Sikhism -- The Ten Sikh Gurus

Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was born in April 15, 1469 to a Hindu family in Talwandi, since called Nankana Sahib (now a part of Pakistan). Guru Nanak was an intelligent young boy who made friends with Hindu and Muslim children.

From an early age he was very inquisitive about the meaning of life. At age 13 he refused to accept the sacred cotton thread from the Hindu priest. During the ceremony, he uttered these words:

"Let mercy be the cotton, contentment the thread, Continence the knot and truth the twist. O priest! If you have such a thread, Do give it to me. It'll not wear out, nor get soiled, nor burnt, nor lost. Says Nanak, blessed are those who go about wearing such a thread" (Rag Asa)

As a young man, he would spend long hours absorbed in meditation and in religious discussions with Muslim and Hindu holy men. In the hope that he will take more interest in household affairs, his family decided he should marry. At age 16 he was married to Sulakhani and had two sons, Sri Chand and Lakshmi Chand.

Being a family man, he took up a job as an accountant in the stores of Daulat Khan Lodi, the Governor of Sultanpur. Guru Nanak would work very hard during the day, but very early in the mornings and late at night, he would meditate and sing hymns accompanied by his childhood friend Mardana, a Muslim, on the rabab (a string instrument). These sessions attracted the attention of many people, who started joining the two.

Early one morning Guru Nanak went to the river Bain for his bath accompanied by Mardana. After going into the river, Nanak did not surface and he was thought to have drowned. Villagers searched for him everywhere but not a trace of him could be found. After three days Guru Nanak appeared at the same spot from where he had disappeared. He was no longer the same person he had been and there was a divine light in his eyes and his face was resplendent. Guru Nanak was in the Holy Communion with God. The Lord God revealed Himself to Guru Nanak and enlightened him. He remained in a trance and said nothing. He quit his job and gave all his belongings to the poor. When he finally broke his silence he said "There is no Hindu, no Muslim".

Guru Nanak emerged from the experience having had a powerful vision of the nature of reality, Divinity and human existence. He recorded that vision in a song - known as Japji Sahib - the Song of the Soul. With Japji Sahib, humanity has a rare picture of what a Master experienced at the moment of his enlightenment described in his own words.

Then onwards, Guru Nanak began extensive travel to spread the message of God in the form of musical hymns. Guru Nanak chose this medium to propagate his message because it was easily understood by the population of the time.

He traveled throughout the Indian Subcontinent as well as abroad and visited places like Makkah, Medina and Baghdad. He toured the world, preaching Universal love and Oneness of Divinity. Bala and Mardana were the true followers of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. One was a Hindu and the other was Muslim.

In 1520, Babar attacked India. His troops had slaughtered thousands of innocent. Women and children were made captives and all their property stolen at Amiabad. Although he was a lover of peace, Guru Nanak did not hesitate to speak up against injustice.

In 1522 Guru Nanak settled down at Kartarpur city (now in Pakistan) that was founded by him and spent the rest of his life there. There was daily Kirtan (signing of hymns) and the institution of Langar (free community kitchen) was introduced.

Knowing that the end was drawing near, Guru Nanak, after testing his two sons and several followers, chose Bhai Lehna to be the Second Nanak in 1539.Guru Nanak blessed Lehna with his ang (hand) and gave him a new name, Angad.

After a few days, Guru Nanak felt his end was near, the Hindus told him "you are our guru we will cremate you." The Muslims told him, "you are our peer we will bury you."

To them Guru Nanak said; "You will put flowers on my either side, Hindus on my right, Muslims on my left. Those whose flowers remain fresh tomorrow will have their way."

Guru Nanak then asked people to pray and laid down covering himself with a sheet. In the morning Guru Nanak had passed. When his devout followers picked up the sheet covering his body, they found only flowers all of which were fresh. The Hindus took their flowers and cremated them, while the Muslims took their flowers and buried them.

It was September 22, 1539.

Guru Angad Dev was born on March 31, 1504 in a village called Harike in Ferozepur district of the Punjab. His father, Bhai Pheru was a trader. His parents fondly called him Lehna.

He was married at the age of fifteen to Khivi who was a native of Mattei di Sarai in Ferozepur district. Lehna's father grew weary of Harike so he took his family back to his ancestral place, Mattei di Sarai. Bhai Lehna had four children; two daughters named Amro and Anokhi, and two sons named Dasu and Datu.

Bhai Lehna and his father moved to Khadur (now a famous town near Tarn Taran) when Mattei di Sarai was attacked by the Mughals and Baloches. Bhai Lehna grew very religious under the influence of his mother, Daya Kaur, and was a devotee of Durga, the goddess of Shakti. He used to organize a yearly pilgrimage of devout Hindus to Jawalamukhi, a Durga temple in the lower Himalayas.

One day Lehna heard a Sikh named Bhai Jodha reciting the Japji, the early Morning Prayer composed by Guru Nanak. After finding out about Guru Nanak from Bhai Joda, Lehna decided to visit the Guru and pay his respects. Upon meeting Guru Nanak at the age of 27, Lehna became a devout disciple of Guru Nanak and renounced his former practices.

