Darbar Sahib, Amritsar

Last updated on January 10th, 2004

Darbar Sahib, Amritsar!

The Slide Show of Darbar Sahib Amritsar
Golden Temple over the years have become a center of Sikh religion. Like Mecca, Benaras, Jerusalem for Muslims, Hindus, Christians and Jews Amritsar is a revered city for Sikhs. Amritsar was established by the Fourth Guru Guru Ramdas ji Darbar Sahib: in 1589 A.D. There are many versions of how he had done it. There is an evidence that he bought a land around a tank Inception: 1588 A.D. (sarovar) from the Zamindars of Tung Villages in Jhabal Inaugrated By: Saint Mian Mir. District for Rs. 700. There is another version which goes like Completed: 1589 A.D. this that Emperor Akbar was so immpressed by the work being done by third Guru Amardas ji that he donated the land at Amritsar to the Guru ka Langar. Most likely, some land was bought by Guru Ramdas while other being donated by the emperor. Amritsar is also mentioned in Ramayana as Ramtiratha, where Lav and Kush, sons of Rama were born. It is also said that Lav later established the city of Lahore, while his brother Kush established a city named Kasur about 30 miles South of Lahore, 20 miles South West of Lahore is where Guru Ramdas established city of Amritsar. As time passed, traders, artisans, bankers and others settled at Ramdaspur. Gur Ramdas preached on the banks of the pool i.e. Sarovar.

Nanak IV, Guru Ramdas was known as "Guru Da Chakk". Guru Ramdas named his
Gurgaddi: 1574 to 1581 Contribution:The Fourth Nanak, Guru Ramdas Sodhi aka Bhai Jetha ji, Established the city of Ramdaspur and later changed the name to Amritsar.

Guru Ramdas started digging a pool at the place which at that time

successor, his youngest son Arjan Dev on September 1, 1581 before he passed away. GuruArjan Dev called on Sikhs to do the Kar Seva for unfinished pool, hundreds of thousands of Sikhs performed this service and pool was ready in few weeks. After this task was completed then Guru laid out the plan to construct Golden Temple as the supreme center of Sikhs. Guru also created several other buildings in and around the city. Here is a quote from "Heritage of the Sikhs", " On October 15 1588, he laid out a temple in the middle of the tank. According to Giani Gian Singh (Twarikh Guru Khalsa, Urdu, Vol. r 1896, p.96), the Guru invited many holy men on this occasion. From among them, Mian Mir (1550- 1635), the famous Muslim Sufi, was asked to lay the first brick. Older authorities can also be cited in support of this statement. For instance, Ghulam Muhayy-ud-Din, also known as Bute Shah, states in his book, Tawarikh-i-Punjab (MS.), p. 139, Dr Ganda Singh Collection, Punjabi University, Patiala, that Shah Mian Mir came to Amritsar at Guru Arjan ' s request and "with his own blessed hand put four bricks, one on each side, and another one in the middle of the tank." Sohan Lal Suri in his Umdat-ut-Twarikh, Arya Press, Lahore, 1885, Book I, pp. 28-29, says that Guru Arjan went to Lahore to see Shah Mian Mir and sought his assistance in the construction of the tank and buildings at Amritsar. " Guru Arjan Dev got Mian Mir, a famous Sufi Saint to lay the foundation of the Darbar Sahib. Foundation was laid, built at lower ground level rather than on a high plinth as is done with Temples and Mosques, in keeping with the Sikh spirit of humility. Golden Temple was completed in about two years time. Guru Arjan Dev ji appointed Baba Buddha ji, a famous Sikh saint from the times of Guru Nanak as first Granthi of Golden Temple. Main building of Golden Temple is very elegently made in keeping with the ideals of Sikhs. As A.S. Kang states that "Main structure rises from the centre of the sacred pook. 150 metres square, approached by a causeway about 60 metres long. An archway on the western side of the pool opens on the causeway, bordered with balustrades of fretted marble, and, at close intervals there are standard lamps, their great lantrens set upon the marble columns. The 52 meter square based Hari Mandir, to which causeway leads, stands on a 20 meter square platform. Its lower parts are of white marble, but the upper parts are covered with plates of gilded copper". Darbar Sahib was later serviced by many Sikh Chiefs. Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who donated gold to be put on top of Darbar Sahib has this inscribed at the entrance "The Guru was kind enough to allow the privilege of service to the template to his humble servant Ranjit Singh" Guru Arjan dev got constructed many Gurdwaras around Amritsar and in the Majha country( area between Chenab and Satluj, Amritsar, Lahore, Gurdaspur, Batala). Since he was doing so much social work, Sikhs started calling him Sacha Padshah means true king. Whereas Guru Nanak had travelled to far fledged places from Punjab, like Mecca (Saudi Arabia), Baghdad, Decca(Bangladesh) and Bidar (South India), Guru Arjan dev travelled mostly in Punjab, preaching and organizing the system of preachers (called

