Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is the ninth Guru of the Sikhs. He was the youngest son of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. He was born on April 1st, 1621 at Amritsar. His mother was Bibi Nanki Ji. His birth name was Tyag Mal but keeping in view his courage and bravery, he was named Tegh Bahadur. At the time of his eternal rest, Guru Har Krishan Ji bowed down saying, “Baba Bakale” ie. My successor is at Bakala. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji meditated at Bakala for about twenty years (1644-1664) and lived there with his wife Mata Gujari Ji and mother Mata Nanaki Ji. Bhai Makhan Shah Lobana, a rich businessman, revealed him at Bakala. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji received Guruship on March 30th, 1664 when he was living at Baba Bakala. The Mughal Emperor of India, Aurangzeb, attempted to consolidate India into one Islamic nation. In order to achieve this aim, he set out to virtually eliminate Hinduism from India. When the ninth Guru Ji heard of this from a desperate group of Hindus, he challenged the Emperor that, in order to convert all the Hindus, the Guru himself would have to embrace Islam. He offered to sacrifice everything for the cause of righteousness. As a result the Guru was imprisoned at the request of Aurangzeb in 1675, three devout Sikhs who accompanied the Guru were arrested and martyred in front of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji at Delhi: 1. Bhai Mati Das Ji 2. Bhai Sati Das Ji 3. Bhai Dyala Ji Despite being forced to watch the torture and execution of these disciples, the Guru Ji simply refused to concede to the Emperor’s demand. The Emperor Aurangzeb gave Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji three options: 1. To embrace Islam 2. To perform miracles 3. Be ready for death. Finally, the Guru preferred the latter. His head was chopped off publicly at Chandni Chowk in Delhi on November 11th, 1675 for being a protector of fundamental human rights. Unparalleled in the history of humankind, the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was an act of sacrifice for another religious community. The Guru Ji’s martyrdom served to awaken the collective conscience of the Sikh community, which was about to undergo a final transformation in the years to follow. The headless body was taken away by Bhai Lakhi Shah Vanjara Ji who cremated it respectfully at his place in Delhi on November 12th, 1675. Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib Ji was erected at this location to commemorate the incidence. The Severed head of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was then presented respectfully to, Guru Gobind Singh Ji by Bhai Jaita Ji at Sri Anandpur Sahib Ji in Punjab. Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib Ji has been erected inside the town of Anandpur Sahib Ji where the severed and revered head of the Guru Ji was cremated. Some writers have stated that once you promise allegiance to anybody, sacrifice your head but do not let him down at any cost. A great example of this is Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji who sacrificed his life but did not falter from his faith. Gobind Rai Ji son of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was nominated to Gurgaddi. Guru Gobind Singh Ji was a child of 9 years when he was called upon to shoulder the responsibilities of a Guru. Bani of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was entered into Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji by Guru Gobind Singh at Talwandi Sabo Ji, Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Ji. Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji’s bani gives the message of non-attachment.
Guru Har Krishan Ji is the eighth Guru of the Sikhs. He became Guru Ji at the age of five. He was born on July 7th, 1656 at Kiratpur Sahib Ji to Mata Kishan Kaur Ji. He was the youngest son of Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji. His elder brother Ram Rai was ignored for Guruship. Guru Har Krishan Ji received Gurgaddi on October 6th, 1661. The Guru proved at the tender age that an ideal man could be successful by meeting any challenge fearlessly and with courage. Ram Rai became jealous of Guru Har Krishan Ji. Emperor Aurangzeb, called the Guru Ji to Delhi on complaint by Ram Rai, elder brother of the Guru. Guru Har Krishan Ji went to Delhi and stayed at the mansion of Raja Jai Singh Ji (now known as Gurdwara Bangla Sahib Ji). He started imparting Sikh instructions at Delhi, which was in the grip of smallpox epidemics in those days. Once, Lal Chand an ego-stricken Brahmin of Panjokhra, in order to test the intellect of the Guru Ji, asked him to translate meanings of a passage from Gita. It is said that the Guru Ji blessed a passing by illiterate and dumb Chhaju Gunga to expound the meanings, which he exposed with extraordinary wisdom.Guru Har Krishan Ji remained on the throne of Guru Nanak Dev Ji for two and a half years. He left for heavenly abode at Delhi with smallpox at the age of eight on March 30th,1664.Gurdwara Bangla Sahib Ji was erected at the site where the Guru Ji stayed during his visit to Delhi. He was cremated on the bank of river Yamuna. Gurdwara Bala Sahib Ji was constructed there in memory of the Guru Ji. It is believed that just by looking at the Guru Ji all the pain would vanish. His Darshan healed the sick and the miserable. On the last day, as per practice, the Guru Ji wanted to appoint his successor. By pointing out for his successor, he said “Baba Bakale”. This meant that his successor Tegh Bahadur was at Baba Bakale.
