Guru Arjan

Guru Arjan (15 April 1563 – 30 May 1606) was the fifth of the ten Sikh Gurus. He was born in Goindval, Punjab, India, and was the youngest son of Guru Ram Das and Mata Bhani. Guru Arjan played a pivotal role in shaping the Sikh religion and its community.

Early Life

Guru Arjan was born to Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru, and Mata Bhani, the daughter of Guru Amar Das, the third Sikh Guru. From a young age, he was immersed in the teachings and practices of Sikhism. His education included learning the Gurmukhi script, religious texts, and music, which later influenced his contributions to Sikh scripture and hymnody.

Guruship

Guru Arjan became the fifth Sikh Guru in 1581, following the death of his father, Guru Ram Das. His leadership marked a period of significant development for the Sikh community. He is best known for compiling the Adi Granth, the primary scripture of Sikhism, which later became the Guru Granth Sahib, the eternal Guru of the Sikhs.

Compilation of the Adi Granth

One of Guru Arjan's most significant contributions was the compilation of the Adi Granth, the first rendition of the Guru Granth Sahib. He collected hymns from the first four Gurus, as well as those from various Hindu and Muslim saints, including Kabir, Ravidas, and Sheikh Farid. This compilation was completed in 1604 and installed in the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar.

Construction of the Harmandir Sahib

Guru Arjan is credited with the construction of the Harmandir Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple, in Amritsar. He designed it to be open on all sides, symbolizing openness and acceptance. The temple became a central place of worship for Sikhs and a symbol of Sikh identity.

Martyrdom

Guru Arjan's leadership and growing influence of the Sikh community attracted the attention of the Mughal authorities. In 1606, he was arrested under the orders of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. He was tortured and executed on 30 May 1606, becoming the first Sikh martyr. His martyrdom is a pivotal event in Sikh history, marking a shift towards militarization under his successor, Guru Hargobind.

Legacy

Guru Arjan's contributions to Sikhism are profound. He established the centrality of the Guru Granth Sahib in Sikh worship and laid the foundation for the community's spiritual and temporal leadership. His martyrdom is commemorated annually by Sikhs worldwide.

Also see

• Guru Ram Das
• Guru Hargobind
• Guru Granth Sahib
• Harmandir Sahib
• Sikhism