masands established by NANAK III Amardas). On returning to Amritsar, Guru Arjan prepared to codify and compile the writings of all the previous gurus as well as important saints of India. According to Mahima Prakash he said "As the panth (community) has been revealed unto the world, so must there be the Granth(book) too." The bani guru's inspired utterance, had always been the object of highest reverenec for Gurus and Sikhs. Guru Arjan called Bhai Gurdas to his prescence and expressed to him the wish that compositions of gurus and some saints to be collected. Baba Mohan, the son of Guru Amar Das (Nanak III) had two manuscripts collections of the Gurus hymns inherited from his father. These pothis contained all they hymns of Guru Nanak, Guru Angad and Guru Amardas. Guru Arjan dev ji already had the pothi of his father Guru Ramdas. Bhai Gurdas travelled to Goindwal (close to Amritsar) to bring these pothis but the owner refused to see him. The Baba Buddha ji , Head Granthi of Darbar Sahib also tried but he was similarly turned away from the door. Then Guru Arjan went himself. He sat in the stree below Baba Mohan's attic serenading him on his tambura. Baba Mohan was disarmed to hear the hymn, came downstairs Nanak V, Guru Arjan with the pothis and presented these to the Guru. As says the Dev Gurbilas Chhevin Patshahi, the pothis were placed on a palanquin bedecked with precious stones. The Sikhs carried it on their Gurgaddi:1581 AD - 1606 AD shoulders and Guru Arjan walked behind barefoot. He refused to Contribution:Completed the ride his horse, saying that the pothis were the very spirit of the four excavation of Sarovar and Gurus - his predecessors. The cavalcade broke journey at Khadur construction of Golden Temple. Sahib to make obeisance at shrines sacred to Guru Angad. On the Compiled the Adi Granth by outskirts of Amritsar, it was received by Hargobind, Guru Arjan's collecting hymns of all the young son, accompanied by large number of Sikhs. He bowed at previous Gurus. Installed Baba his father's feet and showered petals in front of the pothis. Guru Buddha ji as first Granthi of Arjan, Hargobind, Bhai Gurdas and Baba Buddha now bore the Darbar Sahib. Started the palanquin on their shoulders, led by musicians with flutes and glorious tradition of martyrdom drums. Reaching Amritsar, Guru Arjan first went to Darbar Sahib to in Sikhism by giving his life but offer Karah Prasad. Then as gurbilas sais "an attractive spot in the not Dharma at Lahore. thick of a forest next to Amritsar was marked out by Guru Arjan. A ten was hoisted in this idyllic setting. Here Guru Arjan and Bhai Gurdas started work on the sacred volumes. The making of granth was not easy and it took quite some time. All work was done in Punjabi with gurmukhi script of Guru Angad. Total of 1400+ pages were compiled. When Granth was done, Guru Arjan named it Adi Granth and installed it in the innermost santum of Darbar Sahib. Completion of Granth was celebrated with much jubilation. Karah prasad was prepared in huge quantities, large number of Sikhs came to see the Granth at Darbar Sahib. Nanak VI, Guru Guru Arjan Dev ji achieved martyrdom on the orders of Mughal Hargobind king Shahjehan in 1606 AD at Lahore. He had just before leaving to Lahore, appointed his son Hargobind as sixth guru. Guru Gurgaddi:1606 - 1644 Contribution:Established Akal Hargobind was formally declared Guru on June 24 1606. Guru Hargobind Takht as the parliament of steered the Sikhs. Wore two swords, Miri Sikhs towards and Piri as symbols of Saint becoming and Soldier. Created the First soldiers from Sikh army and fought against saints as by Mughal emperor Shahjehan. earlier Gurus. He established the institution of Akal takht, which is a declared center of all Sikhs. From Akal Takht he conducted all the secular affairs of community. In the open place between Golden Temple and Akal Takht were held tournaments of Physical feats every afternoon, and here the bards, Abdullah and Nattha, recited heroic poetry. All Sikhs are