One day, Guru Nanak instructed Lehna to return to Khadur and instruct people in the ways of Sikhism. There Lehna spent his time in prayer and service to the people. He distributed food to the poor daily. As he was longing to be with Guru Nanak he eventually returned to Karthapur where he became totally devoted to the service of Guru Nanak. After undergoing countless tests, Guru Nanak eventually appointed Guru Angad as his successor on July 14, 1539.

After Guru Nanak's passing, Guru Angad had returned to Khadur where he went into seclusion and meditation for six months. Eventually a delegation of Sikhs led by Baba Buddha convinced the Guru that they needed him.

Mughal emperor Babur's son Humayun once stopped at Khadur to seek the Guru's blessings. When Humayan arrived, Guru Angad and the people were engrossed in singing religious hymns. Humayan became impatient and angry at being ignored and tried to take out his sword but it remained stuck in its scabbard.

Guru Angad then spoke to Humayun, ""Where was your sword when you were facing Sher Shah? Now when you have come amongst the priests, instead of saluting them respectfully, you want to draw your sword on them. In a cowardly manner you fled from the battle ground, now posing as a hero you wish to attack the priests engaged in their devotion. Humayun was humbled and asked for forgiveness and the Guru blessed him.

Guru Angad visited all important places and centres established by Guru Nanak for preaching Sikhism. Guru Angad's popularity continued to grow.

Guru Angad, by following the example of Guru Nanak, nominated a devout follower Amar Das Sahib as his successor. Guru Angad's two sons were unhappy with their father's decision but the Guru told them that the honor would go to Amar Das because he was the most worthy and humble.

Guru Angad breathed his last on March 29, 1552 at the age of forty-eight.

On April 5, 1479 at Basarka village in Amritsar district, Guru Amar Das was born. He was the eldest son of Bhai Tej Bhan and Mata Lakhmi. At 24, he was married to Mansa Devi and had two sons named Mohan and Mohri, and two daughters named Bibi Dani and Bibi Bhani.

Once Guru Amar Das heard Bibi Amro (the daughter of Guru Angad) singing the hymns of Guru Nanak. The hymns struck a chord deep in Guru Amar Das and he went to see Guru Angad at Khadur Sahib. Guru Amar Das then chose Guru Angad as his spiritual guide (Guru). He started living at Khadur Sahib and would rise early in the morning, fetch water from the Beas River for the Guru's bath and fetch wood from the jungle for the "Guru ka Langar" (the community kitchen).

Guru Angad appointed Guru Amar Das as third Nanak in March 1552 (Guru Amar Das was 73 at the time).

Guru Amar Das continued a planned expansion of the Sikh Institutions. He had trained a band of 146 apostles (52 were women) called Masands and sent them to various parts of the country. He also set up 22 dioceses called manjis across the country.

Guru Amar Das further established the free communal kitchen called Langar among the Sikhs. The langar kitchen was open to serve all day and night. Although rich food was served there, Guru Amar Das was very simple and lived on coarse bread.

Witnessing the rapid growth of Sikhism, Guru Amar Das requested his son-in-law and faithful follower Jetha to supervise the establishment of another city. He desired to have him to dig a reservoir there and to build himself a house.

Jetha first acquired the lands for 700 Akbari rupees from the Zamindars of Tung. On the land, he started the digging on the reservoir. This new settlement called Ramdaspur would in due time become present day Amritsar, which is the holiest city of the Sikhs.

Guru Amardas Sahib persuaded Akbar to waive off toll-tax (pilgrim's tax) for non-Muslims while crossing Yamuna and Ganga, Akbar did so. Guru Amardas maintained cordial relations with Emperor Akbar.

Sensing that his end was near, Guru Amar Das sent for Baba Buddha and other prominent Sikhs including his two sons Mohan and Mohri on September 1, 1574.

Guru Amar Das spoke. "According to the tradition established by Guru Nanak, the leadership of the Sikhs must go to the most deserving. I, therefore, bestow this honor on my son-in-law Jetha." Guru Amar Das then renamed Jetha as Ram Das, meaning Servant of God.

As per the custom Baba Buddha was requested to anoint the forehead of Amar Das with the saffron mark. All those who were present bowed before Guru Ram Das except Guru Amar Das's eldest son Mohan.

Guru Amar Das breathed his last on the day of the full moon on September 1, 1574. He was 95.

Guru Ram Das was born on September 24, 1534. He was the eldest son of God-fearing parents, Hari Das and Anup Devi of Lahore. He was fondly called Jetha meaning the first born, and he was a handsome young man.

Jetha could always be found in the company of religious men. One day Jetha came across a group of Sikhs who were travelling to Goindwal to pay homage to Guru Amar Das. Jetha decided to join them.

Guru Amar Das noticed the young Jetha at once due to his pleasant manner and deep sense of devotion. Jetha decided to stay and became a disciple of Guru Amar Das. He was a hardworking lad and his devotion eventually won him the hand of Bibi Bhani, Guru Amar Das' younger daughter. They went on to have three sons named Prithi Chand, Mahadev and Arjan Dev.

