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Bhai Gurdas (1551- 23 September 16371) is a much honoured Sikh scholar, missionary, and literary master who is also respected for his Sikh way of life. He was a leading figure in Sikhism who enjoyed the company of Guru Arjan, the fifth Sikh Guru . It was under the supervision of the fifth Sikh Guru that he inscribed the first copy of Sikh Scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, which is now respect as the perpetual Guru of the Sikhs and is central of the Sikh religion. He was also responsible for various writings in his own right which have gained much respect in the Sikh community. His Varan have been referred to Guru Arjan as the "Key" to the Guru Granth Sahib.
Bhai sahib was born in a Bhalla Khatri family. His father was Bhai Ishar Das and his mother's name was Mata Jivani. He was born at Goindval, Punjab, India in 1551AD. He was the nephew of third Guru, Guru Amar Das. (see Guru family tree) Bhai Gurdas was a first cousin of Mata Bhani, mother of Guru Arjan Dev.
Bhai Ishar Das, one of Guru Amar Das's cousins had settled in Goindval soon after the town was founded in 1546 AD (1603 Bk). Bhai Gurdas, who was the only child of his parents, lost his mother when he was barely three and his father when he was 12. He spent his early years at Goindval and Sultanpur Lodhi. .....More
