Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.
This week marked the Parkaash of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, our sixth Guru and the founder of the concept of Miri Piri. Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji became the Guru on June 11th 1606, after the Shaheedi of his father, Guru Arjan Dev Ji. Baba Buddha Ji performed the ceremony for his Gurgaddi, and Guru Sahib asked Baba Buddha to adorn him with a sword, rather than the Seli of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj.
Guru Ji then put on one sword on his left side, and one on his right side. He named one "Miri", representing temporal power, and he named the other "Piri", representing spiritual power. One was to crush the oppressor, the other was to defend the innocent. This began the martial training and arming of the Sikhs. Guru Sahib's army had grown large, with 300 horsemen, 60 gunners, and 500 men recruited to the infantry. Guru Hargobind ordered the construction of Lohgarh, the fortress of steel, it boasted its own flag and war-drum. Jahangir's court had tried to convince the Mughal Emperor to turn his attention to Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji and his militarisation of the Sikhs.
Later in 1606, Guru Hargobind constructed Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the throne of the eternal one. Guru Sahib was seated on the raised platform, attired in princely clothes. Sri Darbar Sahib was the seat of Guru Sahib's spiritual authority, and Sri Akal Takht Sahib was the seat of Guru Sahib's temporal authority. This is where the marks of sovereignty were introduced, including the umbrella and the Kalgi which was adorned on Guru Sahib's dastaar.
Along with Guru Ji's work to strengthen the Sikhs physically, he also sent Sikhs to Bengal and Bihar to spread the message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, and to allow Sikhi to flourish in different regions of the continent. Guru Sahib also created the Taus, a bowed musical instrument shaped like a peacock. Guru Ji also founded the city of Kiratpur, just 10km south of Sri Anandpur Sahib, on the bank of the River Sutlej.
Notably, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji was also willingly held at Gwalior Fort by Jahangir. It was said that a saintly figure had to be imprisoned for Jahangir to recover from this illness. Guru Sahib was therefore held, and once he was allowed to be released, Guru Ji demanded that the other 52 imprisoned Hindu Rajas were to be set free as well. Guru Sahib returned to Sri Darbar Sahib being lit up with lights to celebrate his release. This is what we mark today as Bandi Chorr Divas.
We should remember the significance of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji's life and how it paved the way for Sikhi to flourish like it has today. Without the introduction of Miri Piri, and martial training, we would not have had the rich history which we can reflect on and learn from today.
This week marked the Parkaash of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, our sixth Guru and the founder of the concept of Miri Piri. Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji became the Guru on June 11th 1606, after the Shaheedi of his father, Guru Arjan Dev Ji. Baba Buddha Ji performed the ceremony for his Gurgaddi, and Guru Sahib asked Baba Buddha to adorn him with a sword, rather than the Seli of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj.
Guru Ji then put on one sword on his left side, and one on his right side. He named one "Miri", representing temporal power, and he named the other "Piri", representing spiritual power. One was to crush the oppressor, the other was to defend the innocent. This began the martial training and arming of the Sikhs. Guru Sahib's army had grown large, with 300 horsemen, 60 gunners, and 500 men recruited to the infantry. Guru Hargobind ordered the construction of Lohgarh, the fortress of steel, it boasted its own flag and war-drum. Jahangir's court had tried to convince the Mughal Emperor to turn his attention to Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji and his militarisation of the Sikhs.Later in 1606, Guru Hargobind constructed Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the throne of the eternal one. Guru Sahib was seated on the raised platform, attired in princely clothes. Sri Darbar Sahib was the seat of Guru Sahib's spiritual authority, and Sri Akal Takht Sahib was the seat of Guru Sahib's temporal authority. This is where the marks of sovereignty were introduced, including the umbrella and the Kalgi which was adorned on Guru Sahib's dastaar.
Along with Guru Ji's work to strengthen the Sikhs physically, he also sent Sikhs to Bengal and Bihar to spread the message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, and to allow Sikhi to flourish in different regions of the continent. Guru Sahib also created the Taus, a bowed musical instrument shaped like a peacock. Guru Ji also founded the city of Kiratpur, just 10km south of Sri Anandpur Sahib, on the bank of the River Sutlej.
Notably, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji was also willingly held at Gwalior Fort by Jahangir. It was said that a saintly figure had to be imprisoned for Jahangir to recover from this illness. Guru Sahib was therefore held, and once he was allowed to be released, Guru Ji demanded that the other 52 imprisoned Hindu Rajas were to be set free as well. Guru Sahib returned to Sri Darbar Sahib being lit up with lights to celebrate his release. This is what we mark today as Bandi Chorr Divas.
We should remember the significance of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji's life and how it paved the way for Sikhi to flourish like it has today. Without the introduction of Miri Piri, and martial training, we would not have had the rich history which we can reflect on and learn from today.
Bhul chuk maaf karni (forgive me for my many mistakes).
- Daas
Comments
Post a Comment