Guru Amar Das appointed Guru Ram Das the fourth Guru on September 1, 1574.

Guru Ram Das continued the building the city of Ramdaspur (the abode of Ram Das). He began digging a second sacred pool as he had been instructed by Guru Amar Das. Many Pilgrims came to hear the Guru and to help in the excavation work of the reservoir. The holy pool would be called Amritsar meaning pool of nectar. Today, Amritsar is the city which is the holiest center of Sikhism.

One day, Sahari Mal, the Guru's cousin from Lahore, invited the Guru to grace his son's wedding. The Guru could not go as he was very busy with his work, but he asked his eldest son, Prithi Chand to attend on his behalf. Prithi Chand refused to go as he thought he was being sent away in order to install his youngest brother Arjan as the next Guru. Arjan was a great favorite of the Guru.

Mahadev, the Guru's second son was then requested to go, but he also refused as he was a recluse and had no interest in worldly affairs. The Guru then asked his third son, Arjan Dev and the young man agreed to go to Lahore. Arjan Dev was instructed to stay on in Lahore after the wedding to look after the affairs of the Sikh Sangat there.

After some time, the young man started missing his father and the Guru, He wrote three letters, two of which were intercepted by his elder brother, Prithi Chand. A letter marked '3', reached the Guru and Arjan Dev was immediately recalled from Lahore. Guru Ram Das sensed what must have happened to the earlier two letters and he confronted his eldest son Prithi Chand. Initially, Prithi Chand denied any wrongdoing, but after being told about what the consequences might be, he confessed and gave the two letters he had intercepted to his father.

When Arjan Dev arrived from Lahore, Guru Ram Das embraced him and sent for five paise and a coconut. He placed these items before his youngest son. The Guru then stood from his seat and then seated his son in his place before the whole assembly of the Sikhs. Bhai Buddha then affixed the tilak (saffron mark) onto Arjan Dev's forehead, and he was proclaimed as Guru Arjan Dev. It was August, 1581.

After naming his son as his successor, Guru Ram Das left for Goindwal were he passed away a few days later. It was September 1, 1581.

Guru Arjan was the youngest son of Guru Ram Das and Bibi Bhani. He was born in Goindwal, a small town in Amritsar district, on April 15, 1563.

Once as a child, he found his way to the bed of Guru Amar Das who was resting. His mother ran to fetch him before he could disturb the Guru, but the Guru had already been awakened.

The Guru told the child's mother, "Let him come to me; 'yeh mera dohita bani ka bohita howega' - this grandson of mine shall be a ship to take mankind across the ocean of the world."

When Guru Arjan was 26, he was married to Ganga, who was the daughter of Krishen Chand, a resident of Meo village near Phillor in Jullundhur district. They had a son Hargobind.

Guru Ram Das began the excavation of two tanks named Santokhsar and Amritsar and started the foundation of the city of Ramdaspur. After his father's passing, Guru Arjan Dev worked hard to complete the tanks and extend the city. He would visit the work sites every day and supervise the work.

The Guru laid the foundation of Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in the middle of the tank of Amritsar. All of the Sikhs at the time wanted the structure to be the tallest building in the town but Guru Arjan Dev felt otherwise. He reminded the Sikhs that humility should be a great virtue.
The temple was therefore built on as low an elevation as was possible. In order to counter the Muslim belief that God's House is in the west and the Hindu belief that it is in the east where the sun rises, Harmandir Sahib had entrances on all four sides. Guru Arjan Dev said, "My faith is for the people of all castes and all creeds from whichever direction they come and to whichever direction they bow."

To help raise money for such monumental public works projects, Guru Arjan Dev declared that all Sikhs should donate 1/10th of their earnings to charity.

Guru Arjan Dev also embarked on the tremendous task of creating the Adi Granth, which became the precursor to the Siri Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh Holy Book). Acknowledging that the Shabad Guru was the center of the Sikh practice, Guru Arjan created an assemblage of sacred songs that included those of the pervious Sikh Gurus, songs from Hindu and Sufi mystics, and his own sacred compositions.

The town thrived and became very prosperous. However, there was a series of political maneuverings where the sovereignty of Guru Arjan Dev and his people were challenged by Mughal Emperor Jahangir. To protect the freedom of the community, Guru Arjan Dev allowed himself to be arrested and tortured for five days and five nights.

He was chained to a hot metal plate while his captors poured burning sand on his body. Guru Arjan Dev smiled the entire time. After five days and nights of torture, Guru Arjan Dev was permitted to bathe in a nearby river. Guru Arjan Dev dove into the water and dissolved into Light. His physical body was never seen again.

It was May 30, 1606.

Guru Hargobind was born near Amritsar at Wadali village on June 19, 1595. He was the only child of Guru Arjan Dev. He was installed as the 6th Guru on May 25, 1606 just days before his father's martyrdom.

