November 11, 1675 Guru Tegh Bahadur ji had his bath and recited the sacred prayer of Japji Sahib. Aurangzeb ordered to bring him out of the Kotwali. Guruji was made to sit on a platform. Guruji sat absorbed in deep meditation, while the executioner took his 
sword and at one stroke Guru Ji was beheaded. The body of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib ji was left in the dust and no one dared to pick up the body, for fear of the Aurangzed. Just then a severe storm covered the city. Bhai Jaita ji quickly managed to collect Guru's sacred head and carried it off to Anandpur Sahib to the Guru's son. Another Sikh, Bhai
Lakhi Shah managed to carry the body of Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji to his house and cremated the Gurus body by setting his house on fire. Now the place to be known as Gurudwara Sis Gang Sahib.
"This neither happened, nor will happen that a Guru of one religion sacrificed his life to save another religion"
Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Chandi Chowk, Delhi, is visited by thousands of devotees everyday, This stands as a monument to the unique sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. Kirtan is performed in this Gurdwara throughout the day.
Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji can be called as the peerless martyr in the history of the world. He laid down his life for the protection of 'Tilak' and 'Sacred Thread' of the Hindus.
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth guru of the sikhs was born in 1621, in Amritsar, at Guru Ka Mahal. His father was Guru Har Gobind Sahib Ji and mother Bibi Nanki Ji. He was the youngest son in the family. In 1633, he was married to Mata Gujri Ji, daughter of Lal Chand Khatree, and had a son named Gobind. He received the 'Divine Light' in 1664 and became the ninth Guru of the Sikhs.
Guru Har Gobind Sahib Ji did not choose Tegh Bahadur as his successor, instead Guru Har Gobind Sahib Ji, his grandson was choosen as his successor. Guru Har Rai ji in turn choose his youngest son Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji as his successor. Then Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji, pointed "Baba Bakala", referring to Guru Tegh Bahadur ji to be his successor. After the death of Guru Har Krishan sahib ji, Sikhs went to the village of Bakala looking for Guru Tegh Bahadur ji. On confirming they came across many saints who confirmed themselves to be the guru. The Sikhs were in a confusion as to whom they will call the Guru or was really their Guru was ?
There was a merchant named Makhan Shah. His ships, carrying valuable cargo, were caught in a fierce storm. He prayed to God and vowed to offer five hundred gold coins to the Guru, if his goods reached home safely. Thus, the true prayer though was by heart, was accepted by the Guru and his merchandise safely arrived at the port. Makhan Shah immediately set out for Delhi to give his thanks to the Guru, where he received the tragic news that Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji had passed away. He got to know that now in his palce the other Guru was in the village Bakala.
Makhan Shah, forwarded his steps to Bakala, to pay his homage to the Guru. When he found many calling themselves as Guru, on asking as who was the real Guru, he decided that he would pay homage to all of the twenty two claimants and placed two gold coins before each of them as tribute. He got to know that a holy man lived across the street. Makhan Shah went to the Guru to pay his homage, and found Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, in meditation. On placing two Gold coins in front of the Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji smiled and said "You had pledged five hundred coins". On listening this, Makhan Shah kept looking at Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and became so elated that he found the Guru. He started shouting from the rooftop 'Guru ladho re, Guru ladho re ' which meant I've found the Guru, I've found the Guru! on liatening this all the Sikhs rushed to the house of the quiet saint for darshan.
Guru Tegh Bahadur ji set out a number of missionary journeys. At first he visited Kiratpur and then to Taran Taran, Khadur Sahib, Goindwal and Amritsar. In 1665, he acquired a tract of land from the raja of Kahlur and founded the town of Chak Nanaki, named in honour of his mother, which was later known to be as Anandpur Sahib. The main aim of these tours was to spread Sikhism. During his journey, wherever he would stop, the Guru would get wells dug for the people and community kitchens. Guru Ji, left his family at Patna, as his wife Mata Gujri was expecting their child, and moved to areas which were not visited since the time of Guru Nanak. In 1666, while on his tour, Guru Tegh Bahadur ji was blessed with a child, a son named Gobind Rai.
In 1669-1670 Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji started went Patna with his family, to see his son, Gobind Rai for the first time. Guru Tegh Bahadur ji stayed here for a year and gave training to his son in the Sikh scriptures, horse riding and swordsmanship. Then in 1672-1673, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji finally returned home to Anandpur Sahib.
At that time, the epidemic, smallpox spread out in Delhi. It caused manu deaths. Guru Guru Harkrishan Sahib Ji dig the lake at Bangla Sahib containing God's nectar, 'Amrit' which provided a cure for thousands. Guru Ji attended the sufferers irrespective of cast and creed, and was known as 'Bala Pir' (child prophet) and took over the disease upon his own body to ward off the epidemic. The swear attack of smallpox confined him to bed for several days. Guru Harkrishan Sahib ji called his mother and told her that his end was near. When asked to name his successor, he merely exclaimed 'Baba Bakala', thereby referring to Guru Tegh Bahadur, who had settled there at village Bakala near river Beas in Punjab.
Thus the 'Bala Pir' passed away on Chet Sudi 14,(3rd Vaisakh), Bikrami Samvat 1721, (30th March, 1664) slowly reciting the word "Waheguru". Guru Gobind Singh Sahib paying tribute to Guru Harkrishan Sahib Ji stated in "Var Sri Bhagoti Ji Ki"... "Let us think of the holy Harkrishan, Whose sight dispels all sorrows..."
"Sri Har Krishan ji dhiayee… Jis dhithe sab dukh jaye."
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib was constructed in Guruji's memory. This is where he stayed during his visit to Delhi. This was originally the palace of Raja Jai Singh, who was a strong Sikh and a devotee of the Guru.
