At just five years old, Guru Har Krishan became the youngest Guru in Sikhism. He took the throne of Guruship in 1661. This young saint, known as the “Bal Guru” or “Child Guru,” made a lasting impact on Sikhism.
Despite being very young, Guru Har Krishan Ji showed great selflessness and spiritual wisdom. He embodied the devotion that defined the Sikh Gurus.
Key Takeaways
- Guru Har Krishan became the youngest Guru in Sikhism at the age of 5, after the passing of his father, Guru Har Rai.
- He was known as the “Bal Guru” or “Child Guru” due to his attainment of Guruship at a remarkably young age.
- Guru Har Krishan’s brief but impactful tenure as the eighth Sikh Guru was marked by his selfless service, spiritual wisdom, and unwavering devotion.
- Guru Har Krishan Ji’s life and legacy continue to inspire Sikhs worldwide, with several historical gurdwaras associated with his name.
- Despite the scarcity of authentic literature about his life, Guru Har Krishan’s impact on the Sikh faith remains profound and enduring.
The Child Saint of Sikhism
Guru Har Krishan Ji was born in Kiratpur Sahib, in the Shivalik Hills of northwest India. He was the youngest to become a Sikh Guru. At just 5 years old, he took on the role of the eighth Guru.
Childhood and Early Life
Guru Har Krishan Ji came from the Sodhi clan of Khatris. His parents were Guru Har Rai and Krishen Devi, also known as Mata Sulakhni. Their family’s strong Sikh faith and Khatris lineage prepared him for his spiritual path from a young age.
Succession to Guruship at Age 5
Before he died in 1661, Guru Har Rai chose 5-year-old Har Krishan to be the eighth Sikh Guru. This made Har Krishan the youngest Guru, showing his spiritual maturity and Guru Har Rai’s faith in him.
“The child saint, Guru Har Krishan, assumed the mantle of Guruship at the tender age of 5, embodying the Sikh principle of embracing wisdom and divinity regardless of age or stature.”
Guru Har Krishan Ji’s early life and his rise to Guruship at 5 have made him a legend. He inspires many with his strong faith and wisdom.
Guru Har Krishan Ji (1656-1664)
Conflicts with Aurangzeb
Aurangzeb took over the Mughal Empire in 1658. He called Guru Har Rai in 1660, asking about his support for Dara Shikoh. Guru Har Rai sent his son Ram Rai to talk for him.
Aurangzeb kept Ram Rai as a hostage. He asked about a verse in the Adi Granth that seemed to insult Islam. Ram Rai changed the verse to please Aurangzeb. This led Guru Har Rai to excommunicate him and choose Har Krishan as the next Guru.
The Disinheritance of Ram Rai
The Ram Rai incident showed Guru Har Rai’s strong principles. He refused to change the Sikh scriptures, even under Mughal pressure. Guru Har Rai’s decision to excommunicate his son showed his dedication to Sikhism.
This made Har Krishan the rightful successor. He became the Guru at just five years old.
Guru Har Krishan Ji was the eighth Sikh Guru (1656-1664). His short time as Guru was filled with wisdom and compassion. Despite being young, he showed deep understanding of Sikh teachings and care for his followers.
Summoned to Delhi
A few years after becoming the Sikh leader, Aurangzeb summoned Guru Har Krishan to his court in Delhi through Raja Jai Singh. Aurangzeb wanted to replace Har Krishan with his brother Ram Rai. But, Har Krishan got sick with smallpox when he arrived in Delhi. His meeting with Aurangzeb was cancelled.
Some sources say he refused to meet Aurangzeb because he knew he would ask for miracles, which are against Sikh teachings.
In Delhi, Guru Har Krishan met people from all walks of life. He attracted many followers and was honored by figures like Mirza Raja Jai Singh. Despite being young, he showed great spiritual knowledge. He taught about virtues like patience, charity, and love.
Unfortunately, the Guru got sick while helping others during an epidemic. He died of smallpox at eight years old in March 1664. Before he died, he named his successor as “Baba Bakala”.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Summoned to Delhi | Aurangzeb summoned Guru Har Krishan to his court in Delhi through Raja Jai Singh. |
| Confrontation with Aurangzeb | Aurangzeb wanted to replace Har Krishan with his elder brother Ram Rai as the Sikh Guru. |
| Guru’s Reluctance | Har Krishan contracted smallpox and refused to meet Aurangzeb, who would demand miracles. |
| Interaction with People | Guru Har Krishan interacted with people from all walks of life, attracting a significant following. |
| Spiritual Capabilities | Guru Har Krishan demonstrated advanced spiritual knowledge and teachings. |
| Untimely Passing | Guru Har Krishan passed away at the age of eight due to a smallpox epidemic in Delhi. |
Guru Har Krishan told Sikhs to follow “Baba Bakala ji”. This was a direction to the village of Bakala near river Beas in Punjab province.
