Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji was born on 19 June 1595 in a Sodhi
Khatri family at Guru Ki Wadali, a village 7 Kilometers west of Amritsar, the
only son of the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arja. He was the sixth among the ten
Gurus of Sikhism. He became a Guru at the young age of eleven, after this
father, Arjan was executed by the Mughal Empire Jhangir.
Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji began the process of Militarization
in Sikhism, possibly as a reaction to his father's execution and to protect the
sikh community. He symbolized this by wearing two swords, which represented the
dual concept of Miri and Piri (temporal power and authority). In front of
Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji built the Akal Takht
(Timeless Throne). Akal Takht today represents the supreme worldly authority of
the khalsa.
Guru Hargobind Singh Information
Information is given in the table below:
|
Topic
|
Information
|
|
Name
|
Guru
Hargobind Singh
|
|
Date
of Birth
|
19th
July,1595
|
|
Place
of Birth
|
Guru
ki Wadali, Amritsar, Punjab
|
|
Father’s
Name
|
Guru
Arjan Dev
|
|
Mother’s
Name
|
Mata
Ganga
|
|
Wives
Name
|
Damodari,
Nanaki Marvahi
|
|
Death
|
28th
February,1644 (Kiratpur Sahib, Punjab) |
Why Do We Celebrate Guru Hargobind Ji’s Birthday
Guru Hargobind Jayanti is celebrated to commemorate the
birth anniversary of Guru Hargobind Singh Ji, the sixth of Guru Sikhism. The
celebration of Guru Hargobind's birthday holds significant importance for Sikhs
and followers of the sikh faith. Here are some reasons why did this day is
celebrated:
- Honoring the Guru: Guru Hargobind Jayanti is a time for
Sikhs to honor and pray tribute to Guru Hargobind Singh for his contributions
to sikhism. It is an occasion to remember his teachings, his leadership and his
role in shaping sikh history.
- Celebrating Spiritual and Temporal Authority: Guru Hargobind
Singh is revered for his concept of Miri-Piri, which represents the synthesis
of spiritual and temporal authority. His emphasis on the martial aspect of
Sikhism alongside spirituality is celebrated during Guru Hargobind Birthday.
- Promotion of sikh value: The celebration of Guru Hargobind
Jayanti serves as a reminder of the values and principle that Guru Hargobind Singh
stood for, including justices, equality and defending the rights of the
oppressed. It is an opportunity for sikhs to reflect on these values and strive
to embody them in their lives.
- Community Gathering: Guru Hargobind Jayanti brings the Sikh
community together in celebration and unity. It is a time for families and
communities to come together, attend prayers and kirtans and participate in
langer as a symbol of unity and solidarity.
- Inspiration of Future Generations: By commemorating Guru
Hargobind Jayanti, Sikhs seek to inspire future generations to uphold the
teachings and legacy of Guru Hargobind Singh. His courage, wisdom, and
commitment to justice serve as a source of inspiration for Sikhs around the
world.
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What is Significance of Guru Hargobind Singh
Guru Hargobind Singh was the sixth of the ten Sikh Guru. He
played a significant role in shaping Sikhism and Sikh history. Here are some of
the key aspects of his significance:
- Military Leadership: Guru Hargobind Singh is known as
transforming the sikh community into a material force. He organized a standing
army to defend the Sikh faith and its followers against persecution by the
Mughal rulers of the time. He is often depicted wielding two swords,
symbolizing both spirituals and temporal authority.
- Concept of Miri-Piri: Guru Hargobind introduces the concept
of Miri-Piri, which represents the synthesis of spirituals and temporal aspects
of life. He emphasized that a Sikh should not only pursue spiritually but also
be prepared to defend their faith and rights when necessary. This physiology
became integral to Sikh tradition and ethos.
- Construction of Akal Takht: Guru Hargobind constructed the
Akal Takht (Throne of the Timeless One) adjacent to the Harmandir Sahib (Golden
Temple) in Amritsar. Akal Takht served as the seat of temporal authority for
the sikh, where matters of community and governance were discussed and
decisions were made.
- Freedom of Religion: Guru Hargobind advocated for the
freedom of religious intolerance prevalent during his time. He stood against
the oppression of both Hindus and Sikhs by the Mughal authorities.
- Legacy of Resistance: Guru Hargobind’s defiance against the
Mughal rulers set a precedent for Sikh resistance against tyranny and
oppression. His stance inspired future Sikh leaders, including Guru Govind
Singh, who further solidified the material spirit of the sikh community.
History of Guru Hargobind Ji
According to Sikh hagiography, Hargobind survived two
attempts at poisoning by his uncle Prithi Chand and his wife, Karmo, as well as
another attempt on his life, when a cobra was thrown at him by Prithvi Chand.
In the first attempts at poisoning, Karmo sent his personal nurse to pretend to
be interested in caring for baby Hargobind. However, the nurse had put poison
around his nipple which was supposed to Harm Hargobind as he was stucking it,
but the young boy refused to hold it and thus the nurse’s plan failed and he
himself Fell ill from the poison. In the second poison plan, a snake charmer
was sent by Prithi Chand and his wife to kill young Hargobind by releasing a
snake on him, but the young boy is said to have held the snake with its head in
his hand. Caught him and pressed him. That was until it died. The third attempt
on his life was made by a Brahmin directed by prithvi chand and his wife, the
Bhramin planned to feed baby Hargobind by mixing poison with the curd, but when
he attempted to do so, Hargobind broke the curd. From the Brahmins grip he fell
to the floor, where there was a dog- Whose name is the Pista. He ate some of it
and died as a result of it being exposed to dangerous ingredients. Then the
Brahmin died of stomach pain.
Hargobind studied religious texts with Bhai Gurdas and was
trained in fencing and archery by Baba Budda. He was also instructed in various
languages, religious philosophy, astronomy, medicine, horsemanship and
administration. Hargobind spent a large part of his early years immersed in the
hymns sung at the Harmandir Sahib complex in Amritsar.
On 25th May 1606, Guru Arjan, five days before his death,
chose his son Hargobind as his successor and instructed his son to start a
military tradition to protect the sikh people and protect himself. Always be
surrounded by armed Sikhs. Shortly afterward, Arjan was arrested, tortured and
executed by order of the Mughal emperor Jahangir. The succession ceremony of
Guru Hargobind took place on 24 June 1606. He held two swords: one represented
his spiritual authority (Piri) and the other, his temporal authority (Miri). He
followed the advice of his martyr father and always surrounded himself with
armed Sikhs for protection.The number fifty-two has special in his life and
retinue include fifty-two armed men. Thus he established the military tradition
in Sikhism.
Hargobind had three wives, Damobar, Nanki and Marwahi. He
had children from three wives. His two eldest sons by the first wife died
during his lifetime. Guru Teg Bahadur, son of Nanki, became the ninth Sikh
Guru. The Sodhis of Anandpur sahib are descendants of Baba Suraj Mal Sodhi, one
of the sons of Guru Hargobind.
The Guru was a martial artist (Sastravidya). He encouraged
people to maintain physical fitness and keep their bodies ready for physical
combat. He had his own court. Arming and tradition some of his devoted
followers began. The Guru had seven hundred horses and his Risaldari (Cavalry)
increased to three hundred horsemen and sixty gunners.
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In Conclusion, Guru Hargobind Singh Jayanti commemorates the birth
anniversary of the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Singh Ji, who played a pivotal
role in shaping Sikh history and philosophy. As we reflect on his life and
teachings we are reminded of his significant contributions to Sikhism,
particularly his emphasis on the principle of self-defense, righteousness, and
spiritual sovereignty.