Guru Gobind Singh, (1666–1708) the 10th and last master of the Sikhs, was born on 7th day of the month of POH, samvat 1723, (22nd December, 1666 AD ) at Patna Sahib in Bihar. Guru ji was a great revolutionary whose greatest achievement was the creation of the Khalsa Panth on Baisakhi Day of 1699 at Anandpur Sahib in Punjab. Guru ji was a linguistic familiar with many languages Iike, Persian, Arabic, Sanskrit as well as his native Punjabi. Guru ji codified Sikh law,wrote martial poetry and music ,fought many battles and won.
Guru ji wrote the renowned holy Granth called the Dasam Granth..The noted prayers included in this Granth are Jaap Sahib, Chandi Di Vaar, Tav-Prasad Savaiye, Zafarnamah, Bachittar Natak, Akal Ustat, Chaupai Sahib and more.
Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji was a revolutionary prophet who practiced his spiritual ideals to counter the forces of tyranny and injustice. Tyranny in all its forms – social, political, and religious was to be countered and annihilated. A state which could not provide basic human rights, social justice, equality and religious freedom was to be opposed.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s contributions not only shaped Sikhism into a vibrant, sovereign, and spiritual tradition, but also inspired resistance against tyranny and uplifted the downtrodden. His establishment of the Khalsa in 1699 and his declaration of Guru Granth Sahib Ji as the eternal Guru remain the two most defining moments in Sikh history.
Early Life of Guru Gobind Singh Ji
– Birth Name: Gobind Rai
– Born: December 22, 1666 (7 Poh, Samvat 1723), Patna Sahib, Bihar
– Father: Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (9th Sikh Guru)
– Mother: Mata Gujri Ji
Childhood in Patna and Anandpur Sahib
Guru Gobind Singh Ji was born in Patna Sahib, where his early years were marked by brilliance in language, philosophy, and martial training. His family later moved to Anandpur Sahib, which became the center of Sikh learning and resistance under his leadership.
Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji
In 1675, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was publicly executed in Delhi by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb for defending the religious rights of Kashmiri Hindus. At the young age of nine, Guru Gobind Rai was formally anointed as the Tenth Guru, taking on an enormous spiritual and social responsibility.
Leadership and Transformation of the Sikh Community
From the age of nine onward, Guru Gobind Singh Ji led the Sikh Panth with vision, strength, and purpose, shaping it into a resilient and sovereign spiritual order.
Creation of the Khalsa (1699)
On Vaisakhi Day in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh Ji summoned thousands of Sikhs at Anandpur Sahib. Through a dramatic call for sacrifice, he created the Khalsa Panth, a community of initiated warrior-saints who embodied the virtues of:
– Spiritual devotion (bhakti)
– Martial courage (shakti)
– Equality, justice, and righteousness
The Khalsa was required to uphold the Five Ks (Kakaars) and live by a strict code of conduct, known as the Rehat Maryada.
“When all other means fail, it is righteous to draw the sword.”
-Guru Gobind Singh Ji
This transformation empowered the Sikhs to resist religious persecution, caste oppression, and political tyranny.
Teachings and Philosophy
Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s teachings combine devotion, discipline, and dharam yudh (righteous warfare). He emphasized internal purity, service to humanity, and unwavering faith in One God.
1. God is One and Formless
Guru Ji reinforced the belief in Ik Onkar-the One Universal Creator. He rejected idol worship and rituals, calling instead for:
– Meditation (Simran)
– Honest living (Kirat Karni)
– Sharing with others (Vand Chakna)
2. Equality of All
He denounced the caste system, declared all human beings equal, and promoted gender equality.
“Manas ki jaat sabhe ek pehchaanbo” – Recognize the whole human race as one.
3. The Ideal Saint-Soldier
Guru Gobind Singh Ji conceptualized the ideal Sikh as a Saint-Soldier (Sant-Sipahi)-a person of high spiritual awareness, humility, and martial readiness to fight for justice, never out of anger or greed.
4. Fearlessness and Self-Sacrifice
He emphasized the cultivation of Nirbhau (fearlessness) and Nirvair (without hatred). His own life, and the sacrifices of his family, are unparalleled in Indian history.
Literary Genius and Writings
Guru Gobind Singh Ji was a scholar of Persian, Braj, Sanskrit, and Punjabi, and composed an extensive body of spiritual and philosophical literature.
Major Works
– Jaap Sahib – A poetic composition praising the attributes of God
– Akal Ustat – Hymns in praise of the Timeless One
– Chandi di Var – Heroic ballads of the divine feminine (Chandi/Devi)
– Zafarnama – A Persian epistle to Aurangzeb, criticizing his tyranny and dishonesty
These texts form a part of the Dasam Granth, a collection of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s writings.
Personal Sacrifices and Battles
Family Martyrdom
Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s life was marked by immense personal loss:
– His father, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji – Beheaded for defending religious freedom
His four sons:
– Sahibzadas Ajit Singh and Jujhar Singh – Martyred in the Battle of Chamkaur
– Sahibzadas Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh – Bricked alive by the Mughals in Sirhind
– His mother, Mata Gujri Ji – Passed away in captivity upon hearing of her grandsons’ death
Despite these tragedies, Guru Ji remained steadfast in faith, mission, and purpose.
Key Battles
He fought several defensive wars against the Mughal and Hill Rajput rulers, including:
– Battle of Bhangani (1688)
– Battle of Chamkaur (1704)
– Battle of Muktsar (1705)
These battles were fought not for power, but for dharma (righteousness) and freedom of belief.
Declaration of the Guru Granth Sahib as the Eternal Guru
Before his passing in 1708, Guru Gobind Singh Ji abolished the line of human Gurus and declared the Guru Granth Sahib Ji as the eternal, living Guru of the Sikhs:
“Sabh Sikhan ko hukam hai, Guru manyo Granth.”
This ensured that the Word of God, not a person, would guide the Panth forever.
Martyrdom at Nanded
Guru Gobind Singh Ji passed away on October 7, 1708, in Hazur Sahib, Nanded (Maharashtra), after being attacked by an assassin. Even in his final moments, he remained composed, instructing the Sikhs to uphold the Khalsa and revere the Guru Granth Sahib.
Legacy of Guru Gobind Singh Ji
– Founder of the Khalsa Panth
He gave Sikhs a unique identity and unified purpose-to be selfless, courageous, disciplined, and God-fearing.
– Champion of Human Rights and Freedom
– Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s message resonates universally: stand for the oppressed, live truthfully, and never bow before injustice.
– He was not only a warrior but also a visionary poet and philosopher. His writings inspired generations to live lives of spiritual and ethical excellence.