Inderjeet S.Bhatia “Prince ”
Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji, the 10th Guru of the Sikhism, was born on 22nd December 1666 AD, in the ancient city of Patliputra ,now called as Takht Sri Patna Sahib ji, Bihar. Born as SRI Gobind Rai ji, Guru ji was the only son of his parents, namely, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur ji ( The 9th Sikh Guru) and Mata Gujri ji.Guru ji became the 10th Sikh Guru in 1675 AD at the tender age of 9 following the martyrdom of his father, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib ji in Delhi (on November 11th,1675), who was beheaded at Chandni Chowk Delhi on the orders of Aurangzeb for Guru Tegh Bahadur ji’s refusal to convert and accept ISLAM .
Guru Gobind Singh Ji was a great warrior, a poet ,a philosopher, a divine messenger who moulded the Sikh religion in its present form with the institution of the KHALSA PANTH.Guru ji is also credited for completing the sacred Sikh religious scripture called as SRI GURU GRANTH SAHIB JI in its present form. Before leaving for his heavenly abode, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji decreed the holy Granth Sahib Ji as the next and perpetual Guru of the Sikhs.
In the words of W.L.Mc.Gregor, a renowned historian, ” If we consider the work which Guru Gobind Singh Ji accomplished, both in reforming his religion and instituting a new code of law for his followers, his personal bravery in all circumstances, his endurance amidst all difficulties, which would have disheartened others and overwhelmed them in inextricable distress and lastly his final victory over his ever powerful enemies by the very men who had previously forsaken him, we need not be surprised that the Sikhs venerate his memory. Guru ji was really great.”
It is worth mentioning the fact that throughout the chronicles of human history ,there has been no individual who lived a life more inspirational than Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji. That explains why Guru ji variously revered as ” Sarbans Daani” ( The merciful donor who sacrificed his all ) ,” Mard Agamra” ( A man without any parallels) ” Shah – E- Shahensha ” (The emperor of emperors) ,” Bar do Alam ” ( The ruler of both world’s) amongst others.
Guru ji is described as a Saint Soldier.
As a Saint, Guru ji is unique. Guru ji’s teachings are scientific and most suitable for all times .Unlike many other prophets, Guru ji never called himself God or the only son of God. Instesd ,Guru ji called all people the sons of same God sharing his Kingdom equally. For himself, Guru ji used the word slave or servant of God. In Guru ji’s own words:
” Jo Hum Ko Parmeshwar Uchhar Hai,
Woh Sab Nark Kund Mein Pare Hai,
Mai Hoon Param Purakh Ko Daasa,
Dekhan Aayo Jagat Tamasha!”
( Those who call me God will fall in to the deep pit of hell. Regard me as one of his slaves and have no doubt whatever about it. I am a servant of the Supreme being and have come to behold the wonderful drama of life)
GURU Gobind Rai ji, after the martyrdom of his father, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur ji,took the very 1st step as a soldier, was to consolidate the resources and manpower .It is said that the Emperor Aurangzeb, after having failed to convert Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib ji to ISLAM, was deeply annoyed. The frustrated Emperor, after having failed to crush the Sikh movement by harassing the Sikh Gurus continuously, ordered his army to march on the Sikhs in an attempt to finish them from the face of the earth.
GURU ji invited Sikhs to Anandpur Sahib with their arms and horses. Guru ji started giving them training in self defense. Guru ji declared that when all peaceful methods failed to change the mind of some wicked persons, it is justified to raise the sword to save one’s honour.
” Chu Kar Az Hamha Heelte Dar Guzast,
Halal Ast Burdan Ba Shamsheer Dast,!!”
(When all efforts at peace fail, it is righteous to lift the sword to cause peace.)
The young Guru ji started practicing archery and horsemanship besides playing mock battles with his companions. Guru ji had got made a huge drum and he ji made it a practice to collect his followers on the loud beats of that drum which was named as “Ranjit Nagaara”.