Guru Harkrishan Sahib Ji, the eighth Guru Nanak, was born on July 7, 1656 at Kiratpur Sahib. He was the second son of Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji and Mata Krishan Kaur Ji. Ram Rai, the elder brother of Guru Harkrishan Sahib was terminated, due to his anti-Guru ghar activities. At the age of five, Sri Harkrishan Sahib Ji was declared as the eighth Guru Nanak by his father Guru Har Rai Sahib before his death in 1661. Ram Rai Ji was filled with jealousy and thus complained the emperor Aurangzeb, against it. Aurangzeb gave orders to bring the Guru in front of him. At first the Guru was not willing, but at the repeated requests of and Raja Jai Singh, he agreed.
Devotees of Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji from every walk of life camen to do the darshan of their eighth Guru. They followed the Guru Sahib up to village Panjokhara near Ambala. From this place the Guru advised his followers to return to their respective homes. Then Guru Sahib went to Delhi. Here Pandit Lal Chand, questioned Guru Sahib about the meanings of Gita. Then Guru Sahib called a water-carrier, Chhaju Ram to expound the philosophy of the Gita. When Pandit Lal Chand listened, he asked Guruji for forgiveness and became Guruji's sikh.
In Delhi, Guru Ji stayed at Raja Jai Singh's place. The people from all walks of life flocked the palace to have a glimpse (Darshan) of Guru Harkrishan Sahib. To test Guru's intelligence, Raja Jai Singh requested the Guru Sahib to identify the real queen out of the equally dressed ladies. The Guru at once went to a lady dressed as a maidservant and sat in her lap. This lady was the real queen. Within short time, Guru Harkrishan Sahib Ji through his friendly and caring behaviour with the common people gained many followers.
Guru Har Rai Sahib, the sixth Guru Nanak was born on 3rd March, 1644. Guru Har Rai Sahib was the son of Baba Gurdita Ji and Mata Nihal Kaur Ji. Guru Har Rai Ji was married to Mata Kishan Kaur Ji(Sulakhni Ji), daughter of Sri Daya Ram Ji. Guru Har Rai Sahib ji had two sons Sri Ram Rai Ji and Sri Har Krishan Sahib Ji.
Guru Har Rai Sahib ji was a man of peace but he never disbanded or discharged the armed Sikh Warriors(Saint Soldiers), who earlier were maintained by his grandfather Guru Hargobind Sahib. He otherwise further boosted the military spirit of the Sikhs. But he never himself indulged in any direct political and armed controversy with the contemporary Mughal Empire. Once on the request of Dara Shikoh (the eldest son of emperor Shahjahan). Guru Sahib helped him to escape safely from the bloody hands of Aurangzebs armed forces during the war of succession.
Guru Sahib also established an Aurvedic herbal medicine hospital at Kiratpur Sahib. Once Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Shah Jahan fell seriously ill. He was shown to the best physicians available, but no sign of improvement could be seen. At last the emperor requested Guru Sahib for the treatment of his son. Guru Sahib thus saved the life of Dara Shikoh. The emperor, whole heartily thanked and wanted to grant some "Jagir", but Guru Sahib never accepted.
Guru Har Rai Sahib ji established 360 Sikh missionary seats and tried to improve Masand system. But the corrupt massands, Dhir Mals and Minas always tried to make problems in the advancement of Sikh religion. Also, after the death of Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb made the atomosphere of the state unfavorable for the non-muslims. Aurangzeb also framed false charges against Guru Sahib and was summoned to Delhi. Ram Rai Ji appeard on behalf of Guru Sahib in the court. He tried to clarify some mis-understandings regarding Guru Ghar and Sikh faith, created by Dhirmals and Minas.
Ram Rai, in order to please the emperor, inserted the word Musleman instead of word Beiman, in Guru Granth sahib Ji. (The actual meaning of the verse is that the human soul is not bound to the physical structure or the body of a person. The physical material of the bodies of both Hindus and Muselmans face the same fate and it is a universal truth. The soul leaves the body immediately after the death and it does not remain in the grave waiting for doom's day. And the earth consumes the body-material in due course of time). When Guru Har Rai Sahib was informed about this incident, he excommunicated Ram Rai Ji from the Sikh Panth and strickly denied for any alteration of Guru Granth Sahib ji, and said would remain as set up by Guru Nanak Sahib ji.
Guru Har Rai Sahib ji in his end days, appointed his younger son Guru Har Krishan sahib ji as the Eighth Nanak and passed away on 1718, (6th October, 1661) at Kiratpur Sahib.
The spreading of the fame of Guru Hargobind Sahib ji was not tolerated by Jahangir, and so ordered his soldiers to imprison him in the Gwalior Fort. As Guruji received the summon from Jahangir, he went to Delhi to have important discussions with Mata Ganga Ji, Baba Budha Ji, Bhai Gurdas Ji, Bhai Jetha Ji and Bhai Sahlo Ji. Then, after discussion he appeared before the Emperor Jahangir. A debate on Sikh religion and Sikh doctrines held between Guru Sahib and Jahangir, but emperor remained unimpressed and ordered for the imprisonment of Guru Sahib at Gwalior Fort. Guru Sahib was detained there from 1609 to 1612.
Sain Mian Mir and Wazir Khan, 'the Governor of Lahore' approached Jahangir to have the releasing orders of guru Hargobind Sahib ji. Guru ji kept a condition that he will come out only along with the fifty-two Hindu Princes, who were staying there at the Gwalior Fort as prisoners, and were released in 1612. Thus, ther title "Bandi Chhor Baba" was given to Guruji. Guru Sahib reached Amritsar on the occasion of Diwali. This was a big occasion for the Sikhs. It is said that Baba Budha Ji littered the earthen lamps throughout the Amritsar city.
From now, the attitude of Jahangir towards Guru Sahib changed considerably and remained friendly till the death of Jahangir. Shortly after having cordial relations with the state, Guru ji started to re-consolidate the Sikh Nation. Guru ji started spreading Sikhism by undertaking Dharam Parchar tours. Starting from Amritsar, he covered thousand miles in India. In Punjab he visited Kartarpur and made it as headquarter of Sikh Nation in Doaba, along with, visited several adjoining villages like Bara Pir, Mukerian and laid the foundation stone of Sri Hagobindpur town in 1621. This was a major achievement by Guru Hargobind Sahib ji. Now for the first time since the invasion of Muslims, with the guidance of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, sikh nation prepared for the armed resistance. This was to oppose the injustice of the Muslims, thus was an imperative measure of defense for the sikhs. Thus as army was prepared, ready to defend their interests with the swords.
