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Guru Har Gobind Ji

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The Sixth Sikh Guru - Saint and Warrior

Guru Hargobind Sahib became the sixth Guru of the Sikhs at a tender of 11 after the untimely death of his father Guru Arjan Dev Ji in 1606.

During his 38 years of Guruship, the Guruji transformed the gentle Sikh saints into saint-soldiers to fight for human rights and oppose the tyranny of the Mughal forces. He created the Akal Takht, God's throne, and conducted Sikh affairs from there. He also fought many battles against the Mughal oppressors and spread the teachings of Nanak and Sikhism far and wide.

Even though the Guruji engaged in warfare, he never once diverted away from the teachings of his predecessors and showed that the spirit of Nanak lived through him like the other Gurus. He introduced the belief that temporal power and spiritual power can be practiced side by side for the betterment of humankind.

Guru Har Gobind was born on 19 June, 1595 in Amritsar, Punjab. He was the youngest son of Guru Arjan Dev Ji and Mata Ganga Ji.

He was invested with the Guruship on May 25, 1606 just days before his fathers martyrdom. From a young age he was educated in the sciences, sports and religion as his father had insisted. Baba Buddha was responsible for overseeing the Guru's religious teachings.

It is said that Guru Hargobind had three wives but this information is disputed. Guru Tegh Bahadur was his son with Mata Nanki.

The Akal Takht

God's Throne

The Akal Takht was constructed in 1606 by Guru Har Gobind Sahib. The Akal Takht (God's Throne) was constructed infront of the Harmandir Sahib.

There he sat on a raised platform of twelve feet, attired in princely clothes and administered the daily affairs of the Sikhs from there. Guru Har Gobind donned the royal regalia of a King and was known by the Sikhs as Sacha Padshah (The True King).

The Two Swords

The Miri and Piri

After the cruel torture and death of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Guru HarGobind found the need to militarize the Sikh order to protect others from oppression. He chose to carry 2 swords with him at all times. He declared that the two swords signified "Miri" and "Piri", "Temporal Power" and "Spiritual Power", one which would smite the oppressor and the other which would protect the innocent.

Guru Hargobind Sahib transformed the Sikh saints into saint-soldiers. He gave a fine blend to the powers of Bhakti (faith) and Shakti (power). He called upon the Sikhs to protect human rights and stand for human liberty, equality and fraternity.

Teachings of Sikhism

I highly recommend reading this book to get a very comprehensive understanding about the teachings of Sikhism.

Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji

Militarisation of the Sikh Order

After the cruel torture and death of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Guru Hargobind Sahib transformed the Sikh saints into sikh-soldiers.

He realized that the Sikhs will no longer take their freedom for granted. He called upon the Sikhs to protect human rights and stand for human liberty, equality and fraternity.

He issued Hukamnamas (orders) to the Sikhs to learn martial arts for self defense and keep horses and carry weapons. In due time, the Guru had a personal bodyguard of 57 horsemen and kept 700 horses, 60 gunmen and 500 infantry men.

Guru Hargobind Sahib - The Warrior

Guru Hargobind fought four battles in his lifetime. He fought to destroy tyranny and help the oppressed. The Guruji was victorious in all his battles.

The Guruji fought the battle of Amritsar, Sri Hargobindpur, Guru Sar Marajh and Kartarpur.

Guru - Fighting Battles

Video - Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji

Guru Hargobind Ji: by ysderby | video info