CREATOR OF THE KHALSA:
Guru ji created the KHALSA PANTH in 1699 AD .It was an event of world significance. Guru ji convinced the down trodden masses that no God or Godess from the heavens would be sent to give protection to them.It was on the occasion of BAISAKHI day of 1699AD at Anandpur Sahib that 5 Sikhs offered their heads in surrender at the call of Guru ji .The five who were baptised by Guru Gobind Singh Ji on that day were Bhai Daya Ram ji, a Khatri from Lahore, Bhai Mohkam Chand ji, a calico printer of Dwaraka, Bhai Dharam Das ji, a Jaat from Delhi, Himmat Chand ji, a cook from Puri and Bhai Sahib Chand ji, a barber from Bidar. They all were administered” AMRIT ” ,the sacred water prepared by putting pure water in an iron vessel (“Batta”),making it sweet by putting “Pattass “(Sugar crystals) and stirring it with a “Khanda” ( A double edged small sword). Gurbaani was continuously recited while preparing this” Amrit ” also called as “Khande Di Pauhal.”
Guru ji called the five baptised Sikhs as “Panj Pyaras “, the five beloved ones. They were to be called now as Singhs.Guru ji called them as Supreme, the liberated ones, the pure ones and were given the name of KHALSA. After the administration of “Amrit ” to “Panj Pyaras “, Guru ji stood up in supplication, with folded hands and begged the five beloved ones to baptise him with “AMRIT ” in the same manner as he had baptised them before. In this manner, Guru ji himself became the disciple of “Panj Pyaras “.
” WAHO WAHO GURU GOBIND SINGH,
APPE GURU CHELA!”
(Wonderful is Guru Gobind Singh Ji, himself the master and himself is the disciple).”
The KHALSA is the Guru and the Guru is the KHALSA ,” said Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
GURU ji was the 1st person to be baptised by the KHALSA. Guru ji was given the name of Guru Gobind Singh Ji instead of Gobind Rai ji. The creation of the KHALSA BY Guru Gobind Singh Ji was the greatest work of Guru ji. A universal brotherhood of casteless and countryless was formed. The KHALSA was spearhead of resistance against the tyranny.
GURU ji said,
“KHALSA Mero Roop Hai Khaas,
KHALSA Mei Main Karu Niwas,.
KHALSA Meri Jaan Ki Jaan !”
(The KHALSA is my own image. I shall always manifest myself in the KHALSA. The KHALSA is my body and soul)
Guru Gobind Singh Ji, before leaving for his heavenly abode on October 7th, 1708 at Nanded Sahib in Maharashtra,installed Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as the next Guru of Sikhism. In Guru ji’s words:
“Agya Bhai Akal Ki,
Tabhi Chalayo PANTH,
Sab Sikhan Ko Hukam Hai
Guru Manyo Granth.
Guru Granth ji Manyo,
Pargat Guru Ki Deh,
Jo Prabhu Ko Milbo Chae,
Khoj Shabad Mei Leh!”
(It means that under the orders of Almighty, the PANTH was created. All the Sikhs are enjoined upon to accept Granth Sahib Ji as their Guru ji. Consider Guru Granth Sahib Ji as the embodiment of the Gurus.Those who want to meet Guru ji, can find him in its hymns)
In conclusion, it can be said that Guru Gobind Singh Ji was born with great intellectual attainments .Guru ji was a linguistic and was quite familiar with Arabic, Persian ,Sanskrit and Punjabi. Guru ji codified Sikh laws,wrote martial poetry and music. Guru ji was the reputed author of the Sikh work called Dasam Granth. Guru ji’s Zafarnaama is an example of excellent writing. Guru ji also wrote Punjabi versions of Ramayana and Bhagawad Gita.
Guru Gobind Singh ji, thus , was born to remove the shackles of slavery which clutched this country for last thousands of years and to imbibe a new life to the politically suppressed socially stagnant, culturally dwarfed religiously degenerated and economically exploited nation who could not even dare to raise their voices.
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