Shah Jahan changed the policies after the death of emperor Jahangir. He ordered to destroy all the temples and Gurdwaras, which were under construction. The sacred Baoli of Guru Arjan Sahib in Dabbi Babar, Lahore was converted into a mosque, which was later re-excavated by Maharaja RanJit Singh but unfortunately was again destroyed in 1947, by the Muslims mobs. In 1629 Mukhlis Khan was made the Governor to Lahore. He and Qazi Rustam Khan were best friends. According to some historical accounts Kaulan(Mata), a Hindu lady, was forcibly abducted (kidnapped) by the Qazi Rustam Khan and was made a maid servant. Having been under the influence of Sain Mian Mir, she became a follower of Guru Sahib. On noticing her devotional interest in Sikh religion, the Qazi became harsh. With the help of Saint Mian Mir, she was safely escorted to Amritsar, Where she was provided with a safe and separate lodging. Within a short span, she won the sympathy of the Sikhs, and thus became popular among the Sikh masses. Later the pond near which she was living, was converted into a tank by Guru Sahib and was named Kaulsar, after the name of Kaulan Ji.
When Shah Jahan succeeded the throne after the death of his father Jahangir, Qazi Rustam Khan made a complaint to him for Guru sahib. Guru Sahib fought five battles, and won all. Soon after this, a tussle began over the two horses between Guru Sahib and Subedar of Lahore. These horses were forcibly snatched and taken into custody by the Mughal officials from the devotees of Guru Sahib. This incident was informed to Guru Sahib. Bhai Bidhi Chand a daring disciple recovered the horses one by one from the royal stable.
Guru Sahib crossed the Sutlej River and reached Kiratpur Sahib where he established another spiritual and preaching center of the Sikh Nation. Here, Guru Sahib spent ten years of his life and breathed his last on Chet Sudhi 5th (6th Chet Samvat 1701) 28th February 1644. It is said that when Guru's body was placed on fire, and as the flames rose high, a large number of Sikhs tried to burn themselves on the funeral pier. Before Guruji's death, Guru Sahib nominated Har Rai Sahib, as his successor, the second son of Baba Gurditta Ji.
Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, the sixth guru of the sikhs was born in Amritsar village, Guru Ki Wadali on 19th June, 1595. He was Guru Arjan Sahib Ji's son, and Mata Ganga Ji was his mother.
Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji had one daughter 'Bibi Viro Ji' and five sons 'Baba Gurditta Ji, Suraj Mal Ji, Ani Rai Ji, Atal Rai Ji and Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji'. Out of these, four sons passed away during the life of Guru Sahib and the fifth one, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji become Ninth Nanak in 1664. After the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Sahib Ji, he became Guru on 11 June 1606, following the footsteps of his father. The ceremonial rites of Guru Arjan Dev ji were performed by Baba Buddha ji.
Now, Guru Hargobind Sahib ji wore two swords, Miri and Piri. 'Piri' referred to the Spiritual Power would protect the innocent and the other 'Miri' referred to the Military Power. Now the Sikh became "Saint-Soldier." Along with he wore a Kalgi (on ornament wore by the Mughal rulers) on his turban. Guru Sahib advised the Sikhs to take part in the military training and martial arts. Riding, hunting, wrestling and many others martial sports were a part of the teachings. Though Guru Sahib himself was strong in body and mind, he himself learnt the use of different weapons along with other activities. While the session of training, Guruji possessed seven hundered horses, three hundred horsemen and sixty gunners in the due course of time. Additionaly five hundred men from 'Majha area of Punjab' were also recruited.
Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji then build a wall around Amritsar city and constructed a small fort named 'Lohgarh' on the out skirts of the city. Guru Sahib then made Sri Akal Takht Sahib also known as Akal Bunga, just in front of Sri Harmandir Sahib ji, in 1609. Thus the place became an important place for the sikhs as Guruji used to preach the sikhs, gave sermons to the Sikhs and held discussions regarding the problems faced by the Sikhs. Along with, martial sports were also performed in the open courtyard before the Akal Takht. The Sikhs call the Guru 'Sachcha Patshah'. Thus the decisions and the judgments taken on Sri Akal Takht Sahib were accepted by the sikhs.
The important teachings of the Sikh Guru Arjan Dev Ji are significantly different from the then prevalent religious practices in India. These are:
* Equality of mankind – Caste system was abolished by the First Guru. Langar, irrespective of the caste, and cook, serve and eat food together, was give by the second Guru. The soul of every human was considered respectable and no human being was considered inferior to another. As caste system was abolished amongst the followers
of the Gurus, literacy for all was advocated.
* Equality between a man and woman was practiced - Every woman was considered capable of meditation, following all religious practices. Women were prohibited from wearing a veil, a cloth that covers head and face . Dowry annd Sati ware also prohibited. Also widow remarriage was encouraged.
* Equality in work - Need to work was prescribed for all followers. The Guru himself devoted substantial time in charity and organize relief camps and natural calamities.
* Equality of and respect for all religions was emphasized - Sikh religion has always emphasized on meditation and purity of action, but not on the rituals. Sikh religion says that no religion is big or small, instead one should obey every religion but should follow only one.
Day 1 of Torture
Guru Arjan Dev Ji was kept hungry the whole day, was not allowed to sleep and take rest. Still Guru Sahib bore all this calmly and did not say anything to anyone, but remained immersed in Simran and kirtan. He just repeated from his lips, "WaheGuru, WaheGuru, WaheGuru...", the name of GOD.
