Guru Harkrishan Sahib Ji and Smallpox

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.

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Guru Harkrishan Sahib Ji

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.

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Guru Har Rai Ji

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.

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Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji And Jahangir

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.

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Guru Hargobind Sahib 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.

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Teachings Of Guru Arjan Dev Ji

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.

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Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji (continued)

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.

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