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Guru Gobind Singh, born as Gobind Rai on December 22, 1666, in Patna, Bihar, was the cherished son of the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, and Mata Gujri. He was not only a revered spiritual leader but also a profound philosopher, valiant warrior, and poet. He holds the distinction of being the tenth and final human Guru in Sikhism.
Guru Gobind Singh Father was Guru Tegh Bahadur, who was a courageous man. During the late 17th century, the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, known for his ruthless disposition and staunch devotion to Islam, sought to impose Islam across his empire, often through force. This brutal campaign disturbed the social harmony and religious freedom of the time, leading to a particular incident where the persecuted Kashmiri Pandits sought the protection and counsel of Guru Tegh Bahadur.
About Guru Gobind Singh
Guru Gobind Singh was born on January 5, 1666, in Patna Sahib, Bihar, India, into the Sodhi Khatri family. His father, Guru Tegh Bahadur, was the ninth Sikh guru, while his mother was named Mata Gujri.
In 1670, Guru Gobind Singh Ji moved to Punjab with his family, and later in March 1672, they relocated to Chakk Nanaki near the Shivani hills, where he completed his education. During 1675, the Kashmir Pandits sought the help of Guru Tegh Bahadur to shield them from the harsh rule of Iftikar Khan, the governor serving under Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Accepting the plea for protection, Guru Tegh Bahadur resisted the oppressive actions of Aurangzeb. This defiance led to his summoning to Delhi by Aurangzeb, who on his arrival, asked him to convert to Islam. Upon refusing, Guru Tegh Bahadur was arrested alongside his associates and was publicly executed on November 11, 1675, in Delhi.
The tragic loss of his father fortified Guru Gobind Singh’s resolve, encouraging both him and the Sikh community to stand against Aurangzeb’s brutality, striving to protect their fundamental rights and honor.
Following the demise of his father, Guru Gobind Singh Ji was anointed as the tenth Sikh Guru on March 29, 1676, during the festival of Vaisakhi, despite being only nine years old at the time. The world hadn’t yet realized that this young, determined individual was poised to make a significant impact.
Up until 1685, Guru Gobind Singh Ji resided in Paonta, continuing his education and acquiring essential martial skills like horseback riding and archery, preparing for the challenges that lay ahead.
Guru Gobind Singh: Founded Khalsa
In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh Ji achieved a significant milestone by establishing the Khalsa, a pivotal moment in Sikh history. One morning, following his meditation, Guru Gobind Singh summoned the Sikhs to gather at Anandpur on Vaisakhi. Armed with a sword, he called upon those willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to step forward.
After three calls, a Sikh named Daya Ram courageously volunteered. Guru Gobind Singh led him into a tent, and shortly afterward, he emerged alone with his sword stained with blood. This process was repeated with four more volunteers, but something remarkable happened with the fifth one. When the fifth volunteer entered the tent, Guru Gobind Singh Ji emerged with all five, unharmed and safe.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji then bestowed his blessings upon these five volunteers, designating them as the “Panj Pyare” or the “five beloved ones,” marking their inception as the first members of the Khalsa in Sikh tradition. This event served as a test of the people’s faith.
Following this extraordinary moment, Guru Gobind Singh prepared a sacred nectar known as Amrit. The five volunteers received this nectar from Guru Gobind Singh after reciting verses from the Adi Granth. To symbolize their unity and dedication, Guru Gobind Singh granted them the surname “Singh.”
Guru Gobind Singh: The Five K’s
Guru Gobind Singh instructed Sikhs to wear five essential items at all times: Kesh (uncut hair), Kangha (a wooden comb), Kara (a steel bracelet), Kachera (cotton undergarments), and Kirpan (a ceremonial sword). These items represented a profound commitment to the Supreme and were a part of the Khalsa warriors’ disciplined way of life, established by Guru Gobind Singh.
In addition to upholding these five sacred symbols, Guru Gobind Singh also prohibited Sikhs from engaging in adultery, fornication, tobacco consumption, and eating halal meat.
Each of these five items served a specific purpose. For example, the Kangha was used to groom the long hair, a distinctive feature of Sikhs. The Kirpan, on the other hand, was employed by Sikhs to defend the oppressed.
Beyond their practical functions, these five symbols held deeper symbolic meanings. Uncut hair, represented by the Kesh, signified the natural state of human beings. The Kirpan symbolized the surrender of one’s ego to one Guru, functioning as a sword of knowledge that cut through the roots of ego when submitted to the One. The Kara, a circular bracelet, encouraged the renouncement of falsehood and the practice of universal love. Its circular shape also symbolizes the eternal nature of God.
