Guru Gobind Singh

Guru Gobind Singh

Guru Gobind Singh Ji (December 22, 1666 in Patna, Bihar, India - October 7, 1708) was the tenth and last of the Ten human form Gurus of Sikhism. He became Guru on November 11, 1675 at the age of nine, following in the footsteps of his father Guru Teg Bahadur Ji. Before Guru Ji left his body, he nominated Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (SGGS) as the next perpetual Guru of the Sikhs. Guru Gobind Singh moulded the Sikh Religion into its present form today with the formation of the Khalsa.

Early Life

For the first 20 years or so of his life, Guru Gobind Singh lived peacefully at Anandpur practicing arms and exercises to complete his training as a soldier. He also studied Persian and Sanskrit and engaged 52 poets to translate the Hindu epics. Stories of ancient heroes were translated into Punjabi in order to create the martial spirit among the Sikhs. The Guru also wrote several compositions including Jaap Sahib, Akal Ustat and Sawayas during this period. He also established a Gurdwara at Paonta Sahib on the banks of the river Jamna.

Battle of Bhangani

The Guru admonished hill Rajas including Raja Bhim Chand for giving their daughters to the Moghuls as tribute for holding their positions. His efforts at winning their support against Aurangzeb bore no fruit. On the contrary, the hill Rajas conspired with the Moghul armies o put down the power of Guru Gobind singh. Hey however faced defeat several times at the hands of the comparatively small Sikh Army.

Battle of Nadaun (Hussaini Yudh)

The Masands

The Guru received various complaints against the priests – masands – who robbed he poor Sikhs and misappropriated the collections. Th Guru abolished this order and severly punished the miscreants. Hereafter, the faithful were to bring their offerings direct o the Guru at the time of the annual Vaisakhi fair

The Guru wanted to create a strong self-respecting community. He inspired the Sikhs with courage and heroism and a life of simplicity and hard work. He started an arms factory at Anandpur in order to manufacture swords and lances needed for his soldiers. Once when the Brahims insisted that he should offer worship to goddess Durga in order to seal victory, he agreed and kept up the farce ill nothing came out of it. At the cruicial moment, the Guru unsheathed his sword exclaiming, “The sword is the Durga which will give us victory over our enemies.”

The Khalsa

Guru's Bani

This page contains Gurmukhi script. Without sufficient text support you may see irregular vowel placements and no conjuncts.To enable Punjabi Script and Learn More...]

Translation of Quote from Bachiter Natak:

' I establish thee as my son, that you spread My Path. Go and instruct men in Righteousness and the Moral Law, and make people desist from evil.' I stood up, with joined palms, and bowing my head to Lord God, I said: Thy Path I shall spread only if Thou be at my back. For this was I born into the world, I utter only how and what God uttered to me, for I am the enemy of no one. He who calls me God will surely burn in the fire of hell. For I am only the servant of God: doubt not the veracity of this statement. I am but the slave of the Supreme Being come to witness His Play. I tell the world only what my God said to me, for I will not be silenced through fear of the mere mortals. I utter as is the Instruction of my God, for I consider no one greater than Him. I am pleased not with any religious garb, so I shall sow the seeds of the Unaccountable One. Nay, I worship not stones, nor am I attracted by denomintional coats. I utter only the name of the Infinite and so attain unto the Supreme Being. I wear not matted hair, nor ear-rings, nor have regard for any such ritual, and do only what God bids me do. I repeat only the Name of One God who fulfills us, at all places. No, I utter not another's name, nor establish another God. I dwell upon the Name of the Infinite One and so realise the essence of the Supreme Light. I give thought to none else, nor utter another's name. O God, with Thy one Name I am imbued. I have no other pride. Yea, I utter only Thy Name and eradicate my endless sins.

Another famous Shabad of Guru Gobind Singh quoted from www.sridasam.org

ਸ੝ਵੈਯਾ ॥ SWAYYA
ਦੇਹ ਸਿਵਾ ਬਰ ਮੋਹਿ ਇਹੈ ਸ੝ਭ ਕਰਮਨ ਤੇ ਕਬਹੂੰ ਨ ਟਰੋਂ ॥

O Goddess, grant me this that I may not hesitate from performing good actions.
ਨ ਡਰੋਂ ਅਰਿ ਸੋ ਜਬ ਜਾਇ ਲਰੋਂ ਨਿਸਚੈ ਕਰ ਅਪਨੀ ਜੀਤ ਕਰੋਂ ॥

I may not fear the enemy, when I go to fight and assuredly I may become victorious.
ਅਰ੝ ਸਿਖ ਹੋਂ ਆਪਨੇ ਹੀ ਮਨ ਕੌ ਇਹ ਲਾਲਚ ਹਉ ਗ੝ਨ ਤਉ ਉਚਰੋਂ ॥

And I may give this instruction to my mind and have this tempotration that I may ever utter Thy Praises.
ਜਬ ਆਵ ਕੀ ਅਉਧ ਨਿਦਾਨ ਬਨੈ ਅਤ ਹੀ ਰਨ ਮੈ ਤਬ ਜੂਝ ਮਰੋਂ ॥੨੩੧॥

When the end of my life comes, then I may die fighting in the battlefield.231.

And a translation of the above Shabad:

“O Goddess Shiva, grant me this boon, that I may never hesitate from righteous deeds.

Let me be fearless when I go into battle, Give me faith that victory will be mine.

Let one directive guide my mind, That I always sing your praise,

And when comes the time to end my life, I should die fighting on the Battlefield.”

Other Famous Quotes from Dasam Granth:

Page 137

Whosoever shall call me the Lord, shall fall into hell.
Consider me as His servant and do not think of any difference between me and the Lord. 32.

Page 1471

When all other methods fail, it is proper to hold the sword in hand. (22)

Page 1475

Do not be rash in striking your sword on helpless, otherwise the Providence will shed your blood. (69)

Quotes