suppose to make all political decision through consensus at Akal Takht with elected jathedar means head or leader of Akal Takht leading them. Guru Hargobind took a different approach then his predecessors and asked his devotees to give him gifts of horses and weapons. He created a small army of 752 men, his men include warriors like Bidhi Chand chhina. Guru Hargobind fought small battles in and around Amritsar, he was captured by Mughals and put in jail at Gwalior. When he returned from jail it was Diwali, people of Amritsar celebrated that occasion with much enthusiasm, from that day on Diwali of Amritsar is famous all over India. It is said Daal roti ghar di, Diwali Amritsar di, means "good food is always at your home, and good diwali at Amritsar" . By virtue of being the seat of the Guru and by its connections with Sikh Sangats in far-flung regions through a chain of masands, Amritsar had developed the characterstics of a State Capital. Guru Hargobind made his son Harrai as Seventh Guru. Guru Har Nanak VII, Guru HarRai Rai formally took the seat of succession on March 3 1644 on the eve of departure of Guru Hargobind from this world. Guru Harrai Gurgaddi:1644 - 1661 was more like Guru Arjan although he kept the army, he spent Contribution:Stopped the his most time preaching the Sikh ideals. One remarkable thing confrontation with Mughals and happened at this time was that his relatives took control of concentrated on building up the Golden Temple and declared to mughals that it was their ideals as well as force. Had to personal property. Guru Harrai had to move to Nahan in Leave Golden Temple in the Himachal and other places all over Punjab. 5 oct 1661 Guru Har hands of jealous relatives and Krishen was made eighth guru., 6th October 1661 Guru Har Rai establish a new Sikh center at breathed his last in this world. Guru Har Krishen passed away on hills of Himachal. 30 March 1664 after he asked for a coconute, 5 paisas and all of his closest disciples. He circled coconut three times in air, put the 5 paisas in front of coconut and uttered "Baba Bakala" (these rights were consistent with what earlier gurus had done when passing down the Guru Nanak's throne.) Guru Tegh Bahadur became guru on 11 August 1664, after Makhan Shah Lubana found him. Guru Tegh bahadur, ninth Guru bought some land in Ropar district and established city of Anandpur, since he was also not welcomed at Golden Temple which was under the control of Sodhis. Guru Gobind Singh became guru on Novembor 16 1675 (he was 9 years old then). Guru Gobind Singh also could not dislodge his jealous relatives., not until 1920's when Singh Sabha movement was started, Heriditory Sodhi mahants were thrown away from Golden Temple, and Golden Temple was put under a democratically elected forum of people called Shiromani Gurdwara Prabhandak Committee. For more information you can visit their web site at www.sgpc.org Service for the needy one's is one of the ideals of Sikhism. Guru Gobind Singh declared that "Khalsa shall always be there to help the needy one's, Khalsa is a saint and soldier" Even these days, I once heard a Hindu gentleman giving advice to his daughter who had recently got a job in the city of Delhi and had to travel about 30-40 KM everyday, " Always take an auto rickshaw whose driver is a Sikh. " he further reiterated " A Sikh will protect you like his own daughter. " In Ancient India, job to upheld Dharma and righteousness was taken up by the Rajputs, When creating Khalsa, Guru Gobind Singh (Himself a Rajput Kshtraiya) said " Rajputs have forgotten their Dharma and are marrying their daughters to the oppressors and thus today I am creating Khalsa which shall be Saint and Soldier and whose job will be to upheld the righteousness and protect the needy." Not just protection, Sikhs have ideals that are unique among all the world religions., for example, Bhai Kanhaiya ji, a Gursikh of Guru Gobind singh was arrested by fellow Sikhs from the battlefield. They complained to Guru that Bhai Kanhaiya is helping the wounded enemy by giving them water, Bhai Kanhaiya ji replied "In a battlefield everywhere I see there is God, I do not know how to separate foe from friend." Guru Gobind singh was so happy that he provided him with bandages and medicine to be put on the wounded soldiers (all). From that day serving water to pilgrims, etc have become a sort of tradition with Sikhism. At Golden Temple, there are small plazas for water. As in the picture above.

