Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, was born on December 22, 1666, in Patna, India, and played a pivotal role in shaping Sikhism and the Sikh community. He succeeded his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, as the Guru at the young age of nine after Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji sacrificed his life to protect the religious freedom of non-Muslims.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji faced numerous challenges during his lifetime, as the Sikh community was persecuted by the Mughal rulers who sought to suppress religious diversity. In response to the prevailing tyranny and to instill courage and resilience in the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh Ji initiated the Khalsa on April 13, 1699, during the Vaisakhi festival. This event marked the formal establishment of the Khalsa, a community of initiated Sikhs committed to upholding the principles of Sikhism and defending the rights of all.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s creation of the Khalsa was a transformative moment in Sikh history. He baptized the first five Khalsa members, known as the Panj Pyare, and infused them with a sense of duty, fearlessness, and commitment to righteousness. The Guru bestowed upon them the unique identity of the “Five Beloved Ones,” requiring them to adopt the five symbols, also known as the Five Ks – Kesh (uncut hair), Kara (steel bracelet), Kanga (wooden comb), Kachera (cotton undergarments), and Kirpan (ceremonial sword).
The establishment of the Khalsa transformed Sikhs into a formidable and disciplined community, ready to defend their faith and stand against injustice. Guru Gobind Singh Ji himself exemplified unparalleled bravery and leadership throughout his life. He composed numerous hymns and writings, including the celebrated Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, and the Dasam Granth, a collection of his own compositions.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji was not only a spiritual leader but also a skilled warrior and military strategist. He actively defended the Sikh community against persecution and fought battles to ensure the survival of religious freedom. The Guru’s military prowess and commitment to justice became evident in his leadership during the battles of Bhangani, Nadaun, and Chamkaur.
The sacrifices made by Guru Gobind Singh Ji and his family were profound. His four sons – Sahibzada Ajit Singh, Sahibzada Jujhar Singh, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh, and Sahibzada Fateh Singh – displayed unwavering courage and devotion to their faith, even in the face of adversity. The younger Sahibzadas were martyred during the brutal execution ordered by Wazir Khan, the governor of Sirhind.
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In 1708, Guru Gobind Singh Ji declared the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru of the Sikhs, ensuring that the spiritual guidance and wisdom of the Gurus would continue through the scriptures. Before departing from the physical form, Guru Gobind Singh Ji stated, “Agya bhai Akal ki tabhi chalayo Panth, Sab Sikhan ko hukam hai Guru Maneyo Granth” – “The Order of the Immortal Being has come to pass; now the Khalsa shall rule, and all Sikhs are commanded to accept Granth as their Guru.”
Guru Gobind Singh Ji passed away on October 7, 1708, leaving behind a legacy of spiritual enlightenment, social justice, and martial valor. His teachings continue to inspire millions of Sikhs worldwide to lead lives of righteousness, courage, and compassion. Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s contributions are not confined to a particular time or community; they resonate across borders and cultures, emphasizing the universal values of equality, freedom, and devotion to the Divine.
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