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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Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji

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.

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Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Life History

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.

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