Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji
Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Guru of the Sikhs, was born on April 15, 1563, in Goindwal, Punjab. He played a pivotal role in shaping the spiritual and social foundations of Sikhism. Guru Arjan Dev Ji compiled the Adi Granth, the holy scripture of Sikhism, which later became the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. He also oversaw the construction of the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar, symbolizing openness and equality as it was built with four doors welcoming people from all walks of life.
Guru Arjan Dev Ji preached the values of humility, devotion, service, and compassion. His teachings emphasized the remembrance of God (Naam Simran), honest living, and sharing with others. During his time, the Sikh community grew in spiritual strength and identity.
However, Guru Arjan Dev Ji faced severe persecution under the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. Refusing to renounce his faith or alter Sikh teachings, he was arrested, tortured, and ultimately attained martyrdom on June 16, 1606. His sacrifice marked a turning point in Sikh history, inspiring resilience and courage among followers. Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s legacy continues to guide Sikhs in living a life of truth, justice, and unwavering faith in Waheguru.
Birth
April 15, 1563, in Goindval, Punjab
Father: Guru Ram Das Ji (4th Guru Ji)
Mother: Mata Bhani Ji – Daughter of Guru Amar Das Ji (3rd)
Siblings : Prithi Chand and Mahadev
Guru Arjan Dev Ji was born into a family with deep spiritual roots. From Birth, he realised God through the Guru’s teachings. He was the first guru who was born within a Guru’s house.
Dohita Bani Da Bohita
Guru Amar Das Ji remarked, “Eh kehda vada purakh hai bhari?” (“Which great soul is this?”)
Mata Bhani Ji hurried in and said, “Pitaji, he is your doheta(son of the daughter).”
Guru Amar Das Ji laughed and responded, “Doheta Banni ka boheta,” meaning, “My grandson shall be a vessel to carry people across the ocean of life.”
Guruship
A Sikh attendant carried the baby away, but Arjan returned shortly after. This happened a second time, with the baby again being removed.
When Arjan persisted and entered the room a third time, Guru Amar Das Ji handed him the tray, remarking that the child would inherit it one day, so he might as well start now.
Guru Arjan dev ji became the 5th Guru in 1581 at the age of 18. This angered his older brother Prithi Chand.
Compilation of the Adi Granth
Guru Arjan Dev Ji decided to compile the authentic hymns of the Sikh Gurus to guide his followers.
Guru Arjan Dev Ji dictated hymns to Bhai Gurdas, who wrote them down.
The hymns were organized by Ragas (musical measures), with the verses of Guru Nanak (Mohalla 1) appearing first, followed by those of the subsequent Gurus.
The compilation included hymns from the first five Sikh Gurus, Hindu saints (both Brahmins and Sudras), Muslim Sufis and Bhatts.
Construction of Harmandir Sahib
Guru Arjan dev ji completed the unfinished work of excavation and appointed Bhai Buddha ji for construction of Harmandir sahib at the middle of the Sarovar.
Guru ji emphasized inclusivity and humility, with the harmandir Sahib situated lower than the surrounding land. Guru ji explained, “Hari Mandar should be the lowest because what is humble, shall be exalted. The more a tree is covered with fruit, the more its branches descend to the earth.”
Foundation of the Golden temple was Laid by: Mian Mir, a Muslim saint, at the request of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, highlighting the spirit of interfaith harmony.
Guruship
Bhai Buddha was appointed as the first Granthi.
Guru Arjan Dev Ji and Emperor Akbar
Some qazis and pundits, feeling threatened by Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s growing influence, falsely accused him of blasphemy. They claimed the Adi Granth insulted Hindu and Muslim prophets and complained to Emperor Akbar.
Upon summon by Akbar Guru Arjan Dev Ji sent Bhai Buddha and Bhai Gurdas to present the Adi Granth to Emperor Akbar and read him the hymns.
The Emperor, moved by the spiritual depth of the hymns, found nothing but love and devotion to God in the Adi Granth. Akbar declared the Adi Granth a text worthy of reverence and honored Bhai Buddha and Bhai Gurdas with Siropas.
Akbar visited Guru Arjan Dev Ji in Amritsar. Charmed by the Guru’s saintly demeanor and hospitality, Akbar partook in a simple meal with the Guru, showing respect and humility.
Guru Arjan Dev Ji highlighted the plight of farmers suffering from famine in Punjab. Akbar remitted the land revenue for that year, showcasing his benevolence and regard for the Guru.
Guru Arjan Dev Ji and Emperor Jahangir
Emperor Akbar nominated his grandson Khusro, bypassing his son Jahangir. Khusro claimed Punjab and Afghanistan, which Jahangir opposed. Jahangir ordered Khusro’s arrest, but he escaped and visited Guru Arjan Dev Ji at Tarn Taran for help. Guru Arjan provided him with food and shelter.
Chandu Lal, Akbar’s financial advisor, resented Guru Arjan due to a failed marriage alliance between his daughter and the Guru’s son, Hargobind. Chandu played a key role in the torture of Guru Arjan Dev Ji.
Guru Arjan’s elder brother, Prithia, harbored jealousy and animosity towards him. Prithia and his son Meharban fueled Jahangir’s suspicions, falsely accusing Guru Arjan of supporting Khusro and converting Hindus and Muslims. These allegations gave Jahangir an excuse to act against the Guru.
Guru Arjan Dev ji was arrested by Mughal Emperor Jahangir in 1606 on charges of sedition and blasphemy and subjected to severe torture over several days.
Shaheedi of Guru Arjan Dev Ji
Day 1: Deprived of food, water, and sleep.
Day 2: Boiled in a copper vessel.
Day 3: Burned with red-hot sand.
Day 4: Roasted on a red-hot iron plate.
Day 5: Disappeared into the River Ravi during an ablution request.
Guru Arjan Dev Ji remained calm and unperturbed, accepting his suffering as God’s will.
Guru Arjan Dev Ji set an unparalleled example of fortitude and faith. His martyrdom highlighted the principles of justice, compassion, and unwavering devotion to God.
“Sweet be Thy Will, my Lord.
Nanak beseeched the gift of Naam.”
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Disclaimer
While we took care of verifying the facts and picked information from credible sources only. We apologise for any misrepresentation of facts. May Waheguru ji bless us to publish the correct history.