During the ceremony wherein the young Hargobind was being installed as a Guru, the boy respectfully declined to wear a woolen cord worn around the head called the Seli. This Seli has been passed down to each Guru since Guru Nanak.

Instead of the Seli, the young Guru asked for a sword however, as Baba Buddha had never before handled a sword and placed it on the Guru's wrong side. The young Guru, noticing that the sword was on the wrong side, simply asked for another one saying, "I will wear two swords, a sword of shakti (power) and a sword of bhakti (meditation)." And the Guru wore two swords ever since which symbolized his dual role as a Guru holding Miri (secular powers) and Piri (spiritual powers).

In 1606, Guru Hargobind laid the foundation for the Akal Takht (God's Throne), a new temple in Amritsar. The temple faced Harmandir Sahib (the Golden Temple). A throne was built and the Guru would administer Sikh affairs in the Takht. It became the seat of temporal power which balanced the spiritual nature of the Golden Temple. There, the Guru raised two flags and told the Sikhs, "My rosary shall be my swordbelt and on my turban I shall wear the emblem of royalty."

The Guru started recruiting a regular army and the state within a state that was started by the earlier Gurus was consolidated by Guru Hargobind. Guru Hargobind supported the cause of the downtrodden Hindus and provided leadership to the oppressed people of Punjab. Because of this he fought 6 battles with the Mughals in the plains of the Punjab.

Many people came to him and many still joined his forces as they felt that no one else had the courage and the power to stand against the Emperor. In one of those battles the Guru had defeated 7,000 Mughal soldiers. He finally settled at Kiratpur. His reputation as a great military leader spread and ambassadors of the hill Rajas waited upon him.

Once while visiting the shrine of Guru Nanak, Guru Hargobind received the blessings of Guru Nanak's son, Baba Sri Chand. Soon after, Guru Hargobind was blessed with a child, a son, by the name of Gurditta, in 1613. Bibi Viro, the Guru's only daughter was born in 1615. Four years later, a second son, Suraj, was born. Another son was born a year later, Ani Rai and in 1620, Atul Rai was born. It was in 1622, his fifth son, Tegh Bahadur was born.

Guru Hargobind had fought and won four battles against the Mughals. And since his purpose for fighting had always been defensive, the Guru did not acquire even an inch of territory.

However the battles caused a great change in the character of the Sikhs who, alongside their rosaries, buckled on their swords in defense of their faith. A new spirit of heroism and thirst for independence had risen in the land. People now had the strength to resist the unjust power of the Mughal government who always showed religious discrimination against their non-Muslim subjects. The Guru was not only a divine messenger of God but was also a master of war.

Soon after the last battle, Guru Hargobind and his family left Kartarpur to retire to the out of the way town of Kiratpur in order to avoid further bloodshed.

Guru Hargobind then started training his grandson, Har Rai who was the other son of Baba Gurditta, the Guru's eldest son, as his natural successor. This was because the Guru's own sons Atal Rai and Gurditta had passed away. Suraj Mal and Ani Rai were too worldly while Tegh Bahadur much preferred solitude and meditation.

Har Rai was a devout young man and Guru Hargobind proceeded to train him both in the use of arms and in spiritual matters. At the age of fourteen Har Rai was ordained by Guru Hargobind as the seventh Sikh Guru.

Guru Hargobind bowed before Guru Har Rai as his successor. Soon after naming his successor, Guru Hargobind passed away March 3, 1644 having spent his lifetime transforming the Sikhs into soldier-saints.

Guru Harkrishan, the youngest son of Guru Har Rai and Krishan Kaur, was born on July 7, 1656. Before Guru Har Rai died, he had appointed his younger son Harkrishan, who was only five years old at the time, as Guru as opposed to his elder son Ram Rai. This was because Ram Rai had resorted to changing the words of the "Guru Granth Sahib" in order to please Emperor Aurangzeb.

When Ram Rai heard of Guru Har Kishen's succession to Guruship, he was at the royal court in Delhi. Ram Rai was inflamed with intense jealousy.The Guru's older brother Ram Rai then complained to emperor Aurengzeb that he had been prejudiced against because of his loyalty to the Emperor. Ram Rai bitterly complained that had not received his due share of the property of his father Guru Har Rai.

Ram Rai knew that his father, Guru Har Rai, instructed the young Guru Harkrishan never to meet Aurangzeb. Ram Rai then made plans to have the young Guru meet Aurangzeb so that he would be seen as to have gone against his father's wishes and would lose favor among the Sikhs. Ram Rai also knew that is the young Guru refused to come to Delhi, the emperor's forces would launch an attack on the young Guru.

Because of the friendly relations between Aurangzeb and Ram Rai, the emperor summoned Guru Harkrishan to appear before the royal court in Delhi. The Sikhs were apprehensive about allowing the young Guru to go.

Aurangzeb had sent Raja Jai Singh who was a high court official who was known to be devoted to the Gurus to escort Guru Harkrishan to Delhi. Raja Jai Singh assured the young Guru that he would not have to meet Aurangzeb personally. Raja Jai Singh also convinced Guru Harkrishan that there are a large number of Sikhs in Delhi who are anxious to see their Guru.

