On june16.1606 the Mughal emperor Jahangir ordered that Guru be tortured and sentenced to death after the Guru refused to stop preaching his message of god as started by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The guru was made to sit on a burning hot sheet while boiling water and sand were poured over his body. After the five days long torture gurus, Arjan Dev Ji took a bath in the river. A thousand watched as he entered the river, never to be seen again.
Guru Arjan Dev Ji is the fifth Guru of the Sikhs the son of Guru Ramdas Ji and Bibi Bhani. He was the fifth guru in succession and proved himself to be an original thinker a famous poet and philosopher, an erudite scholar, a great organizer, and the embodiment of love, humility, and service to mankind. He was forgiving, fearless, and firm in his faith and devotion to god.
Guru Arjan Dev ji received a Gurmukhi education from Guru Amar Das Ji, Devanagari, and Sanskrit education from Pandit Beni. Mathematics from his uncle Mohri and meditation and dhyan method from his uncle Mohan.
The Sikhs commemorate the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Devi and the first Sikh martyr. Before the arrest, torture, and martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji the Sikhs had nothing to do with weapons or violence as dedication hard work worship of one god, and the commitment to peace and harmony for all the people of the world.
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As a result, in late May 1606 Guru Arjan Dev was detained and taken to Lahore where he was brutally tortured. He was forced to sit on a hot plate that was smoking, and then red-hot sand was poured over his body and head. A Muslim Sufi Saint named Mian Mir who was a close friend of Guru Sahib allegedly tried to intervene on the Guru's behalf, but Guru Ji reportedly told him it was against the "Will of the Almighty" and banned him. As a result of the constant torment, Guru Ji's body was burned and covered with blisters. Guru Arjan Dev was finally permitted to take a refreshing bath in the adjacent Ravi River after several days.
The martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji radically changed the entire character of Sikhism from a passive people to courageous saint soldiers.
Day 1 torture
Guru Arjan Dev was not given anything to eat or drink. He was not allowed to sleep at night and was kept awake. He bore all this calmly. He remained immersed in Simran and repeated from his lips, "Waheguru, Waheguru, Waheguru..." and sang Shabads from the Gurbani.
Day 2 torture
The Guru was forced to stand inside a huge copper pot the following day by Chandu Shah. He instructed his soldiers to add water to the vessel and to light a fire underneath it. After a while, the water started to boil as it grew hotter. Although it scorched the Guru's flesh, Guru Arjan Dev sat softly and calmly. He didn't scream, cry, or even groan in pain. He had no resentment towards the people torturing him. All is happening, O Waheguru, according to Thy Will, he murmured as he stayed engrossed in the lovely memory of Waheguru. To me, Thy Will is always sweet.
The Guru's body blistered for an amount time as the boiling water made his flesh soft.
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Day 3 torture
Chandu Shah instructed to "Make some sand red hot in iron pans" on the third day. The Guru is seated in hot water. Then slather his body and head with the smoldering sand. While the Guru's head and torso were being scorched by the red-hot sand from above, the water was boiling the Guru's flesh from below. He was being tormented by sweaty people. The heat made them feel uncomfortable. It was the hottest month of the season. But Guru Arjan Dev remained silent and composed. Again, the Guru felt no suffering; he also did not sob, sigh, or cry. He kept thinking of Waheguru and doing Simran Guru Ji repeated:
Teraa kee-aa meethaa laagai.
O Waheguru! Your actions seem so sweet to me.
Har naam padaarath naanak maaNgai.
Nanak begs for the treasure of the Naam, the Name of the Lord.
Day 4 torture
On the fourth day, the Guru was made to sit on a plate of iron that was heated from below until it became red hot. Then, scalding hot sand was poured over his body. Guru Arjan Dev sat calm and quiet, without a cry or sigh, feeling no pain. He sat with his mind fixed on Waheguru, living the message of Gurbani as he accepted the Will of Waheguru sweetly.
Day 5 torture
On the fifth day, Chandu Shah had the idea to sew him up in a brand-new cowhide to suffocate him. Instead, the Guru requested to take a dip in the Ravi River, which ran beside the city walls of Lahore. Chandu liked the idea that the Guru's body, covered in blisters, would suffer more anguish when submerged in cold water, so he allowed him to take a bath in the river. The soldiers sent to accompany the Guru was seen leaving by his followers. While examining them, he continued to forbid any action. Such is the Will of my God, submit to the Divine Will, do not move, and be calm in the face of all adversity, he urged. Crowds watched the Guru standing in the river and having a dip. Light blended with Light and the body was nowhere to be found. His disciples cried, "Hail to the Master! Thou art Wonderful - Martyr, the greatest. Thou art the Greatest!"
Guru Arjan Dev Ji sowed the seed of martyrdom, which became the heritage of the Sikhs.
The torturers placed Guru Arjan Dev’s blistering body in the cold water of the River Ravi. There, his soul was set free. Guru Arjan Dev Ji was the embodiment of devotion, selfless service, and universal love.
