Guru Gobind Singh Ji

The Tenth Sikh Guru

Guru Gobind Singh Ji

Guru Gobind Singh (ਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ) (5 January 1666 – 7 October 1708), born Gobind Rai, was the tenth Sikh Guru, a spiritual master, warrior, poet and philosopher.

When his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur, was beheaded for refusing to convert to Islam.

Guru Gobind Singh was formally installed as the leader of the Sikhs at age nine, becoming the tenth Sikh Guru.

His four sons died during his lifetime – two in battle, two executed by the Mughal army.

Among his notable contributions to Sikhism are founding the Sikh warrior community called Khalsa in 1699.

It may not be out of context to consider that throughout the chronicles of human history, there has been no individual who lived a life more inspirational than Guru Gobind Singh Ji. He is variously revered as:

•  Sarbans Dani (the merciful donor, who sacrificed his all)
•  Mard Agamra (man without any parallels)
• Shah-e-Shahenshah (emperor of emperors)
•  Bar do Alam Shah (ruler of both worlds)

As a prophet, the Guru is unique. His teachings are very scientific and most suitable for all times. Unlike many other prophets he never called himself God or 'the only son of God.' Instead he called all people the sons of God sharing His Kingdom equally. For himself he used the word 'slave' or servant of God.

Extracts from Guru Gobind Singh's writings;

"God has no marks, no colour, no caste, and no ancestors, No form, no complexion, no outline, no costume and is indescribable. He is fearless, luminous and measureless in might. He is the king of kings, the Lord of the prophets. He is the sovereign of the universe, gods, men and demons. The woods and dales sing the indescribable. O Lord, none can tell Thy names. The wise count your blessings to coin your names." (Jaap Sahib)

Birth

A splendid Divine Light shone in the darkness of the night. Pir Bhikan Shah a Muslim mystic performed his prayers in that Easterly direction (instead of towards the West, contrary to his daily practice), and guided by this Divine Light, he traveled with a group of his followers until he reached Patna Sahib in Bihar.

It was here that Gobind Rai was born to Mata Gujri in 1666. It is said that Pir Bhikan Shah approached the child and offered two bowls of milk and water, signifying both the great religions of Hinduism and Islam. The child smiled and placed his hands on both bowls. The Pir bowed in utter humility and reverence to the new Prophet of all humanity.

Birth of Guru Gobind Singh Ji

Gobind Rai was born with a holy mission of which he tells us in his autobiography “Bachitar Natak” (Wonderous Drama). In it Guru Ji tells us how and for what purpose he was sent into this world by God. He states that before he came into this world , as a free spirit he was engaged in meditation in the seven peaked Hemkunt mountain. 

Having merged with God and having become One with the Unmanifest and the Infinite, God commanded him:

“I have cherished thee as my Son and created thee to establish a religion and restrain the world from senseless acts. I stood up, folded my hands, bowed my head and replied,‘Thy religion will prevail in all the world when it has Thy support’.”

Guru Ji describes the purpose of his coming to this world and why he emerged from the Supreme Reality in human form to carry out his Creator’s command :

“For this purpose was I born, let all virtuous people understand. I was born to advance righteousness, to emancipate the good, and to destroy all evil-doers root and branch.”

Guru's Bani

Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji

"Without the support of the One Name, Consider all religious ceremonies superstitions." 

"Karta (The Creator) and Karim (The beneficient) are the names of the same God. 

Razak (The provider) and Rahim (The merciful) are also the names given to Him. 

Let no man in his error wrangle over differences in names. 

Worship the One God who is the Lord of all. Know that his form is one and He is the One light diffused in all." 

"The Khalsa is my own image. I shall always manifest myself in the Khalsa. 

The Khalsa is my body and soul; The Khalsa is the life of my life. 

The Khalsa is my perfect leader. The Khalsa is my brave friend. 

I say nothing untrue and to this; Guru Nanak, united with God, is my witness." 

"Why impress false religion on the world? It will be of no service to it. 

Why run about for the sake of wealth? You cannot escape from death. 

Son, Wife, friends, disciples, companions none of those will bear witness for thee. 

Think, O think, you thoughtless fool, you shall have in the end to depart alone." (Swayya 32)