Day 2 of Torture
On the second day, Chandu asked Guru Arjan Dev Ji sit in a red-hot caldron (a very large pot that is used for boiling ). He filled it with water and ordered his men to light a fire under it. After some time, the water began boiling. But Guru Ji said nothing to anyone, neither shouted or felt any pain. Instead kept his eyes closed and remained immersed with the name one GOD, 'Waheguru '.
Day 3 of Torture
Chandu ordered his men to get some sand and to make it red hot in iron pans. After boiling Guru Ji's body in water, he poured the red hot sand on his head and body. Though Guruji's body was already spoled in water, the hot sand burned Guru Ji's head and body from above. All the people standing out there along with the people involved in the torture were disturbed by Guruji's silence and calm behaviour. The persons engaged in torturing him were wet with sweat. As it was the hottest summer month, they felt too uncomfortable because of the heat. But Guru Sahib felt no pain, nor did he cry out, instead he kept doing Simran.
Guru Jee repeated:
Teraa kee-aa meethaa laagae.
Har naam padaarath nanak maangae.
means,
O Waheguru! Your actions seem so sweet to me Nanak begs for the treasure of the Naam, the Name of the Lord.
Day 4 of Torture
On the fourth day, Guru Jee was again made to sit on a hot Iron Plate. Guru Ji's flesh began to be roasted. Burning Red-Hot sand was poured on his body. Guru Sahib sat calm and quite, feeling no physical pain. He fixed his mind on Waheguru and accepting the Will of Waheguru sweetly.
Day 5 of Torture
On the fifth day, Chandu thought to made the Guru suffer even more. He took Guru Arjan Dev Ji's body for a bath in Ravi river which flowed embracing the walls of Lahore city. Chandu thought that Guruji would undergo greater pain when dipped in cold and chilling water of the river.
Crowds watched the Guruji's body standing in water and having a dip, and within sometime the body was found nowhere. Guru Arjan Dev Ji sowed the seed of martyrdom which largely flourished after him and became the heritage of the Sikhs.
On the 16 June of every year since 1606, the Sikhs have commemorated the martyrdom of their first martyr, the fifth Guru, Guru Arjan Dev Ji. Sikh history until then had been peaceful and non-violent. All the Sikh Gurus had been known to teach the message of love, compassion, worship of one God, commitment to peace and harmony for all the peoples of the world and to walk through the path as directed by the Gurus. All the people weather Hindus and Muslims had began to follow the teachings of Sikhism as given by Guru Arjan Dev Ji. Many people followed him and thus moved to Govindwal, the centre of Sikhs during the late 1500's.
At that time, Mughal were ruling over the state. After the death of Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1605, his son Jahangir ruled over India. Jahangir was a Muslim, and wanted to spread his religion in the country. Obsessed with the view of spreading Islam, he forced poeple to change their religion. Though Guru Arjan Dev Ji was spreading sikhism, and with the increased concern in the people towards the religion and its growing popularity among the Hindus and Muslims, Jahangir felt very jealous and took steps against the Guru. As Jahangir was jealous about Guru's propagation of Sikhism, he marked many baseless allegations against Guru Sahib. One was, helping Khusrau, who was Jahangir's son. He was even jealous of his son as he was the preferred choice of Akbar to be the next ruler of India rather than Jahangir, as according to Akbar, Jahangir was unfit to rule. But in the 'war of succession' Jahangir had won and Khusrau and managed to hold on to Punjab alone. Diwan Chandu Shahgo went to Jahangir and filled his ears with poison against Guru Ji as his proposal was refused by Guru Arun Dev ji. Jahangir gave the orders of Guruji's martydom. Guru Arun Dev ji was staying in Govindwal, on the river Biyah (Beas). Guruji used to dress very simple, in the holy garments, was simple-hearted and captured the heart of the Hindus and other ignorant and foolish followers of Islam, by his ways and manners.
Khusrau, Jahangir's son when passed Govindwal, he came to know about Guru Arjan Dev ji. He reached his place and received the blessings of Guru Arjan Dev ji. As Jahangir was already jealous of the gurus fame, when he came to know of his popularity he commanded that Guruji should be put to death. It is said that, Guru was arrested in the late May 1606, and was brought to Lahore where he was subject to severe torture. Guruji was made to sit on a burning hot plate and hot sand was poured over his head and body. A Muslim Sufi Saint, Mian Mir who was Guruji's friend and was aware of his divine qualities, tried to intercede on behalf of Guru Sahib but Guru ji disallow him to interfere in the "Will of the Almighty". Thus, Guruji's body was burnt. And after was put in the cold water of Ravi. Thus Guru Sahib embraced martyrdom on Jeth Sudi 4th (1st Harh) Samvat 1663, (May 16, 1606).
The martyrdom (Kurbani) of Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji changed the entire character of Sikhism.
Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth sikh guru was the son of Guru Ram Das ji and grandson of Guru Amar Das ji, was born on April 15, 1563 A.D. at Goindwal, a small town on the bank of the river Beas in Amritsar. Guru Arjan Dev spent 11 years of his life under the grace of his grandfather at Goindwal. Guru Arjan was married to Ganga, daughter of Krishen Chand, a resident of Meo village near Phillaur in Jalandhar district. The marriage took place in 1589 when he was about 26 years old.
He completed the construction of Amritsar and founded Taran Taran and Kartarpur. He constructed a Baoli at Lahore. His most important waork was that, he collected all the hymns of the first four Gurus in 1604, and compiled them in the form of a holy book named Adi Granth. Guru Arjan dev ji organised a group of representatives to taught and spread the teachings of the Gurus and also asked people to contribute one-tenth of their income, also known as 'Dasvand' for the name of God, to support the buildings of Gurdwaras, to contribute for Langars or to help the needy. The Langars organized in the gurudwaras were to remove the caste system as all the people irrespective of the castes and creed were allowed to join.
The aim of Guru Arjan Dev ji's life was to spread the message and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev ji. He laid the formation Amritsar for the purpose so that people could connect to sikh religion. It was a centre which would bond the people of all th religions. Thus gradually the city became very popular and a great place of pilgrimage of the Sikh people. As the time passed, the teaching of Nanak took a firm hold on the minds of his followers.