The young Guru Harkrishan than convinced the Sikhs at Kiratpur that he should go to Delhi. The Guru was accompanied by his mother and a group of devotees.

The Guru set out from Kiratpur. Along his journey, he stopped and waited for some Sikhs who had come to Kiratpur after his departure. Among those Sikhs were the maimed and those who had leprosy. The young Guru cured all by the mere touch of his hands.

At Panjokhra, a village near Ambala, there was a proud learned Brahmin, who without saluting the Guru, sat down in is presence. The Brahmin then said, "You who call yourself Sri Har Kishen, must be greater than Lord Krishna. Translate the Gita for me." Near them stood a man who was dumb and illiterate named Chhaju who was from the same village as the Brahmin. Chhaju was serving water in the kitchen of the Guru.

The Guru asked the Brahmin whether he preferred to have the young Guru translate Gita or if he would Chhaju do the job. The Brahmin thought, that Chhaju could not even talk, let alone translate. So he replied that Chhaju should do be the one.

The young Guru was always carrying a stick with him. He called Chhaju to come over, put his stick gently on the man's head and asked him to answer the Brahmin's questions. To the amazement of the Brahmin, Chhaju explained in detail each and every verse that the Brahmin asked. The Brahmin realized his errors and apologized to the young Guru for his indiscreet behavior.

Upon reaching Delhi, the Guru and his party were the guests of Raja Jai Singh who had promised to uphold their safety. Every single day large numbers of devotees would start flocking to see the Guru.

It was during this time that there was a smallpox epidemic in Delhi. The young Guru helped heal many of the sick until he himself became very ill.

On March 30, 1664 Guru Harkrishan decided it was time to announce his successor. The Guru asked for five coins and a coconut. He took them and being too weak to move, waved his hand three times in the air and said "Baba Bakala".

Guru Harkrishan then suddenly passed away. He was eight years old.

Guru Tegh Bahadur was the youngest son of the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind and Bibi Nanki. He was born at Amritsar on April 1, 1621.

As "Baba Bakala", was the only clue given by Guru Harkrishan as his successor, when the word reached the village Bakala, twenty-two Sodhis including Baba Dhir Mal, who was the grandson of Guru Har Gobind, set-up their shops and claimed themselves as the ninth Guru. This led to great confusion among the Sikhs as to who was the real Guru.

Around this time, Makhan Shah Labana of Jehlem district, who was a trade merchant, came to visit Bakala. When one of his vessels which was full of merchandise was sinking, he had invoked the name of Guru Nanak and had vowed to offer five hundred gold mohurs (coins) if his vessel reached the shore safely and it did.

Makhan Shah then came to the village of Bakala to fulfill his vow and pay his offering to the Guru. He was amazed to find that twenty-two Sodhis had installed themselves as Gurus. To avoid any sort of confusion and uncertainty, he resolved to try the impostors.

He decided to put two mohurs before each impostor. He knew that the real Guru, being the searcher of hearts, would ask for the balance of his promised offering. He visited all the 22 impostors and gave each and every one of them offering of two gold mohurs, but none of them asked for the balance.

Makhan Shah then inquired if there were any one else in Bakala. Someone informed him about Tegh Bahadur. Makhan Shah went to visit Tyag Mal and made his offering of two gold mohurs. Upon seeing the offering, Guru Tegh Bahadur asked, "How now, O Sikh, thou art trying to wheedle the Guru by presenting him with only two gold mohurs? Where are the balance of five hundred gold mohars you had promised when your ship was sinking?"

Mukhan Shah was delighted to have found the Guru and prostrated himself before him. He then went to the roof of the house and screamed, "Guru Ladho! Guru Ladho!" (I have found the Guru! I have found the Guru!)

Sikhs then flocked to see the Guru and present him with many gifts and offerings. However, Dhir Mal, the grandson of Guru Hargobind was not at all happy. He had waited long and in vain to be acclaimed as the next Guru as he had in his possession the original copy of the Guru Granth Sahib, the Holy Book written by Guru Arjan Dev. Dhir Mal even planned to assassinate Guru Teg Bahadur but failed. He was caught by devoted Sikhs and the Guru Granth Sahib was taken to Guru Teg Bahadur. The Guru believed in forgiveness and ordered that all of Dhir Mal's property, including the Guru Granth Sahib, be returned.

Guru Teg Bahadur then travelled to many places to visit the centers of Sikhism. At Amritsar, Guru Tegh Bahadur bathed in the sacred pool but was refused entry into the Golden Temple. The temple was under the control of Harji, grandson of another famous troublemaker to the Gurus, Prithi Chand.

Guru Tegh Bahadur then decided to journey back to Kiratpur where he encountered some Sodhi family jealousy. He then decided to create a new township.

The Guru acquired a tract of land from the raja of Kahlur and founded the town of Chak Nanaki in 1665. It was named in honor of his mother and would later become Anandpur Sahib. The Guru then continued his journeys to spread the message and teachings of Sikhism. He travelled to Kurukshetra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Bengal.