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti is a significant and revered Sikh festival that commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth and last Sikh Guru. This auspicious occasion is celebrated with immense fervor and devotion among Sikh communities worldwide. Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s birthday typically falls in the month of December or January, depending on the Sikh calendar, and it holds profound importance in Sikhism.
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti 2022 was celebrated with great enthusiasm, as it marked the 355th birth anniversary of the revered Guru. In Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti 2024, Sikhs will celebrate his 356th birth anniversary, carrying forward the tradition of paying homage to this remarkable spiritual leader.
On Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s Birthday 2022, and likewise in 2023, Sikh gurdwaras (places of worship) are beautifully adorned and illuminated to honor the occasion. The celebration begins with morning prayers and hymns (kirtan) that echo the teachings and life of Guru Gobind Singh. Sikhs gather at gurdwaras to offer prayers and listen to sermons that emphasize Guru Ji’s core principles, including righteousness, equality, and valor.
One of the most distinctive aspects of Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti is the reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, the central religious scripture of Sikhism. This reading, known as the Akhand Path, is conducted continuously for 48 hours leading up to the Guru’s birthday. It involves a non-stop recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib to seek spiritual blessings and guidance.
Furthermore, Sikhs engage in selfless service during this time, participating in community kitchens (langar) where they prepare and distribute free meals to all, irrespective of caste, creed, or religion. This practice embodies Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s teachings of equality and service to humanity.
A major highlight of the celebrations is Nagar Kirtan, a grand procession that travels through the streets of the city or town, carrying the Sikh holy scripture on a beautifully adorned palanquin. Devotees sing hymns, perform martial arts displays, and share the teachings of Guru Gobind Singh Ji with the community.
The festival also witnesses Sikhs donning their traditional attire and turbans, displaying the Khalsa identity and pride, as initiated by Guru Gobind Singh. Many Sikhs use this occasion to reaffirm their commitment to the Five Ks, the essential symbols of Sikhism: Kesh (uncut hair), Kangha (a wooden comb), Kara (a steel bracelet), Kachera (cotton undergarments), and Kirpan (a ceremonial sword).
In summary, Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti is a spiritually significant and joyous occasion in Sikhism that celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the 10th Sikh Guru. It is marked by prayers, hymns, community service, processions, and a recommitment to the core values of Sikhism. Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti 2022 was especially notable as it marked the 355th birth anniversary, and in Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti 2023, Sikhs will continue to pay their respects to this remarkable spiritual leader.
Guru Gobind Singh Death
Following the second battle of Anandpur in 1704, Guru Gobind Singh and his followers dispersed to various locations. After the demise of Aurangzeb in 1707, Bahadur Shah, the new ruler of the Mughal empire, expressed a desire to meet Guru Gobind Singh in person and seek reconciliation. This meeting was planned to take place in the Deccan region of India.
Guru Gobind Singh chose to set up camp along the banks of the Godavari river. It was during this time that two Afghan individuals, Jamshed Khan and Wasil Beg, ventured into the camp. Tragically, Jamshed Khan attacked Guru Gobind Singh, prompting a swift response from the Guru, who defended himself and ultimately killed Jamshed Khan. Wasil Beg, on the other hand, met his end at the hands of Sikh guards.
Regrettably, on October 7, 1708, Guru Gobind Singh breathed his last, marking the end of an era as he was the final Sikh Guru.
FAQs on Guru Gobind Singh Biography
Was Guru Gobind Singh a Hindu?
No, Guru Gobind Singh was not a Hindu. He was the tenth Guru of Sikhism.
What is Guru Gobind Singh famous for?
Guru Gobind Singh is famous for founding the Khalsa, a Sikh warrior community, and for his efforts in defending Sikhism against persecution.
How many wars did Guru Gobind Singh Ji won?
Guru Gobind Singh is known to have participated in several wars and battles, including the Battle of Bhangani and the Battle of Anandpur Sahib.
who killed guru gobind singh?
Guru Gobind Singh was attacked by an Afghan named Jamshed Khan, but the Guru defended himself and killed Jamshed Khan in the encounter.
who was guru gobind singh?
Guru Gobind Singh was the tenth and the last Sikh Guru, succeeding Guru Tegh Bahadur and playing a significant role in shaping Sikh identity and history.