Guru Gobind Singh made Adi Granth as the Eleventh Guru for all the Sikhs. Guru Gobind Singh ji right before he passed away, issued orders to make Bhai Mani singh as Head Granthi of Golden Temple, Amritsar. His relatives at Golden Temple complied with GurGaddi:1675 - 1707 A.D. the wishes of Sikh sangat and Bhai mani Singh was made head Contribution:Visited Golden granthi. Around the same time, Punjab was swept by the Khalsa Temple periodically but never under Banda Bahadur and all lands were taken away from rich lived there as it was owned by jealous relatives who even shut landholders distributing to poor. Taxes were levied at straight 10% the doors of Golden Temple for (reduced from 63% earlier by Mughals which include Jizya for being a non-muslim). Khalsa under Banda Bahadur started calling Guru Gobind Singh. themselves as "Bandai Khalsa" while the rest of the Khalsa as "Tat Khalsa" meaning "Original Khalsa". This rift caused Banda Bahadur and 2000+ of his supporters their life but Guru ke Sikhs Bandai Khalsas did not converted to islam. Some time later, Bhai Mani Singh at Golden Temple got both the parties, Bandai and tat khalsa together and solved the dispute of their war cries "Sat Sri akal" vs. "Fateh Darshan". It is said that Bhai Mani Singh wrote both of these words "Sat Sri Akal" on one piece of paper and "Fateh Darshan" on other piece of paper and dropped these papers into sarovar close by Akal Takht at Golden Temple, after sometime one piece of paper came above with "Sat Sri Akal" on it. From that point on, there was no dispute about Sikh salutation of Waheguru ji ka Khalsa and Sat Sri akal.

Nanak X, Guru Gobind Singh

In the next few years Golden Temple achieved a supreme center for all purposes of Sikhs. Villagers from nearby would come to Darbar Sahib and solve their disputes. Visiting Golden Temple became a sort of a ritual on Diwali and Visakhi for Sikhs. Mughals were watching these activities. On Diwali, Bhai Mani Singh, head granthi of Golden Temple, asked for permission to hold Diwali Fair at Golden Temple. Mughal governor allowed it on the condition that after fair Bhai Mani Singh ji will pay 500,000 rupees to Lahore, Bhai Mani singh ji agreed. But two days before fair, Mughals sent a huge force to Amritsar, scaring away majority of the visitors and thus there was very less amount collected, not enough to pay mughals. Mughals arrested Bhai Mani Singh ji, Qazi ordered death sentence after torture or conversion to Islam. Bhai Mani Singh following the glorious tradition of Sikhism, picked death. Martyrdom of Banda Bahadur and Pious Sikh Priest Bhai Mani Singh had a deep impact on Sikh youth. For them Amritsar became a focal point. Sikhs Under Bhai Tara Singh of Village Wan, Nawab Kapur Singh of Village Singhpuria, Bhai Nodh Singh of Gujranwala , Jassa Singh Ramgarhia of Gurdaspur, started attacking Mughal treasuries. They became folk heroes of Sikhs. Mughal governor appointed Massa Ranghar as chief of Amritsar, he occupied Golden Temple and banned Sikhs from

