The Sikh faith is characterized by its belief in a line of spiritual leaders known as the Sikh Gurus. These Gurus played a pivotal role in shaping and guiding the Sikh community, emphasizing principles of equality, justice, and devotion to God.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469-1539): Guru Sahib was the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. He preached the concept of Ik Onkar (One God) and emphasized the importance of selfless service, equality, and compassion. Guru Nanak travelled all over India and the Middle East speaking out against religious rituals, pilgrimages and the caste system. The caste system was how society was divided into different groups based on wealth or what people did as a job. He spoke to many different people, from Muslims and Hindus to Buddhists and Jains. When he spoke to people he never asked them to follow him, instead, he told them to remain true to their faiths and to carry on believing in their God. Guru Nanak's teachings are compiled in the holy scripture of Sikhs, Guru Granth Sahib.
Guru Angad Dev Ji (1504-1552): Guru Sahib succeeded Guru Nanak and strengthened the Sikh community. He introduced the Gurmukhi script, which became the written medium for the Guru Granth Sahib. A firm believer in education, the Sikh Guru Angad founded many schools for children and helped to improve people's ability to read and write. He also began the tradition of Mall Akhara - which was a form of physical and spiritual exercise.
Also Read: Gurudwara Sri Kartarpur Sahib: Birth Place Of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Guru Amar Das Ji (1479-1574): Guru Sahib was born in 1479 and fought against caste prejudice. He wanted everyone in society to be equal and did not think it mattered if someone was rich or poor. He institutionalized the practice of Langar (community kitchen) and ensured that Sikhs from all backgrounds could sit and eat together as equals. He also established several manjis (centers) to facilitate the spread of Sikhism. He also introduced Anand Karaj - which was a special kind of marriage ceremony and created some new customs that meant women had more independence and equality.
Also Read: The Golden Temple: A Sacred Jewel of Sikhism
Guru Ram Das Ji (1534-1581): Guru Sahib was the fourth of the Sikh gurus and was born in 1534. He was responsible for establishing the city of Amritsar, where the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) was built. He emphasized the significance of humility, selflessness, and the importance of devotion to God.
Also Read: Popular Places To Visit In Ambala
Guru Arjan Dev Ji (1563-1606): Guru Sahib was born in 1563. He compiled the teachings of the previous Gurus and composed the Adi Granth, which later became the Guru Granth Sahib. He also laid the foundation of the Harmandir Sahib and emphasized the principle of martyrdom for righteous causes. Guru Arjan was ordered to be executed by the Emporer. This was because the Emporer was Muslim, and believed that Guru Arjan shouldn't include Islamic references in the Sikh holy book.
Also Read: Adi Shankara: Profound Influence
Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji (1595-1644): Guru Sahib was born in 1595 and was the son of Guru Arjan. He was known as the ‘soldier saint’. He wore two swords, symbolizing his commitment to spirituality and military defense. He built the Akal Takht (Throne of the Timeless) next to the Harmandir Sahib, establishing the concept of Miri-Piri (spiritual and temporal authority). He taught people that sometimes it was necessary to take up arms and go to war to defend the faith. This was because he believed that no violence could actually encourage other evils to come about. He also believed that this was a way that people could protect the weak and needy, so he organized a small army.
Also Read: Bumthang: A Journey Through Bhutan's Timeless Heritage
Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji (1630-1661): Guru Sahib was born in 1630 and was a very peaceful leader. He focused on promoting compassion and the importance of nature. He established herbal gardens and encouraged the use of natural remedies. Guru Har Rai also expanded the Sikh community and worked for the betterment of society. He devoted himself to spread the teachings of Guru Nanak and taking on missionary work. This means that he travelled around spreading the messages of the other Sikh gurus and the Sikh faith. He also meditated a lot and encouraged people to do the same. Although he was a very peaceful man, he didn't abolish the army that his grandfather Guru Hargobind Ji had created. Instead, he distanced himself from it physically and never used it himself to solve conflicts with the Empire.
Also Read: Gurudwara Sri Tarn Taran: A Saving Boat
Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji (1656-1664): Guru Sahib was born in 1656 and became the youngest Guru at the age of five. Despite his short time as Guru, he provided comfort and healing to people during an epidemic in Delhi. His teachings emphasized the connection between the soul and the divine. he mainly helped heal people in Delhi who were suffering from a smallpox epidemic. He helped many people, no matter where they came from or what their religion was. Sadly, Guru Har Krishan gave him life helping people, as he soon contracted smallpox himself and died before he turned eight.
Also Read: Gurudwara Sri Goindwal Sahib: Establishment Of The Manji System
Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji (1621-1675): Guru Sahib was born in 1621. He stood up for the rights of all people to practice their faith freely. He sacrificed his life to protect the religious freedom of Hindus, fighting against the forced conversion imposed by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. He believed strongly that people should be allowed and has the freedom to worship whatever religion they wanted. For this reason, he defended the Hindu religion to try and protect Hindus from being forced to convert to Islam. He also refused to convert to Islam and was executed and martyred as a result.
Also Read: Manji sahib: Diwan Hall
Guru Gobind Singh Ji (1666-1708): Guru Sahib established the Khalsa, a community of initiated Sikhs who abide by the Five Ks (Kesh, Kara, Kanga, Kachera, and Kirpan).He also established the Khalsa a group of men and women dedicated to living in equality and peace, but willing to fight and lay down their lives to protect themselves and others from injustice and tyranny. He fought against injustice and tyranny, uplifting the spirit of sacrifice and bravery among Sikhs. In order to create a society of people willing to lay down their lives to protect the dignity and divinity of all humanity, Guru Gobind Rai through the guidance of the Creator gave the Sikhs Amrits.
Also Read: Gurudwar Sri Panja Sahib: Hand Prints of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Guru Granth Sahib Ji: After the physical form of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the Sikh community accepted the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal living Guru. It contains the teachings of the ten Sikh Gurus and other enlightened saints.
Guru is a Sanskrit term for a mentor, guide or expert. For Sikhs, the gurus were more than just teachers. They believe the gurus are messengers from God. The Sikh Gurus, through their teachings and examples, have guided the Sikh community towards living a life of devotion, righteousness, and social equality. Their contributions have left an indelible impact on Sikh history and continue to inspire followers around the world.
Also Read: Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib: Symbol of Faith