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is the ninth Guru of the Sikhs. He was the youngest son of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. He was born on April 1st, 1621 at Amritsar. His mother was Bibi Nanki Ji. His birth name was Tyag Mal but keeping in view his courage and bravery, he was named Tegh Bahadur. At the time of his eternal rest, Guru Har Krishan Ji bowed down saying, “Baba Bakale” ie. My successor is at Bakala. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji meditated at Bakala for about twenty years (1644-1664) and lived there with his wife Mata Gujari Ji and mother Mata Nanaki Ji. Bhai Makhan Shah Lobana, a rich businessman, revealed him at Bakala. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji received Guruship on March 30th, 1664 when he was living at Baba Bakala. The Mughal Emperor of India, Aurangzeb, attempted to consolidate India into one Islamic nation. In order to achieve this aim, he set out to virtually eliminate Hinduism from India. When the ninth Guru Ji heard of this from a desperate group of Hindus, he challenged the Emperor that, in order to convert all the Hindus, the Guru himself would have to embrace Islam. He offered to sacrifice everything for the cause of righteousness. As a result the Guru was imprisoned at the request of Aurangzeb in 1675, three devout Sikhs who accompanied the Guru were arrested and martyred in front of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji at Delhi: 1. Bhai Mati Das Ji 2. Bhai Sati Das Ji 3. Bhai Dyala Ji Despite being forced to watch the torture and execution of these disciples, the Guru Ji simply refused to concede to the Emperor’s demand. The Emperor Aurangzeb gave Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji three options: 1. To embrace Islam 2. To perform miracles 3. Be ready for death. Finally, the Guru preferred the latter. His head was chopped off publicly at Chandni Chowk in Delhi on November 11th, 1675 for being a protector of fundamental human rights. Unparalleled in the history of humankind, the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was an act of sacrifice for another religious community. The Guru Ji’s martyrdom served to awaken the collective conscience of the Sikh community, which was about to undergo a final transformation in the years to follow. The headless body was taken away by Bhai Lakhi Shah Vanjara Ji who cremated it respectfully at his place in Delhi on November 12th, 1675. Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib Ji was erected at this location to commemorate the incidence. The Severed head of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was then presented respectfully to, Guru Gobind Singh Ji by Bhai Jaita Ji at Sri Anandpur Sahib Ji in Punjab. Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib Ji has been erected inside the town of Anandpur Sahib Ji where the severed and revered head of the Guru Ji was cremated. Some writers have stated that once you promise allegiance to anybody, sacrifice your head but do not let him down at any cost. A great example of this is Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji who sacrificed his life but did not falter from his faith. Gobind Rai Ji son of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was nominated to Gurgaddi. Guru Gobind Singh Ji was a child of 9 years when he was called upon to shoulder the responsibilities of a Guru. Bani of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was entered into Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji by Guru Gobind Singh at Talwandi Sabo Ji, Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Ji. Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji’s bani gives the message of non-attachment.