visiting it. Sikh youth at this time would gallop on their horses and in a second would take a dip in sarovar fill up the water for their elders and ride away. Massa Ranghar made Golden Temple as his palace and dance hall where he watched dances by half naked woman. He also started abusing Hindus and Sikhs of Amritsar. This was too much for Sikhs to bear. Bhai Mehtab Singh and Bhai Sukha Singh avenged this descration by killing Massa Ranghar in the Golden Temple when they entered in disguise. They were both eventually hunted by Mughals and attained martyrdom. Meer Mannu and later Zakriya Khan continued their atrocities on Sikhs until Nadir Shah attacked . Nadir Shah (about 50 years old) from Afghanistan, easily defeated the Mughals and occupied Delhi. His forces harassed, raped, looted allmost all citizens of Delhi from mughal dignitaries to common persons. When he left, Delhi came under Marathas who let the Mughal emperor rule but whole Army was Maratha. Then Ahmad Shah Abdali or "Durrani" attacked Punjab. His forces occupied Punjab, he clashed with Marathas at Panipat and won a decisive battle. His forces had a field day of loot, Ahmad Shah Abdali was basically a free booter and a looter from Afghanistan just like Nadir Shah (Surprisingly Majority of Afghanistanis till today have remained like him, freebooters, looters and uncivilised people). His men abducted about 5000 women from Delhi for their harems and bazaars of Middle East. When he was returning, Sikhs under various small Jathas attacked Abdali and freed almost all of women as well as snatched back the looted riches of India. Abdali was furious and returned back in few years to punish Sikhs. Sikhs emptied Amritsar, Abdali forces occupied Golden Temple after a small fight with five Sikhs at golden Temple. Baba Deep Singh ji attacked Abdali's general at Amritsar and attained martyrdom. Sikhs retaliated the baggage train of Abdali and freed much of looted booty again, Sikhs also captured about 10,000 Afghanis who were made to work and restore Golden Temple in original state for about 1 year and then freed. Abdali attacked again five times to punish Sikhs but Sikhs retaliated each time. After Abdali died, his son Zaman Shah attacked Punjab but was severely beaten by a 16 year old one eyed lad from Punjab named Ranjit Singh in 1798 A.D.. After which Sikhs permanently occupied Golden Temple and its sanctity was not hurt until 1984 A.D, when Indian Army marched into the Golden Temple.

http://sikh-history.com/sikhhist/events/gtemple.html

Golden Temple The holiest site in Sikh history

Amritsar is the center of Sikh history and culture, and the Golden Temple is its most important religious site. In the early sixteenth century the first guru, Nanak, founded the new religion here, and under succeeding gurus, especially Arjan, the Sikh holy book, the Adi Granth, was compiled and the earliest temple was established to house it. Today the Golden Temple is the main place of pilgrimage for all Sikhs. The three-story marble temple dates from the eighteenth century and was much influenced by late Mughal architecture. The colonnades, turrets, niches, balconies, parapets, and the central dome, in the shape of an inverted lotus, are all typical of contemporary mosques and palaces. Rather than having one entrance, there are doors and balconies open to all four directions, signifying the importance of acceptance in the Sikh religion. The exterior is gilded with gold leaf on the upper two levels; the interior is decorated with inlaid marble, carved woodwork, ivory mosaics, embossed gold and silver, and murals. Reached by a marble causeway, the temple stands in the middle of a massive rectangular tank, the Amrita Sarovar or Pool of Nectar, around which are offices, storerooms, a dining hall, kitchen, guesthouse, and watchtowers. There is also a prominent clock tower at the northern entrance, and to the west is the Ahal Takht, a domed building that serves as the seat of the supreme Sikh council. The site has been a meditation retreat for wandering mendicants and sages since deep antiquity. Martin Gray, anthropologist.
http://www.canada-tourist.com/golden-temple-the-holiest-site-in-sikh-history.html