In December of 1666 while on an eastern tour Guru Tegh Bahadur received the news that he had been blessed with a child, a son named Gobind Rai.

In 1669-1670 Guru Tegh Bahadur traveled to Patna to see his young son Gobind Rai for the first time. Guru Tegh Bahadur spent over a year with his family. During this time he devoted himself to training his son in the Sikh scriptures, swordsmanship, and horse riding. Guru Tegh Bahadur then sent his family back to Punjab while he continued his missionary work. The Guru finally returned home to Anandpur Sahib in 1672. While the Guru was at Anandpur, things in the country were rapidly deteriorating under the tyranny of emperor Aurengzeb.

Aurengzeb was an orthodox Muslim who dreamed of purging India of all "infidels" and converting the country into a land of Islam. Aurengzeb was intolerant of other religions and proceeded on a brutal campaign of repression. Famous Hindu temples in the country were torn down and mosques built in their place. Hindu idols were placed along the steps of mosques to be stepped on by the feet of Muslim pilgrims. Aurangzeb issued many harsh decrees.

Even though Guru Nanak had refused to wear the Hindu sacred thread when he was young, the Gurus still believed in the freedom of religion and the right of the Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs to live in peace and practice their own religions
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Guru Tegh Bahadur then laid down the gauntlet in the fight for freedom of religion. He told the Pandits to inform Aurangzeb that the Brahmins would gladly accept and embrace Islam if Guru Tegh Bahadur can be convinced to convert to Islam.

Guru Tegh Bahadur made his preparations to leave for the royal court in Delhi. He bade farewell to his family and followers. He also dictated that his son Gobind Rai should be installed as the next Guru.

Accompanying the Guru on the trip to Delhi were Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Dyala and Bhai Sati Das. Aurangzeb ordered the immediate arrest of the Guru as soon as he heard of the news. Guru Tegh Bahadur, and those travelling with him, were arrested soon after they left Anandpur Sahib and taken in chains to Delhi.

The emperor tried many times to convince Guru Teg Bahadur to embrace Islam. He was unsuccessful and ordered the Guru be tortured. After five days of torture, the most heinous torture was committed on the 10th of November.

Bhai Mati Das was bound between two pillars and his body was cut with a saw. When the executioners put saw on his head, he began to recite Japji (the first Bani in Guru Granth Sahib). Bhai Dayala was boiled to death in a cauldron of hot water. It is said that the third companion Bhai Sati Das was roasted alive with cotton wrapped around his body. The authorities thought that these tortures of his Sikhs might shake the Guru but it did not. Jaita, a Rangreta Sikh of Delhi, collected the remains of these martyrs and consigned them to the river Yamuna flowing nearby.

The final chance was given to the Guru, "You are to accept the religion of Islam or show a miracle. If you work a miracle, you may remain a Guru. If you accept Islam, then you will be advanced to an exalted position. If you fail to accept these offers, you shall be put to death. This is the final decision."

The Guru emphasized, "I will never abandon my faith. I want no honor in this life; I want honor hereafter. The threat of death possesses no terrors for me. For death I am prepared and I cheerfully accept it."

It was ordered that the Guru should be executed. Many people turned out to witness the execution. The Guru was then taken out of his cage and allowed to perform his ablutions. He then sat under the banyan-tree where he recited Japji. The executioner took his sword and severed Guru's head from the body.

This happened on the afternoon of November 11, 1675 at Chandni Chowk, Delhi where now stands Gurdwara Sis Ganj.

The tenth and the last Guru of the Sikh faith, was born Gobind Rai Sodhi on 22 December 1666 at Patna, in Bihar. His father, Guru Tegh Bahadur, the Ninth Guru, was then travelling across Bengal and Assam.

Guru Tegh Bahadur's martyrdom had symbolized the resistance to the tyranny of Muslim rule in favor of a new society. The young Guru, Gobind Rai, decided to combat evil and uphold righteousness. He thus ordered his followers to make use of the sword if all other means fail to liquidate the wicked.

The Guru also instructed his followers to lead a well-meaning and disciplined life. He, like his predecessors, rose early in the morning and performed his devotions.

After hearing of what had happened to his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur, in Delhi, Guru Gobind decided to inculcate the martial spirit among his followers. As Guru Tegh Bahadur, had ordained his son as the next guru, before his departure to Delhi, Gobind Rai was formally installed as the tenth Guru on Vaisakhi, 11 November 1675

Guru's increasing influence and power worried Raja Bhim Chand of Bilaspur (Kahlur), in whose territory Anandpur was located. Listening to his Prime Minister's advice, Bhim Chand arranged a meeting with the Guru in Anandpur.

He was received with honor in the Guru's presence. He saw the precious offerings and gifts that devotees were presenting to the Guru. Later, Bhim Chand sent a message to the Guru, asking him to lend an elephant called Prasadi (a gift from a devotee) to him.