The Mute Water Carrier's Wisdom
Guru Har Krishan stopped at Panjokhara, near Ambala, on his way to Delhi. There, a learned Pandit named Lal Chand tested the Guru’s knowledge. He asked about verses from the Bhagavad Gita.
The Guru said he didn’t need a teacher to understand the text. Anyone could interpret it. Lal Chand kept asking, but the Guru had a surprise.
He called a mute water carrier named Chhajju. The Guru asked him to explain the verses. To everyone’s amazement, Mute Water Carrier Chhajju explained them perfectly.
This showed the Pandit Lal Chand Test of the Guru’s spiritual powers. It showed his ability to see true wisdom, no matter where it comes from. Guru Har Krishan showed the depth of his spiritual insights.
“The Guru’s true wisdom lies not in academic prowess, but in the ability to see the divine spark in all beings, even the most humble.”
This amazing event showed the Guru’s teachings of equality and humility. It showed the divine in every person, no matter their status or intelligence. The Mute Water Carrier Chhajju‘s wisdom left a lasting impact on all who saw it.
Serving the Masses During Epidemics
In 1664, Guru Har Krishan Ji was in Delhi when a deadly epidemic hit. Smallpox and cholera spread fast. Despite being sick, the young Guru helped everyone, giving his all to care for the sick.
The lake at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, a key Sikh shrine in Delhi, helped thousands. It was a miracle cure for many.
Guru Har Krishan Ji taught the value of helping others, no matter their background. Sikhs under his leadership collected and honored the dead. This showed the Guru’s dedication to helping others in need.
Unfortunately, Guru Har Krishan Ji’s health worsened as he worked non-stop. He died on March 30, 1664, at just eight years old. His selfless work and the healing powers of Bangla Sahib during the Delhi Smallpox Outbreak won him great respect. The local Muslims called him Bala Pir, or “child prophet”.
“Guru Har Krishan Ji’s Guru’s Selfless Service during the epidemic left a lasting impact, inspiring generations of Sikhs to follow in his footsteps of compassion and devotion.”
The Healing Waters of Bangla Sahib
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib in Delhi is a key Sikh place of worship. It is famous for its link to Guru Har Krishan Ji, the eighth Sikh Guru. In the 17th century, Delhi faced a deadly outbreak of smallpox and cholera. The Sarovar in the Gurdwara was seen as a source of healing, thanks to the Guru’s blessings.
Many people with these diseases came to the Gurdwara, hoping for relief. They believed the Sarovar could heal them. Guru Har Krishan’s kindness and divine help were seen as a beacon of hope in a time of great suffering.
Today, the Sarovar at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is still a place of sacred healing water. It draws Sikh pilgrims from all over. The Gurdwara’s beauty and grand design stand as a reminder of Guru Har Krishan’s legacy and the Sikh faith’s dedication to helping others in need.
The Gurdwara’s connection to Guru Har Krishan and the Sarovar‘s healing powers make it a special place for Sikhs. It shows the deep spiritual and humanitarian values of their faith.
Baba Bakale: Naming the Next Guru
As Guru Har Krishan Ji’s life came to an end, the question of who would follow him was pressing. On his deathbed, he was asked to name his successor. Har Krishan said “Baba Bakale,” a phrase that left everyone confused but determined to understand.
The Sikhs thought deeply and decided that Har Krishan meant Guru Tegh Bahadur, his grand-uncle from Bakale. This choice upset the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. He wanted Har Krishan’s brother, Ram Rai, to be the next Guru to control the Sikh community.
The “Baba Bakale” Proclamation was a turning point in Sikh history. It led to the Identification of Guru Tegh Bahadur as the ninth Guru. This change, though difficult, kept the Sikh Gurus’ legacy alive and their faith strong.
“Baba Bakale” – the words that set the stage for the identification of the next Sikh Guru, Tegh Bahadur, and the continuation of the Guru lineage.
Conclusion
Guru Har Krishan Ji, the eighth Sikh Guru, made a huge impact despite being very young. He became the youngest person to be a Guru at just 5 years old. His wisdom, spiritual powers, and selfless service during the Delhi smallpox outbreak are still remembered.
His legacy inspires Sikhs globally. Before he passed away, he said “Baba Bakale.” This helped identify the next Guru, Tegh Bahadur. Guru Har Krishan’s life and teachings are cherished in the Sikh community.
They stand as a symbol of devotion, compassion, and strong faith.