Harmandir, the Golden Temple of the Sikhs

The Golden Temple is situated in Amritsar, located in Northern Punjab, India, which is close to the border of Pakistan. It is the central gurdwara, or worship place, for all Sikhs in the world. Its proper name is Harmandir, which means "Temple of God". It is known as the Golden Temple because of its unique features. The gurdwara is constructed of white marble overlaid with gold leaf and stands in the center of a sarovar, or pool of fresh, clear, reflective water which is fed by

the Ganges River. Pilgrims bathe and perform ablution in the sacred waters of the tank which is known for its healing properties. Visitors gather inside the gurdwara to worship, listen to hymns, and hear the holy scripture of the Guru Granth Sahib read. The golden gurdwara has four entrances, one on each side, which are a symbolic welcome to all persons regardless of caste, class, color, or creed. A bridge extends from the gurdwara to the Akal Takhat, the governing body of religious authority for Sikhs. The Guru Granth is kept in the Akal Takhat after hours. Langar is a free sanctified meal which is prepared daily and served at the temple. It is available to the tens of thousands pilgrims who visit daily. All cooking of food and maintenance of the golden temple complex is carried out by worshipers, who volunteer their services. All cost is provided for by donations. Langar at the Golden Temple Video
History of Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple)

1574 - Akbar, a Mughal emperor gifts the site to Bibi Bhani, a daughter of the third Guru Amar Das, as a wedding gift when she marries Jetha who later becomes Fourth Guru Raam Das. 1577 - Guru Raam Das begins excavation of a fresh water tank, and construction of the temple site. 1588 - Guru Arjun Dev, the son of Guru Raam Das and the fifth guru of the Sikhs, over-sees the laying of the temple's foundation. 1604 - Guru Arjun Dev completes the temple's construction. He compiles the sacred scripture Adi Granth over a five year period, completing it August 30th, and installing the Granth in the temple on September 1st. He appoints a Sikh named Baba Buddha to be caretaker of the Granth. 1663 - Guru Har Govind lays the foundation of Akal Takhat, throne of spiritual authority, with the assistance of Bhai Gurdas and Baba Buddha. Together they build a platform 12 feet in height in defiance of a decree made by Mughal Emperor Jahangir that no one but his own royal personage be allowed to sit on a dais over three feet in height. 1699 - 1737 - Bhai Mani Singh is appointed curator of Harmandir Sahib by Guru Gobind Singh. 1757 - 1762 - Jahan Khan, an Afghani general of the invader Ahmad Shah Abdali, attacks the temple. It is defended by illustrious martyr Baba Deep Singh. The damages sustained result in major renovations. 1830 - Maharajah Ranjit Singh sponsors marble inlay, gold plating, and gilding of the temple. 1984 - Operation Blue Star:

May 25th (Tuesday): Indian Army troops surround the Golden Temple complex.

June 1st (Friday): Several thousand Sikh devotees convene at the Golden Temple to commemorate the June 3rd anniversary of the martyrdom of Guru Arjun Dev. A seven hour barrage of shooting occurs during the night, killing 11 and wounding 25. June 3rd (Sunday): Indian Army troupes impose a curfew shooting dead any who violate it. Ten thousand Sikh devotees are trapped within the Golden Temple complex . June 4th (Monday): The Indian Army fires on the Golden Temple with machine guns and mortars. A five hour battle ensues resulting in 100 deaths. June 5th (Tuesday): The Indian Government sends tanks to surround and invade the temple complex. Heavy crossfire results in many casualties. June 6th (Wednesday): Armored vehicles and tanks break through and pummel the Akal Takhat resulting in the massacre of thousands of innocent worshipers and damage to the entire complex, defacing the temple, destroying the Akal Takhat, and desecrating holy scriptures and sacred texts. June 7th (Thursday): Indian army soldiers trample the grounds without removing their boots, swaggering through the temple complex drinking and smoking. The Golden Temple complex is looted and ancient scriptures are burnt. The sarovar is filled with thousands floating corpses. Relatives are refused the rights to claim their dead. The Bodies of dead devotees are collected, stripped of valuables, loaded onto garbage trucks and cremated without ceremonial rites, before an official count can be made.

1993 - Karan Bir Singh Sidhu, a prominent Sikh, heads up the Galliara renovation project of the Akal Takhat and the Golden Temple Harmandir complex.

http://sikhism.about.com/od/history/a/Golden_Temple.htm

he era of the ten gurus of Sikhism spans nearly 300 years, from the birth of Nanak Dev in 1469, through the life of Guru Gobind Singh. At the time of his the death in 1708, Guru Gobind Singh bequeathed his title of Guru to the Sikh scripture, Guru Granth. Sikhs regard the 10 gurus of Sikhism as the embodiment of one guiding light which passed from each guru to their successors and which now resides with the scripture Siri Guru Granth Sahib. (Where research shows discrepancies in names and dates, each are given.)
1. Guru Nanak Dev

Photo [Angel Originals]

Guru Nanak Dev, first of the 10 gurus, founded the Sikh faith, introducing the concept of one God.