Guru Arjan dev ji also composed many hymns of his own, which he included in the Adi Granth. He appointed Baba Budha Ji as the chief priest of the Golden Temple, as he was the companion of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, and an associate of each of the subsequent Gurus. He placed the Adi Granth on the Gaddi (throne) reserved for him. Thus, became a Guru on September 1581 following in the footsteps of Guru Ram Das Ji.
Thus, serving the people for many years, Guru Amar das Ji transferred the 'Divine Light' to Guru Ram Das Ji. Bhai Jetha Ji owned guruship on August 1574, following in the footsteps of his father in law.
Guru Ram Das continued Kirtan, langar and sewa. During his Guruship period, Guru Ram Das always emphasized the value of sewa, which should be the primary duty of every Sikh and his family. Besides every Sikh should be engaged in honest labour during which the name of God should always be on ones lips.
Before he was appointed as Fourth Guru, Guru Amardas ji sent him to a magical place in the vicinity of the villages of Sultanwind, Tung, Gumtala and Gilwali. Guru Amardas ji wanted him to create another Sikh center apart from Goindwal. Guru Ramdas liked the palce very much and visited it every Sagrand (The first day of the Punjabi month), and Amavasaya (the dark moonless night of the month). Later villagers of Sultanwind presented some land to Guru out of regard for the Guru. After having the land Guru Amardas ji told him to digg a tank (now called Santokhsar at Baba Atal). He also found the town of Ramdaspur, later known as Amritsar. Just then Guru Amardas ji were nearing his end and thus Amritsar project had to be put on hold for some time. Guru Ramdas ji decided to start it again in 1577.
Guru Amardas ji had again told him to digg another tank about 1 km down from the old one. This is the current Sarovar of the Golden Temple. He dug a tank which became the main place of pilgrimage. Phrase came to be associated with the tank dug at Amritsar says 'Ramdas Sarovar Nahate, ab uttre paap kamate' which says, "I bath in the tank of Ramdas and all my sins were washed away".
He composed 679 hymns in varying musical measures, which were incorporated into Adi Granth by his son and successor, Guru Arjan Dev. Thus, the momentous career of the Guru came to its end on September 1, 1581. Thus after him, his youngest son, Arjan Dev Ji beacame the fifth Guru Of the sikhs and promoted and took care of Sikh religion.
Contributions:
The main contributions by Guru Ram Das Ji were:
* He organized the structure of Sikh society.
* He was the author of Laava, the hymns for the Marriage Rites
* His main contribution was, he designed the Harmandir Sahib
* Also, planned and created the town of Ramdaspur, later called Amritsar
Bhai Jetha ji was an ideal of love, devotion, service and resignation. For him Guru Amar Das was not only his father-in-law but he treated him as his ideal Guru. He surrendered his life in his sewa. He along with his wife used to work in the Guru's kitchen, cook food, serve meals from the kitchen and then wash the dishes.
The more he served the Guru the more his love for him and for the mankind increased.
Later on, while the construction of the Baoli (a well with stairs) was undertaken, Ram Das ji worked day and night. He carried baskets of earth on his head like everybody else. Once when his relatives were returning from a pilgrimage to the river Ganga, they stopped for sometime at Goindwal on their way to Lahore. They saw Bhai Jetha ji working like a common labourer, they got angry and asked him not to displease their family working like this. Bhai Jetha jI replied, "In your estimation the Guru is my father-in-law but for me, he is God".
They were very much annoyed on having the answer and went to the Guru complaining about what they had made of his son-in-law. Guruji replied, I have caused the umbrella of true sovereignty to wave over him. If he had not been born in your family, you would all have been damned. It is he, who saved the whole of your tribe."
Guru Ram Das ji, the forth Guru Of the sikhs was born on 9 October 1534, in Lahore, into a Sodhi Khatri family residing in Mohalla Chuna Mandi. His father's name was Hari Das and mother's name was Anup Devi. Before being called
Guru Ram Das, his name given to him by his parents was 'Jetha', 'first born'.
His wife Bibi Bhani, was the the younger daughter of Guru Amar Das Ji, the third guru of the Sikhs. Bhai Jetha ji had three sons, named Prithi Chand, Mahadev and Arjan Dev.
Bhai Jetha was too much fascinated by his nanake, the home of his grandparents, that he use to visit the village Basarke, where his grandparents reside.
How Guruji's Wedding Took Place
A very interesting story narrated by almost all writers says,
One day the Guru Amar Das Ji's wife, seeing Bibi Bhani said they ought to find a husband for her, as Bhani has grown up. She saw a boy outside her door hawking some articles of food. On seeing him, they called the youth and enquired from his about his family. Guru Amardas felt so much impressed with him that he decided to marry his second daughter bibi Bhani, to him. After that he sent him with marriage presents to his father Har Das in Lahore and had the betrothal (engagement) ceremony performed.
Bibi Bhani served Bhai Jetha ji not merely as her husband but also as a saint.
They gave birthy to three sons. After sometime, Bhai Jetha ji went along with his family to Goindwal, Amritsar. Today Goindwal had been founded several years back in the time of Guru AngaBhai Jetha ji had three sons, named Prithi Chand, Mahadev and Arjan Devd Dev, and soon after its foundation Amar Das with the whole of his family had shifted his residence here from his native place Basarke. After that whenever Jetha and Bhani felt like meeting them, they naturally had to come to Goindwal.
The life history of Guru Amardas ji gives every human being an example of an ideal life. His selfless sewa of Guru Angad Dev ji and the entire Sangat for a period of more than eleven years, shows an ideal living. According to him, sewa was a medium to bind with the GOD.
Steps Taken To Serve Humanity:
* He established new centres for conveying to the people the message of Guru Nanak.
