Guru Amar Das lived from 1479 to 1574 and was the third Sikh Guru. He served for 22 years, until his death at 95. During his time, he made big changes to the Sikh faith.

He started new traditions and reforms. These changes still shape Sikhism today.

• Guru Amar Das was the third of the Ten Sikh Gurus, serving from 1552 until his death in 1574 at the age of 95.
• He is renowned for establishing the Langar tradition of communal dining, promoting equality and service to the community.
• Guru Amar Das worked to abolish the caste system and advocated for the rights of women, including banning practices like sati and encouraging widow remarriage.
• He oversaw the expansion of Sikhism through a systematic network of missionaries and administrative districts called manjis.
• Guru Amar Das contributed significantly to the Sikh scriptures, composing over 900 hymns that are part of the Guru Granth Sahib.

Guru Amar Das was born on May 5, 1479, in Basarke, Amritsar district, Punjab, India. He was the eldest child of Tej Bhan Bhalla and Lachmi Devi. His family belonged to the Bhalla gotra, a part of the Khatri tribe.

Amar Das was born into a family deeply rooted in religion. His grandfather, Hari Das, was a devout Vaishnavite Hindu. Amar Das was initially drawn to Vaishnavism but later became a Sikh.

Amar Das married Mansa Devi in his early 20s. They had four children: Dani, Bhani, Mohan, and Mohri. Bhani, his younger daughter, was his favorite and played a key role in Sikhism’s spread.

Amar Das was once a devoted follower of Vaishnavism, a Hindu tradition. He made about twenty pilgrimages a year to Haridwar, seeking spiritual enlightenment. These pilgrimages were to the sacred Ganges River.

But, a life-changing event happened during one of these pilgrimages. On his way back from his twentieth trip, he heard Bibi Amro, Guru Angad’s daughter, singing. She was singing a hymn by Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.

Amar Das was deeply moved by the hymn’s power. He learned about Sikhism from Bibi Amro. She introduced him to Guru Angad, and he became his devoted follower. Amar Das then embraced the Sikh faith and its teachings.

This moment was a turning point for Amar Das. He went from being a Hindu pilgrim to a devoted Sikh. Bibi Amro was key in introducing him to the Sikh Guru and the path to becoming the third Sikh Guru.

“The Sikh Scripture, Guru Granth Sahib, serves as the present and Eternal Guru for Sikhs.”

Guru Amar Das Ji was born on May 5, 1479, in Basarke village, Punjab, India. He was a follower of the second Sikh Guru, Angad Dev. At 73, Angad Dev named Amar Das as his successor on March 29, 1552.

However, Angad’s son Datu was jealous and claimed to be Guru at Khadur. This led to a confrontation with Amar Das at Goindwal.

Guru Amar Das moved to Goindwal to avoid conflict with Angad’s sons. Goindwal is near Khadur, on the river Beas. Despite being harassed by Datu, Amar Das accepted the challenge.

Later, Amar Das left Goindwal and went back to Basarke. But Baba Buddha convinced him to return. Datu, with no followers, went back to Khadur.

Guru Amar Das was devoted to Guru Angad and led the Sikhs until he was 95. He introduced important reforms and traditions. These include the Manji system, dasvandh, and the langar tradition of communal meals.

Guru Amar Das Ji (1479-1574) made a lasting impact on Sikhism. His teachings and reforms were groundbreaking. His life showed the true meaning of Guru Service, or Guru Sewa in Punjabi.

Guru Amar Das wrote hymns that became part of the Adi Granth, the Sikh holy book. His most notable work is the Anand Sahib. Sikhs recite it daily as one of the Five Banis.

Guru Amar Das started the langar tradition. It’s a free kitchen where everyone eats together, no matter their background. Even the Mughal emperor Akbar had to eat with others before meeting the Guru, showing the value of equality.

Guru Amar Das was a trailblazer in social reform. He opposed the purdah and sati practices. He also supported inter-caste marriages and remarriage of widows, challenging old customs.

Guru Amar Das’ teachings shaped Sikh identity and community. They focus on spirituality, equality, and progress. These values still inspire Sikhs around the world.

Guru Amar Das led the Sikh community to great changes. He introduced the Manji system, which helped the community grow and be well-governed.

Guru Amar Das created the Manji system. He chose manji (administrators) and sangatias (chiefs) to manage the community. Both men and women were picked for these roles.

These leaders were in charge of sangats (congregations) in different areas. They spread Sikh teachings far and wide. This system helped the community grow and stay organized.

The Manji System by Guru Amar Das was key to the Sikh community’s growth. It set the stage for the community’s future success.

Guru Amar Das, the third Sikh Guru, was a visionary leader. He made a lasting impact on the Sikh faith. One of his key contributions was the Piri system.

This system involved appointing women preachers and missionaries. They were to spread Sikhism, especially among women from Muslim backgrounds.

The women chosen for this role were Bhani, Bibi Dani, and Bibi Pal. They were known for their intelligence and spiritual commitment. These Sikh Missionaries aimed to engage women and share Sikh teachings.

The Piri system was a groundbreaking move. It recognized the vital role of Women Preachers in spreading the faith. Guru Amar Das wanted to include women in religious discussions.

This approach not only strengthened the Sikh community. It also challenged old gender norms. The Piri System showed Guru Amar Das’ dedication to equality and empowering women in Sikhism.

In Sikh history, a key moment was when Guru Amar Das met Datu, the son of Guru Angad. Datu kicked Guru Amar Das off his seat at Goindwal. Yet, Guru Amar Das showed great grace and compassion.

Guru Amar Das didn’t fight back or show his power. Instead, he said, “O great king, pardon me. Thou must have hurt thy foot.” This act of humility is highly valued in Sikh tradition.

This story shows Guru Amar Das’s dedication to datu, or humble submission. He taught that humility is more important than power or status. This is the heart of Sikh guruship.

Guru Amar Das’s humility made him a respected and visionary leader. It also helped the smooth succession of Sikh spiritual leaders that followed.

Guru Amar Das’s words to Datu have become a key part of Sikh teachings. They remind followers of the power of humility and grace in tough times.

Guru Amar Das was highly respected, even by the ruling elite. It’s said that Emperor Akbar sought his advice. He even ate in the Sikhs’ langar (communal refectory).

The meeting between Guru Amar Das and Emperor Akbar showed the growing ties between Sikhs and Mughals. Akbar’s act of eating in the langar showed his respect for the Sikh tradition. This tradition promotes equality and rejects caste differences.

This meeting showed the mutual respect between the Sikh Guru and the Mughal ruler. It showed the Guru’s ability to connect with powerful figures across religious and political lines. This earned him great admiration and cooperation.

“Guru Amar Das’s encounter with Emperor Akbar showcased the growing Sikh-Mughal relations and the Guru’s ability to transcend religious and political boundaries.”

Guru Amar Das Ji’s life and leadership deeply impacted the Sikh faith. He served as Guru for 95 years, leading many legacy, teachings, and reforms. These changes greatly shaped the Sikh community.

His spiritual guidance and administrative skills were groundbreaking. He also brought about social changes. This made him a highly respected and transformative Guru.

Guru Amar Das Ji is known for starting three key Sikh festivals: Baisakhi, Maghi, and Diwali. He also built a sacred well and created the Manji system. These actions show his commitment to equality and social justice.

His work in the Sikh faith is unmatched. From spiritual guidance to social reforms, he left a lasting impact. His life and teachings inspire Sikhs globally, showing the power of compassion and belief.