Son of: Kalyan Das ji (Mehta Kalu ji), and Mata Tripta ji. Married to: Sulakhani ji. Father to: sons, Siri Chand and Lakhmi Das.

Birthplace: Nankana Sahib (Pakistan), observed October 20, 1469 (April 14, 1469 Nanakshahi) Became Guru: From birth - formally, February 20, 1507 (1499 AD at about age 30) Place of Death: Kartarpur, September 7, 1539 (September 22, Nanakshahi) Age: 70

The Life of Guru Nanak The Birth of Guru Nanak The Story of Guru Nanak's Birth Guru Nanak's Birthday Celebrations Guru Nanak's Official Birthday Celebration Guru Nanak the Herdboy Guru Nanak and the Shade Tree Guru Nanak and the Cobra Guru Nanak the Merchant The Journeys of Guru Nanak and Mardana
More Info 2. Guru Angad Dev

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Guru Angad Dev, second of the 10 gurus, compiled the writings of Nanak Dev, and introduced the Gurmukhi script. Son of: Pheru Mall ji and Mata Daya Kaur (Sabhrai) ji. Married to: Khivi ji. Father to: sons, Dasu, Datu, and daughters, Amro and Anokhi.

Birthplace: Harike, March 31, 1504 (April 18, Nanakshahi) Became Guru: Kartarpur, September 7, 1539 (September 18, Nanakshahi) Place of Death: Khadur, March 29, 1552 (April 16, Nanakshahi) Age: 48

Guru Angad Dev and the Tradition of Langar The Establishment of Langar by Mata Khivi
More Info

3. Guru Amar Das

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Guru Amar Das, third of the 10 gurus, disavowed caste with the institution of langar, pangat and sangat. Son of: Tej Bhan ji and Mata Lakhmi ji. Married to: Mansa Devi. Father to: sons, Mohan, Mohri, and daughters, Dani and Bhani.

Birthplace: Basarke (Amritsar) May 5, 1479, (May 23, Nanakshahi) Became Guru: Khadur, March 26, 1552 (April 16, Nanakshahi) Place of Death: Goindwal, September 1, 1574 (September 16, Nanakshahi) Age: 95

The Guru's Free Kitchen The Institution of Langar Monday according to Guru Amardas
More Info 4. Guru Raam Das

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Guru Raam Das, fourth of the 10 gurus, began the excavation of the sarovar in Amritsar. Son of: Hari Das ji Sodhi and Mata Daya Kaur ji. Married to: Bhani ji. Father to: sons, Prithi Chand, Maha Dev and Arjun Dev.

Birthplace: Chuna Mandi (Lahore, Pakistan) September 24, 1534 (October 9, Nanakshahi) Became Guru: Goindwal, September 1, 1574 (September 16, Nanakshahi) Place of Death: Goindwal, September 1, 1581 (September 16, Nanakshahi) Age: 47

The History of Keeping Up The Virtue of Humility

More Info 5. Guru Arjun Dev (Arjan Dev)

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Guru Arjun (Arjan) Dev, fifth of the 10 gurus, erected the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) in Amritsar, compiled and contributed to Adi Granth, 1604. Son of: Guru Raam das and Ji Mata Bhani ji. Married to: Raam Devi (issueless), Ganga ji. Father to: one son, Har Govind.