* Also allowed widow remarriage
* Against Caste systems he started Guru Ka Langar
* He undertook the construction of a baoli, a well with a perennial source of spring water
* Resign yourself to the will of God and do not find fault with the doings of the Creator
* Guru Amar Das ji gave women equality with men. He preached against the custom of purdah.
According to him,
"Sati is not she who burns herself upon her husbands pyre
Sati is she for whom the pang of separation is itself like Death.
Sati is she who lives Contented
Who cherishes her husband every moment
Who rises every morning remembering him.
The Guru holds the key to the spiritual treasure. Guru Amardas ji says in his connection:
"In the True Guru's hand is the key. None else can open the door. By perfect good luck, the Guru is met"
Bhani's Marriage
Bibi Ramoji was the wife of Guru Amar Das Ji. She was very keen to get her youngest daughter married, as she had reached the age of puberty. Guru Amardas ji asked her about his choice of boy, she desired for her simple girl. She pointed to Bhai Jetha who was standing at some distance indicating that someone like him would be suitable for Bibi Bhani. Who was later to become Guru Ramdas Ji. Their wedding took place at Goindwal early in 1553.
Contribution
Guru Amardas composed his hymns in 17 Ragas. He wrote 171 Chaupadas, 91 other Padas including Ashtapadas, Chhants, 430 Salokas, 85 Pauris and 97 Pauris of special compositions like Kafi, Patti, AThhaniva, Satvara, Anand and Sohilay. The aim of devotional words is not giving delight to the mind or the satisfaction of the reader's aesthetic taste, but the revelation of higher values and a glimpse of the ultimate destiny of man.
Guru Amar Das Ji was born on 5 may, 1479 in the village Basarke, near Amritsar. His father, Bab Tej Bhan, was a noble person and the name of his mother was Mata Lachmi Ji. Amar Das was the eldest of the four brothers. Das married Mata Mansa Devi and had four children. Two sons named Bhai Mohan and Bhai Mohri and two daughters named Bibi Dani Ji and Bibi Bhani Ji. Bibi Bhani later married Bhai Jetha Ji, who became the fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das Ji. He happened to hear the recitation of Holy Japji Sahib from Bibi Amro, a daughter of Sri Guru Angad Sahib, who was married to Baba Jassu, son of the youngest brother of Guru Amar Das Ji, named Bhai Manak Chand.
Guru Amar Das ji, went for a dip in the sacred Ganga river 21 times. One day after a dip in the tank of Kurukshetra once, baba Amar das came across a brahmachari. He brought him into his room, served him food. The brahmachari was very pleased. he asked who his Guru was. When Guru Amar Das ji said that he's still in search of one, the Brahmachari uttered," Oh God! how shall i ever be pardoned for this. I've been in the company of such person who is without a Guru." Thus the brahmachari left the place. The rude words of the brahmachari left Bab Amar das Ji thinking. Next day, at dawn , he heard the hymns of Guru Nanak Dev ji from Bibi Amro. Guru Amar Das JI was so much overwhelmed by the Nectar of Immortality oozing out of the Holy Japji Sahib, that he asked bibi Amro about the bani. He instantly rushed Khadur sahib, to the holy feet of Sri Guru Angad Sahib, the second Guru Nanak. This happened in 1540.
Bibi Amro now went back to basarke, but Baba Amar Das Ji stayed behind and devoted their life in the Guru's Seva. He used to fetch a pitcher of water from the distant river Beas every night for the bath of Sri Guru Angad Sahib. Also, he used to clean the utensils in the community kitchen. Thus, every moment of his life was served in the selfless seva of the Guru. For twelve years, the aged but madly love-intoxicated Guru Amar Das Ji. He served his beloved Satguru with selfless devotion and worship. His unique and selfless Guru-Sewa, Guru-Bhavna, Guru-Prem, and Guru-Puja shines like a divine sun. He was nominated as the third Guru Nanak in 1552 by Sri Guru Angad Sahib ji. 907 Hymns of Sri Guru Amar Das Ji stand enshrined in Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
Special contributions made by Guru Angad Dev Ji includes:
* Guru Angad Dev Ji also introduced Gurmukhi script. This script became a medium in which the hymns of the Gurus could are expressed. This script helped the community, in the growth and development of the Sikhs. The script was also important as it helped in the growth of sikhism.
* He also compiled the biography of Guru Nanak Dev, known as ‘Bale Wali Janam Sakhi’.
* He started a school at Khadur Sahib to teach children Gurmukhi alphabets.
* The tradition of langar, which means people of all castes and creed can sit together with each other under a shelter to have food, was maintained and developed by the Guru. The Guru's wife personally worked in the kitchen.
Serving the sikhs at his village for some years when Bhai Lehna ji returned to Kartarpur, Guru Nanak Dev Ji was very happy to see his service. Bhai Lehna Ji was was given a series of tests of his obedience and service. In one test he had to eat what appeared to the Guru's sons to be carrion (the dead and rotting body of an animal), which only Lehna Ji was willing to eat, which magically turned into the sweetest of foods.
After giving more several tests, Bhai Lehna Ji was given the Guruship and was instated as the 2nd Guru of the sikhs. Guru Nanak Dev Ji had touched him and renamed him Angad (part of the body) or the second Nanak on 1539. Before becoming the new Guru he had spent six or seven years in the service of Guru Nanak Dev Ji at Kartarpur. Guru Nanak Dev Ji, left their body on September 22, 1539, Guru Angad Dev Ji went back to his village Khadur Sahib, Kartarpur. He carried forward the principles of Guru Nanak Dev Ji along with him and spread the message of sikhism. As said by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Guru Ahgad Dev Ji maintained the institution of langar. He spread Guru Nanak Dev Ji's facts, by studing the life of Bhai Bala. Also, he wrote the first biography of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He also wrote 63 Saloks, which are included in the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. At last; on 28 March 1552, Guru Angad Dev Ji left his body.