The Guru, suspecting that Bhim Chand wanted to gain permanent possession of the elephant, declined his demand. The Raja was perturbed by the Guru's refusal to give away the elephant, his growing influence, and his interest in military exercises. An atmosphere of confrontation developed between the two.

In April 1685, Guru Gobind Rai decided to move to Paonta in Sirmur state at the invitation of Raja Mat Prakash of Sirmur. However, the hostility between Bhim Chand and the Guru continued and even increased during the Guru's stay at Paonta. Everything came to a head on the Battle of Bhangani near Paonta.

Bhim Chand was supported by other hill Rajas, including Fateh Shah of Garhwal, Kirpal of Katoch, Gopal of Guler (or Guleria), Hari Chand of Hadur and the Raja of Jaswal. Bhim Chand was also aided by some defected Pathans who had been employed by the Guru. The Guru's army consisted of his disciples, some Udasis, some Pathans, and around 700 followers of Pir Budhu Shah of Sadhaura. The Battle of Bhangani was won by the Guru and his army.

Sometime in the 1680s, in order to meet the expenses of his campaigns in Deccan, the Mughal emperor Aurangazeb had ordered the recovery of annual tributes from the rulers of hill states, who had been defaulting on the payment for the past 3 years. Raja Bhim Chand of Bilaspur (Kahlur) refused to pay the tribute. He formed an alliance with the local rulers opposed to the Mughals. The Guru also agreed to support him. In the Battle of Nadaun, the armies of the emperor were defeated by the allied forces of Bhim Chand, the Guru and other hill Rajas.

In 1694, Dilawar Khan who was the Mughal chief of Punjab, sent his son with an army of one thousand men to Anandpur, to check the rising power of the Guru. As the army crossed the Satluj River, the Guru's scout Alam Chand (aka Alam Singh) alerted the Guru's forces. The Ranjit Nagara (battle drum) was beaten, and the Guru's men quickly marched to the river, forcing the Mughal army to retreat back.

The Guru sent Hukamnamas (letters of authority) to his followers all over the country to visit Anandpur at the Baisakhi festival on March 30, 1699. It seemed as if the whole of Punjab was on the move; and people came from all parts of the country.

A small tent was pitched on a small hill that is now known as Kesgarh Sahib at Anandpur and an open-air assembly was held. The Guru drew his sword and said, "Is there present a true Sikh who would offer his head to the Guru as a sacrifice?"

This unusual request caused terror among those gathering and the people were stunned. There was dead silence. The Guru made a second call. Nobody came forward. There was still more silence
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At the third call Daya Ram, a Sobti Khatri of Lahore, arose and humbly walked behind the Guru to a tent nearby. The Guru returned with his sword dripping with blood, and asked for another head. Dharam Das, a Jat from Hastinapur, came forward. Guru Gobind Singh made three more calls. Muhkam Chand, a washerman from Dvarka, Himmat, a water-carrier from Jagannath puri, and Sahib Chand, a barber from Bidar (in Karnataka) responded one after another and offered their heads.

All the five were led back into the tent dressed alike in saffron colored attire with their heads wrapped with neatly tied turbans that were similarly dyed. They had swords dangling by their sides.

After the Guru had administered Amrit to his Five Beloved Ones, he stood up in supplication and with folded hands, begged them to baptize him in the same way as he had baptized them.

He himself became their disciple (Wonderful is Guru Gobind Singh, himself the Master and himself the disciple). The Panj Piyare (Five Beloved Ones) were astonished at such a proposal, and represented their own unworthiness, and the greatness of the Guru, whom they deemed God's representative upon earth. He gave the Sikhs the name Singh (lion) or Kaur (princess).

They were required to wear the five symbols of the Khalsa. The five "Ks" were, "kes" (long hair and beard), "kangha" a comb to keep the hair tidy, "Kara" a steel bangle, "kacchha" short breeches, and the "kirpan" a sword.

They were tasked to help the helpless and fight oppressors. They were also told to have faith in one God and to consider all humans as equal irrespective of their caste and creed.

Guru Gobind Rai then received the rites of initiation from the Panj Piaras who were now invested with the authority as Khalsa. Guru Gobind Rai then became Guru Gobind Singh.

Further commands were laid down for the Sikhs. They must never cut or trim their hair and beard, nor smoke tobacco. A Sikh must not have sexual relationship outside the marriage, nor eat the flesh of an animal killed slowly in the Muslim way or in any sacrificial ceremony.

The formation of the military order Khalsa alerted the Rajas of the Sivalik Hills. They agreed and united to evict the Guru from the region, but their attempts proved futile.

The rise of the Khalsa continued to give the Hill Rajas and the Mughals cause for worry and there were many instances of tension.
In March 1704 there was an attack on Anandpur. It was the time of the harvest and many of the Guru's people were out in their fields. Although the Guru was assisted by two of his Muslim admirers, Maimun Khan and Saiyad Beg, his men were outnumbered and he decided to vacate Anandpur. The Mughals then looted the city and they proceeded to Sirrhind. However, on their way back, the Guru's forces were able to meet them and all that was looted was brought back to Anandpur.

