Who were the 10 Gurus of Sikhism?
The history of Sikhism is filled with tales of asceticism, sacrifice, and devotion. To understand Sikhism deeply, it is essential to know about its 10 Gurus. The word "Sikh" originates from the word "shishya," signifying a disciple who follows their Guru's teachings. These spiritual guides, the Sikh Gurus, laid the foundation of the faith from 1469 to 1708. Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was born in 1469, and nine other Gurus succeeded him. Finally, the tenth Guru transferred the Guruship to the sacred Sikh scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, which is considered the living Guru by Sikh followers.
Brief Introductions of the 10 Sikh Gurus:
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Born on April 15, 1469, in Talwandi, situated on the banks of the Ravi River, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji was the founder and preacher of Sikhism. He is also known as Guru Nanak, Baba Nanak, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, and Nanak Shah. In Tibet, he was called Nanak Lama. He was not only a spiritual guide but also a gifted poet.
Guru Angad Dev Ji
Guru Nanak Dev Ji designated his disciple Bhai Lehna as his successor, who later became Guru Angad Dev Ji. Born on March 31, 1504, he received the Guruship on September 17, 1539. His father, Sri Fheru Ji, was a simple merchant.
Guru Amar Das Ji
Born on May 5, 1479, in the village of Basarke, Guru Amar Das Ji established the langar system (community kitchen) and opposed the practice of sati (widow immolation). He actively advocated for widow remarriage.
Guru Ram Das Ji
Born on September 24, 1534, Guru Ram Das Ji established the holy city of Ramdaspur, now known as Amritsar, in Punjab. He was married to Bibi Bhani, the daughter of Guru Amar Das Ji.
Guru Arjan Dev Ji
Born on April 15, 1563, Guru Arjan Dev Ji is revered as a symbol of martyrdom and peace. He compiled the Guru Granth Sahib in 1604 with the assistance of Bhai Gurdas.
Guru Har Gobind Ji
Born on June 19th in Wadali, Punjab, Guru Har Gobind Ji established the Akal Takht and was the first Guru to actively participate in warfare.
Guru Har Rai Ji
Born on January 16th in Kiratpur Sahib, Punjab, Guru Har Rai Ji received the Guruship at the age of 14. He was married to Mata Krishna Kaur and had two children, Baba Ram Rai and Guru Harkrishan Dev Ji.
Guru Harkrishan Dev Ji
Born on July 7th in Kiratpur Sahib, Guru Harkrishan Dev Ji treated countless people during a devastating plague in Delhi. Muslims referred to him as Bala Pir.
Guru Teg Bahadur Ji
Born on April 1st, Guru Teg Bahadur Ji sacrificed his life to protect Dharma. When Kashmiri Pandits sought his help against the oppressive Aurangzeb, he made this ultimate sacrifice for religious freedom.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji
Born on December 22, 1666, Guru Gobind Singh Ji was not only a spiritual leader but also a skilled poet. He established the Khalsa Panth and formed an army to protect the vulnerable from the tyrannical Mughal forces.