Guru Angad Dev Ji, the second Guru of the Sikhs was born on 31 March 1504, in the village of Sarae Naga in Muktsar district in Punjab. His name as given by his parents was Lehna. His father, Pheru was a small successful trader. His mother, Mata Ramo was known known by other names such as Mata Sabhirai, Mansa Devi and Daya Kaur. Bhai Lehna was a devotee of Maa Durga, by influence of his mother Daya Kaur. He used to organize yearly pilgrimage to Jawalamukhi, a place of Durga temple in the lower Himalayas. He used to lead Durga dance around the fire in a harness of jingling bells.
Bhai Jodha, a follower of Guru Nank Dev Ji was the neighbor of Bhai Lehna Ji. One day, Bhai Jodha recited a hymn of Guru Nanak Dev Ji which Bhai Lehna Ji also heard. Bhai Lehna Jis mind was all captured by the Guru Nanak's thoughts. While going to his annual pilgrimage to Jwalamukhi Temple he asked his group if they could come along with him to see the Gur, but everyone refused. At that time he did not say anything, but as he was a man of honor and dharma, the hymns and prayers (kirtan) of Guru Nanak Dev Ji still held onto his every thought. He could not stop himself to see the Guru. So one night without telling anyone he mounted his horse and proceeded to the village Kartarpur, wherte Guru Nanak Dev Ji was residing.
Having seen the noor of Guru, he threw himself at Nanak's feet. At his first meeting with Guru Nanak Dev Ji, he dedicated his life to the service of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and became his disciple (Sikh). He decided to stay there along with the Guru. People staying there along with the Guru became jealous of Bhai lehna jI by seeing his devotion and Sewa towards the Guru. Having some time spent with Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji asked him to go back to his home town and serve the sikhs in and around Khadur.
Guru Angad Dev Ji married Mata Khivi in January 1520 and had two sons named Dasu and Datu, and two daughters named Amro and Anokhi. Guru-jis family had to leave their home because of Babar. They went to Khadur Sahib, a village by the side of River Beas and settled there, a small town near Tarn Taran, about 25 km from the city of Amritsar.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji, ended his itineration (journey from place to place, preaching his divine mission), by the age of fifty two years. After, he settled on the right bank of river Ravi at Kartarpur. There he adopted the life of a peasant. People visited Kartarpur and were blessed by the Guru and 'Sangat' and 'Pangat' was started to serve people, where men and women irrespective of caste, color or creed were welcomed. "Dana Pani Guru Ka, Taihal Bhawna Sikhan Ki" was common saying of the time, which means "provisions are provided by the Providence (God) and service is rendered by the Sikhs".
On September 22, 1539, taking God's name, and being lost in God's name, Guru Nanak Dev ji went into Samadhi and was no more. Now a quarrel took place between the Hindus and the Muslims. The Hindus wanted his body to be cremated while the Muslims wanted his body to be buried. As the dispute was growing more and more between the two, they decided to keep some fresh flowers on Guru Nanak Dev Jis body for the night, and flowers of whomsoever will dry up first, will let the other religion person take his body and perform the last ritual. However, in the morning it was discovered that the same was no more there. There were only flowers and silence. Thus, they agreed to divide the sheet into two halves which was subsequently buried by the Muslims and cremated by the Hindus.
The teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji are found in the 'Guru Granth Sahib Ji', considered to be the eleventh Guru of the Sikhs. It consists of the faiths and belief of our gurus. It is described as the indestructible form. The words of Guru Nanak Dev Ji always enlightened the brotherhood of man. According to him, God always destroys 'the evil doers', this being God's nature and will, and it is man's goal to carry out that will. Also, it is the spiritual duty of the seeker and his society to resist evil and injustice.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji always focused upon the harm by egotism (known as haumai- 'I am') and calls upon the devotees to worship word of God (Naam - the Reality), to meditate the shabad, and follow hukam, the order of the Guru. Guru Nanak Dev Ji said that our worship should be selfless and is then called sewa, in God's house.
The teachings given by Guru Nanak can be practiced in three ways:
* Naam Japna which means, Singing the Holy Name and thus keeping God within u, every time
* Kirat Karō which means, Earning a living with honestly
* Vand Chakkō which means, Sharing with others
Guru Nanak emphasized on word 'God'. One should follow the direction awakened by the individuals rather than the individuals who are led by Self will ( Manmukh )
Teachings:
* Women should be given equal importance as that of men
* Abolish caste system
* Was against Sati system
* Against superstitions
* In Sikhism everyone has equal rights irrespective of caste, creed, color, race, sex or religion
His first statement after his prophetic communion with God was "There is no Hindu, nor any Mussalman." He spread the message that there is only one God and so people should not divide them in different religions. Everyone should be treated as equal and said "nā kōi hindū nā kōi musalmān" which means that there is neither any hindu nor any muslim but everyone is sent by the only Almighty. Guru Nanak thus started spreading his teachings, what was then the beginning of Sikhism. According to him there was only one God, he explained that to Kazi, in Mecca.
During his tours, he visited numerous places of Hindu and Muslim worship. At Mecca, Guru Nanak ji slept with his feet towards the Kaabam. He was found sleeping by the Kazi, Rukan-ud-din. Whe he saw him he became very angry, went to Guru Nanak and asked him to turn his feel, in the other direction other than Mecca. Guru Nanak asked the Qadi to turn his feet in the direction where he could not find God. The Qadi was struck with wonder when he saw that in every direction when he turned Guru Nanaks feet, the Mecca automatically shifted to that direction. Thus, he understood the meaning of what the Guru was saying "God is everywhere".
Accompanied by Mardana, he began his missionary tours. Apart from conveying his message and rendering help to the weak, he preached life against caste distinctions ritualism, idol worship and the pseudo-religious beliefs that had no spiritual content. It is a matter of great significance that the Guru's first companion was a low caste Muslim. Also he promoted the concept of common kitchen or langar, which became a major instrument of helping the poor.
He spent twenty five years of his life preaching from place to place. During these tours he studied other religious systems like Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Islam. His followers adopted a separate way of greeting each other with the words Sat Kartar (God is true). Twentyfive years of his extensive preparatory tours and preachings across the length and breadth of the country clearly show his deep conviction that the people needed a new prophetic message which God had commanded him to deliver.