Guru Har Krishan Ji is the eighth Guru of the Sikhs. He became Guru Ji at the age of five. He was born on July 7th, 1656 at Kiratpur Sahib Ji to Mata Kishan Kaur Ji. He was the youngest son of Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji. His elder brother Ram Rai was ignored for Guruship. Guru Har Krishan Ji received Gurgaddi on October 6th, 1661. The Guru proved at the tender age that an ideal man could be successful by meeting any challenge fearlessly and with courage. Ram Rai became jealous of Guru Har Krishan Ji. Emperor Aurangzeb, called the Guru Ji to Delhi on complaint by Ram Rai, elder brother of the Guru. Guru Har Krishan Ji went to Delhi and stayed at the mansion of Raja Jai Singh Ji (now known as Gurdwara Bangla Sahib Ji). He started imparting Sikh instructions at Delhi, which was in the grip of smallpox epidemics in those days. Once, Lal Chand an ego-stricken Brahmin of Panjokhra, in order to test the intellect of the Guru Ji, asked him to translate meanings of a passage from Gita. It is said that the Guru Ji blessed a passing by illiterate and dumb Chhaju Gunga to expound the meanings, which he exposed with extraordinary wisdom.Guru Har Krishan Ji remained on the throne of Guru Nanak Dev Ji for two and a half years. He left for heavenly abode at Delhi with smallpox at the age of eight on March 30th,1664.Gurdwara Bangla Sahib Ji was erected at the site where the Guru Ji stayed during his visit to Delhi. He was cremated on the bank of river Yamuna. Gurdwara Bala Sahib Ji was constructed there in memory of the Guru Ji. It is believed that just by looking at the Guru Ji all the pain would vanish. His Darshan healed the sick and the miserable. On the last day, as per practice, the Guru Ji wanted to appoint his successor. By pointing out for his successor, he said “Baba Bakale”. This meant that his successor Tegh Bahadur was at Baba Bakale.
Guru Har Rai Ji is the seventh Guru of the Sikhs. He was the grandson of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. He was born to father Baba Gurditta Ji and mother Nihal Kaur Ji. He was born on January 16th, 1630 at Kiratpur Sahib. He was married in 1697 B.S. (1640 A.D) He had two sons named Ram Rai and Har Krishan Ji. He was appointed to Gurgaddi on March 3rd, 1644. Guru Har Rai Ji followed the policy of non-violence and popularized the Sikh ideology of self-discipline and love of God. He consolidated the organisation of the Sikhs on peaceful lines. He started dispensary for the sick and poor people. He made Sikhism strong. He was kind hearted mounted with a fountain of love and tenderness. He believed that the greatest sin was to hurt others. He believed in serving Langar with humility and kindness. Once, Guru Har Rai Ji was called to Delhi by the Emperor Aurangzeb to yield to his cruel designs. The Guru Ji decided not to go to Delhi himself. He sent his elder son Ram Rai to meet with the Emperor and interpret Adi Granth Sahib Ji correctly if he was required to do so. Ram Rai was asked many questions about Sikh and Muslim religions. He did not want to annoy the Emperor. He performed miracles to win laurels from Aurangzeb. He even changed a line from Adi Granth Ji, “Mitti Musalman Ki” to “Mitti Be-Iman Ki” (The dust of Musalman to the dust of treacherous; pg-466) to please the Emperor. Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji Ji rejected the action of changing the sanctity of Gurbani. Due to un-Sikh action, Ram Rai was not found suitable for Guruship. The emperor pressed upon the Guru to accept claim of Ram Rai for Guruship. Ram Rai also tried to persuade his father. The Guru disagreed by saying, “The Guruship is like a tiger’s milk which can only be contained in a golden cup. Only he who is ready to devote his life there to is worthy of it. Let Ram Rai not look on my face again”. Before his eternal rest on October 6th, 1661, Guru Har Rai Ji nominated his younger son, Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji as his successor.