Birthplace: Goindwal, April 14, 1563 (May 2, Nanakshahi) Became Guru: Goindwal, September 1, 1581 (September 16, Nanakshahi) Place of Death: Lahore, May, 30 1606 (June 16, Nanakshahi) Martyred age: 43

Martyr, Architect and Poet History of Harmandir Sahib The Martyrdom of Guru Arjun
More Info 6. Guru Har Govind (Har Gobind)

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Guru Har Govind (Gobind), sixth of the 10 gurus, constructed the Akal Takhat. He raised an army and wore two swords symbolizing secular and spiritual authority. The Mughal emperor Jahangir imprisoned the guru who negotiated release for whomever could hold on to his robe. Son of: Guru Arjun and Mata Ganga. Married to: Damodri ji, Nankee ji and Maha Devi ji. Father to: Sons, Gur Ditta, Ani Rai, Suraj Mal, Atal Rai, Teg Mall (Teg Bahadur), and daughter, Bibi Veero.

Birthplace: Guru ki Wadali (Amritsar), June 19, 1595 (July 5, Nanakshai) Became Guru: Amritsar, May 25, inaugurated June 10 - 11 or 25, 1606 (June 11, Nanakshahi)

Place of Death: Kiratpur, February 28, or March 3, 1644 (March 19, Nanakshahi) Age: 49

Bandi Chhor Release From Imprisonment

More Info 7. Guru Har Rai

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Guru Har Rai, seventh of the 10 gurus, propagated the Sikh faith, maintained a cavalry of 20,000 as his personal guard, and established both a hospital and zoo. Son of: Baba Gurditta ji and Mata Nihal Kaur. Married to: Sulakhni ji (Kishan Kaur) and Daughters of Daya Ram. Father to: sons, Ram Rai and Har Krishan, and daughter Sarup Kaur.

Birthplace: Kiratpur (Hoshiarpur), January 16, or February 26, 1630 (January 31, Nanakshahi) Became Guru: Kiratpur, March 3, or 8, 1644 (March 14, Nanakshahi) Place of Death: Kiratpur, May 30, or October 6, 1661 (October 20, Nanakshahi) Age: 31

Birth of Guru Har Rai Boyhood of Guru Har Rai

More Info 8. Guru Har Krishan (Har Kishan)

Photo [Angel Originals]

Guru Har Krishan, eighth of the 10 gurus, became guru at the age of five, and is known for his wisdom and compassion. Son of Guru Har Rai and Mata Kishan (aka Krishan or Sulakhni) Kaur.

Birthplace: Kiratpur, July 7, 1656 (July 23, Nanakshahi) Became Guru: Kiratpur, June 10, July 7, or October 6 - 7, 1661 (October 20, Nanakshahi)

Place of Death: Delhi, March 30, 1664 (April 16, Nanakshahi) Age: 8

Baba Bakala, and the 22 Impostors

More Info 9. Guru Teg Bahadar (Tegh Bahadur)

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Guru Teg Bahadar, ninth of the 10 gurus, reluctant to leave meditation and come forward as guru, ultimately sacrificed his life to protect Hindu Pandits from forced conversion to Islam. Son of: Guru Har Govind and Mata Nankee ji. Married to: Gujri ji. Father to: one son, Gobind Singh.

Birthplace: Amritsar, April 1, 1621 (April 18, Nanakshahi) Became Guru: Baba Bakala, August 11, 1664 (April 16, Nanakshahi) Place of Death: Delhi, November 11, 1675 (November 24, Nanakshahi) Martyred age: 54

Baba Bakala, Guru Teg Bahadur and the 22 Impostors

More Info 10. Guru Gobind Singh

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Guru Gobind Singh, tenth of the 10 gurus, created the order of Khalsa. Sacrificed father, mother, sons and his own life to protect Sikhs from forced conversion to Islam. Completed the Granth bestowing upon it title of everlasting Guru. Son of Guru Teg Bahadar and Mata Gujri ji. Married to Jito ji (Ajit Kaur), Sundri, and Sahib Kaur. Father to sons, Ajit Singh, Jujhar Singh, Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh.

Birthplace: Patna (Bihar, India) December 22, 1666 (January 5, Nanakshahi) Became Guru: Anandpur, November 11, 1675 (November 24 Nanakshahi) Creation of Khalsa: April 14, 1699 Place of Death: Nanded, October 7, 1708 (October 21, Nanakshahi) Age: 42

http://sikhism.about.com/od/tengurus/tp/Ten-Gurus-Timeline.htm