Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.

This last week marked the Shaheedi Divas of Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji Maharaj, our fifth Guru and the first martyr in Sikh itihaas. Guru Sahib contributed a lot towards the Sikhi which we know today, this includes compiling Adi Granth, which was later finalised and became our eternal Guru. Guru Arjan Dev Ji also wrote Sukhmani Sahib and built Sri Harmandir Sahib.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji was born on April 15th 1563, he was the third son of the fourth Nanak, Sri Guru Ram Das Ji, who founded the city of Amritsar. His eldest brother, Prithi Chand, was absorbed in world affairs and remained distant from the teachings of his father. His second brother, Mahadev, wanted to lead the life of an ascetic. However from a young age, Guru Arjan Sahib had been tranquil and joined with the Naam. One day, as a baby, he had crawled upon the throne of his grandfather. Sri Guru Amar Das Ji, and sat there comfortably. Although, growing up, Guru Arjan Dev Ji knew that it wasn't his lineage, but his selfless service, which bestowed the Guruship upon him.

Prithi Chand tried endlessly to inherit to the throne, but his attempts always came short, as the tranquility and peace of Guru Arjan Dev Ji always prevailed. After becoming the fifth Guru, Guru Sahib also built the cities of Kartarpur and Tarn Taran Sahib. His mission was to turn not just Amritsar, but Punjab into a centre of spirituality for everyone. At the same time, the Mughal court leaders started to create rumours about Guru Sahib, and when they reached Emperor Jahangir he was totally confused about who the Guru really was. Guru Sahib was summoned to Lahore, by Jahangir, who said that he wanted to punish Guru Ji with death. Instead he offered that Guru Sahib could pay a fine, and erase a verse from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, upon refusing this offer, Guru Sahib was ordered to be tortured for his actions.

Guru Sahib was made to sit on a burning plate, whilst hot sand and boiling water was poured on him. Guru Arjan Dev Ji had accepted the will of Akal Purakh, and was in no pain as he was brutally handled by the Mughals. On May 30th 1606, Guru Sahib merged his blistered body into the River Ravi, as he left for Sachkhand.

Guru Ji's peace and tranquility is something which can only be greatly admired, his acceptance of God's will was the foundation of the Shaheedi which many other Singhs and Singhnia were to attain.

Bhul chuk maaf karni (forgive me for my many mistakes).

- Daas

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