The hill chiefs then decided to approach the Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb, through his Governor in Punjab, Wazir Khan, to help them subdue the Guru.

The imperial forces finally attacked Anandpur in 1705. They laid a siege around the city. After a few days of the beginning of the siege, Raja Ajmer Chand sent his emissary to the Guru, offering withdrawal of the siege, in return for Guru's departure from Anandpur. The Guru refused.
However, as many of the Guru's followers were already suffering from lack of food and other supplies, they asked him to accept the proposal. As more and more followers pressured the Guru to accept Ajmer Chand's offer, the Guru sent a message to Ajmer Chand offering to evacuate Anandpur. There was a condition that the allied forces would allow his treasury and other property to be taken outside the city.

The allied forces accepted the proposal. The Guru, in an attempt to test their honesty, sent a caravan of loaded bullocks outside the fort. The allied forces attacked the caravan and tried to steal the treasures within only to find that the caravan contained rubbish. The Guru then refused to leave Anandpur and rejected any other proposals.

Emperor Aurangzeb then sent a signed letter to the Guru. He swore on the Quran, that the Guru and his followers would be given safe passage if he agreed to evacuate Anandpur. The Guru, now under extreme pressure from his followers and his family, accepted the offer, and evacuated Anandpur on December 20 to 21, 1705.

The first evening after the Guru's contingent left Anandpur, they were attacked. After some skirmishes, the Guru and his devotees reached the Sirsa River. As the river was flooded, the group could not stay together.

Guru Gobind Singh's mother and his two younger sons, Fateh Singh and Zarowar Singh, drifted away from the main group. The Guru's old servant named Gangu, escorted them to his village Kheri.

The Guru, with his two sons, and some other Sikhs, managed to cross the river and reached the Ghanaula village on the other side of the river. He made his way to the fortress of Chamkaur where he decided to face his pursuers.

The imperial troops attacked the fortress at Chamkaur in December 1705, leading to the battle of Chamkaur. The two elder sons of Guru Gobind Singh, Ajit Singh and Jujhar Singh, died in the battle.

The Guru asked his remaining disciples to get ready for the final charge, and die fighting. But his disciples insisted that his survival was paramount for the survival of the Khalsa, and planned his escape from Chamkaur. The Guru managed to escape.

Meanwhile, Guru's mother Mata Gujri and the Guru's two younger sons were captured by Wazir Khan, the governor of Sirhind. The two boys were killed after refusing to convert to Islam, and Mata Gujri died soon after hearing of her grandsons' deaths.

After making his way to Dina, the Guru received a letter from Aurangzeb, asking him to come to Deccan to discuss the situation. The Guru was wary of Aurangzeb, who had not only beheaded his father but whose army attacked him at Anandpur in spite of an oath in the name of Quran.
The Guru rejected the Aurangzeb's offer, and wrote a long letter in Persian, titled "Zafarnamah" (the Epistle of Victory). In the letter, the Guru reminded Aurangzeb of his misdeeds, and condemned the treacherous acts of the Mughals.

In response to the Guru's Zafarnamah, Aurangzeb had expressed his wish to meet the Guru in person. The Guru then left for Deccan in October 1706 to meet Aurangzeb. On his way to Ahmednagar, where the Emperor was encamped, the Guru received the news of Aurangzeb's death on March 1707, and decided to return to Punjab.

After the emperor's death, there was a war of succession between his sons. The third son, Mohammad Azam declared himself the Emperor. The second son Muazzam, who later became Emperor Bahadur Shah set out from Peshawar to claim the throne. Muazzam had sought Guru's help in securing the throne, and had promised to pursue a policy of religious tolerance towards the non-Muslims. The Guru agreed.

Muazzam ascended the throne as Bahadur Shah. He invited Guru Gobind Singh for a meeting which took place at Agra on 23 July 1707. The Guru was received with honor and was given the title of Hind Ka Pir (the Saint of India). However, Guru Gobind Singh was not happy with Bahadur Shah's friendly attitude towards Wazir Khan of Sirhind.

Wazir Khan, the Nawab of Sirhind, felt uneasy about any conciliation between Guru Gobind Singh and Bahadur Shah so he commissioned two Pathans, Jamshed Khan and Wasil Beg, to assassinate the Guru.

The two secretly pursued the Guru and got an opportunity to attack him at Nanded. Jamshed Khan had stabbed the Guru on his left side below the heart while he was resting in his chamber.Guru Gobind Singh managed to kill his attacker with his sabre, while the fleeing companion was killed by Sikhs who had rushed to the Guru's aid.

A European surgeon was sent by Bahadar Shah. The surgeon successfully stitched the Guru's wound. However, the wound re-opened and bled profusely after the Guru tugged at a strong bow after a few days. Sensing that his end was near, Guru Gobind Singh declared the Granth Sahib as the next Guru of the Sikhs.

The Guru died along with his horse Dilbag on the 7th of October, 1708 at Nanded.

On June 21, 2011 a Squid Angel Rajays blessed this lens. I would like to thank you, Rajays.