Guru Hargobind Ji is the Sixth Guru of the Sikhs. He was the only son of Guru Arjan Dev Ji. He was born on June 19th, 1595 at Guru Ki Wadali near Amritsar. He got his training in martial arts and spirituality from Baba Budha Ji Responsible for establishing the idea of inseparability of spiritual and temporal matters, the sixth Guru maintained an army for the purpose of protecting the poor and destroying tyrants. He constructed the Akal Takht Sahib, centre of temporal affairs in the Sikh religion, across from the Golden Temple in Amritsar. By this time, the Sikh community was a full-fledged social, religious, and political entity. Guru Hargobind Ji wore two swords of Miri (Temporal Power) and Piri (Spiritual Power) after martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji. He never allowed the temporal aspect to overpower spiritual aspect of his life. Guru Hargobind Ji transformed the Sikh saints into saint-soldiers. He gave a fine blend to the powers of Bhakti and Shakti. He called upon the Sikhs to protect human rights and stand for human liberty, equality and fraternity. Guru Hargobind Ji built Akal Takht Sahib in proximity of Sri Harmandar Sahib with the help of Baba Budha Ji and Bhai Gurdas Ji. He issued Hukams to the Sikhs to learn martial arts for self-defence. Guru Hargobind Ji fought many battles against atrocities of the Mughal Empire. He travelled extensively to preach the high limits of Sikhism. The Guru was arrested and put into Jail at Gawalior by the tyrant Mughals. He is called “Bandi Chhore” as he got 52 princes released from the Gawalior jail of the Mughals. On his release from jail, the residents of Amritsar illuminated Sri Harmandar Sahib Ji and fired crackers in rejoice. Since then, the Diwali festival is celebrated at Amritsar in memory of the Guru Ji. Out of total life of the Guru Ji, thirty-eight and a half years as pontificate Guru were full of historic events. Battles were thrusted upon him. Guru Hargobind Ji fought battles at Amritsar, Sri Hargobindpur, Lahira and Kartarpur. Sikh troops carried Nagara and Nishan Sahib Ji’s in the battles during the times of Guru Hargobind Ji. Guru Hargobind Ji shifted his head quarters from Amritsar to Kiratpur Sahib to get respite from the daily oppression caused by the Mughal forces. He left for his heavenly abode on March 2nd, 1644 at Kiratpur Sahib. Guru Har Rai Ji became the seventh Guru after the eternal rest of his grandfather Guru Hargobind Ji.
Guru Ram Das Ji is the fourth Sikh Guru. He was born at Chuna Mandi Lahore on September 24, 1534. The original name of Guru Ram Das Ji was Bhai Jetha Ji. He was son-in-law of Guru Amar Das Ji. He was married to Bibi Bhani Ji. He had three sons namely Prithi Chand, Mahan Dev and Arjan Dev. He was nominated to Gurgaddi on August 30th, 1574 at Goindwal. Guru Ram Das Ji emphasised the concept of selfless service to the humanity without any consideration of caste, colour, creed, gender and country. He put stress on high thinking and simple living. He gave the gift of “Four Lawan” to attain unity with God. Founder of the city of Amritsar, site of Harmandir Sahib Ji, Guru Ram Das Ji worked to ensure the city’s growth by encouraging commercial and trade ventures in the town. Soon, with the city flourishing as a trade centre and place of pilgrimage, the Sikhs had a distinct religious centre of their own. He excavated the pool of Harmandir Sahib Ji He founded the town of Guru Ka Chak, which later on came to be known as Amritsar. The Guru Ji invited people of different trades to do business in the newly set up town. He started the excavation of the holy Sarovar (Lake of immortality or pool of Nectar) of Sri Harmandir Sahib Ji at a place now called Darbar Sahib Ji or Golden Temple Amritsar. Sri Harmandar Sahib Ji is fountain of spirituality that strengthens the Sikh unity. He dedicated his life to preach Sikhism. He encouraged the Sikhs to become true Sikhs by singing the glory of God. He established the Massand institution to look after growth of Sikhism. Guru Ram Das Ji bestowed Guruship on his youngest son Arjan Dev Ji, after whom the Guruship became hereditary. He left for heavenly abode on September 1st, 1581 at Goindwal Sahib Ji.