On reaching Kartarpur after his tours, the Guru lived with their family members, for the remaining eighteen years of his life. He took up work as a cultivator, along with his morning and evening prayers. It was a total involvement in the moral and productive life of the community.
Thus, the Guru by his new message brought God on earth.
Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was born in the year 20 October 1469. He was born in the village of Rāi Bhōi dī Talwandī, near Lahore in Pakistan. Now it is called Nankana Sahib. Tripta Devi was Guru Nanak's mother. Mehta Kalu was his father, he was the patwari (accountant) of the village. He use to keep an account of the revenue from crop, for a Muslim landlord, Rai Bular Bhatti. He had one older sister, named Bebe Nanaki.
In his childhood, he left his home to explore the hidden mysteries that leads to pure life, as he was very much influenced by religion. Guru Nanaks ji's father got him admitted to school but he was never interested in studying, but was interested only in religion. Besides religion, he also learnt Persian and Arabic. In his childhood only, the landlord of the village was very much influenced by him, as he was got to know about the divine qualities he was blessed with. He also witnessed many incidents and got influenced. Also, his sister Bebe Nanki, also knew that Guru Nanak dev ji, was blessed with many divine powers. The event of poisonous cobra which worked to give shed to the sleeping child (Guru Nanak) from the scorching sunlight, as seen by Rai Bular, astonished him. In the school also, as a child Guru Nanak dev ji astonished his teacher by describing the implicit symbolism of the first letter of the alphabet, resembling the mathematical version of one, denoting the oneness of God.
When Guru Nanak Dev ji was 12 years old, though he was not interested in studying, his father gave him twenty rupees and asked to do a business. While walking through he saw some saints. Guru Nanak dev ji bought food for all the money and distributed among saints and the poor. In the evening when he came home, at his fathers question about the business done, he replied that he had done a "True business". Thus a gurdwara was made and named Sacha Sauda.
At Sultanpur, It was Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s daily routine to go to Bein stream for a bath. After bath he used to spend time in meditation. According to Janamsakhis, one he plunged into the stream, and remained missing for three days. It is said that Guru Nanak Dev Ji had a face to face talk with the Almighty, who assigned him with the mission of preaching the glory of his name. Then God blessed him and commanded, “O Nanak ! When you look at anyone gracefully, it is not yours, but my graceful look.”
Nanak was married to Sulakhni, the daughter, Moolchand Chona, a rice trader from the town of Bakala. They had two sons. The elder son, Sri Chand, was an ascetic, and he came to have a considerable following of his own, known as the Udasis. The Udasis served as guardians of the historical Sikh sites. The younger son, Lakshmi Chand, on the other hand, was totally immersed in worldly life. To Guru Nanak, both his sons were unfit to carry on the Guruship.
'Sanskars' refers to the religious ceremonies that takes place at an important stage in ones life.
The Sikhs have 4 main Sanskars in life. They are:
Naam Karan
Naam Karan refers to the ceremony in which the mother and the child are brought to the Gurudwara. The mother and the child can be brought to the Gurudwara at any time, but they should be physically fit. After the Ardas and Hukamnama
a letter is given to the parents of the new child.
Amrit Sanchar
Sanchar is the Sikh ceremony of initiation. This practice started since 1469 - 1539, the times of Guru Nanak Dev. During that time - period, this ceremony was known as Charan Amrit, Charan Phul or the Pag Pahul. Thus in the year 1699, the Khande di Pahul (Amrit ceremony) was initiated by Guru Gobind Singh when Khalsa was inaugurated at Sri Anandpur Sahib on the day of Baisakhi. "Khande Di Pahul" promises connection with the Guru, along with promotes the ability to lead a pure life.
Anand Karaj
Anand Karaj refers to the marriage ceremony of the sikhs. The ceremony was initiated by Guru Amar Das Ji. The ceremony takes place in the Gurudwara, in which the couple bind's with each other and consists of four Lavan's. It ceremony is now governed by the Sikh Rehat Maryada, issued by the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC). Also , Sikhs cannot marry persons of other religions. However, in practice, many Sikhs take preference in people from their caste. 
Antam Sanskar
Sanskar is the funeral ceremony. Death is to be considered as a natural process and God's will. For a Sikh, birth and death are associated to each other. It also means "coming and going" which is a stage towards Liberation, complete unity with God. Death is the only progression of the soul on its journey from God. In life, a Sikh always tries to constantly remember death, to break the cycle of birth and death and return to God.
Chanani
Chanani in the Gurudwara is normally a covering made of cloth which is very much embroidered and decorated. It covers the Palki marks respect to the Guru. Thus this rectangular covering is known as Chanani, and is placed in the darbar sahib over the Palki and Guru Grant Sahib Ji. This Chanani is held high by 4 posts.
Manji Sahib
The term Manji sahib is used by the Sikh's for the small bed on which the Holy Sikh Scriptures, Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji is placed during the day in the Darbar Sahib of the Gurdwara.
Rumalla Sahib
Rumalla refers to the cloth material that is used to cover the Guru Granth Sahib ji in the Gurdwara (Sikh temple) when it is not being read. Rumallas are also sometimes brought as gifts by the people for their GURU.
Palki
Palki is, where the Guru resides, when the Guru is carried from one place to another. The Guru Granth Sahib ji is placed on the Manji Sahib, a raised platform covered by the Palki. The Guru Granth Sahib ji is covered by a piece of beautiful material called a Rumalla and flowers are placed around the Palki.
Nishan Sahib
Nishan Sahib is the external distinguishing mark of the Gurudwara. Nishan Sahib depicts the presence of Gurudwara at a particular place.
Golak
Golak is a systematic & formal financial management system in the Gurudwara. The Gurdwara management team, on behalf of Guru Granth Sahib ji, manages the accounts, expenditures, donations & gifts of the Gurudwara and by the Gurudwara.
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