Guru Ram Das was a key figure in Sikh history. He was born in 1534 in Chuna Mandi, Lahore. He founded Amritsar, a city that is now the heart of Sikhism.
The Harmandir Sahib, or Golden Temple, is located in Amritsar. It is a symbol of Guru Ram Das’s vision. His work as a spiritual leader, community builder, and visionary still inspires Sikhs today.
Key Takeaways
- Guru Ram Das (1534-1581) was the fourth Sikh Guru and a revered spiritual leader
- He founded the city of Amritsar, the holiest site in Sikhism, and constructed the iconic Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple)
- Guru Ram Das was known for his humility, piety, and dedication to serving the Sikh community
- He expanded the Manji organization to support the Sikh movement and appointed Masands to spread his teachings
- Guru Ram Das’s compositions in the Sikh scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, continue to guide Sikhs today
Early Life and Family Background
Bhai Jetha, later known as Guru Ram Das, was born in 1534 in Chuna Mandi, Lahore. His family belonged to the Sodhi gotra (clan) of the Khatri caste. His parents, Hari Das and Mata Anup Devi, were devout Sikhs.
Birth and Childhood in Lahore
Guru Ram Das was born on September 24, 1534, in Lahore. He grew up in a devout Sikh household. He learned the teachings and values of the Sikh faith from a young age.
Life as an Orphan in Basarke
Tragically, Jetha was orphaned at seven and went to live with his maternal grandmother in Basarke. To help himself and his grandmother, he sold boiled grains in the local market. This showed his resilience and determination.
Staying in Khadur and Goindwal
Later, Jetha met and became a devoted follower of Guru Amar Das in Khadur and Goindwal. He spent a lot of time serving the guru and attending his religious gatherings. This deepened his understanding and commitment to the Sikh faith.
“Following the tradition of Guru Amar Das, Bhai Gurdas Bhalla was sent to Agra to spread the gospel of Sikhism.”
Representing Sikhism at the Mughal Court
Guru Ram Das was key in showing Sikhism at the Mughal court before becoming the Fourth Sikh Guru. Guru Amar Das, the Third Sikh Guru, sent Jetha (Guru Ram Das’s birth name) to Lahore. This was to address complaints from local Brahmin residents against the Sikh tradition.
The Brahmins said Sikhs had a free kitchen, didn’t follow old beliefs, and didn’t see the caste system. Jetha, speaking for Guru Amar Das, told the Mughal authorities that all people are equal in the eyes of God.
Emperor Akbar was pleased with Jetha’s words. He then dropped the complaints against the Sikhs. This showed Jetha’s skill in diplomacy and the core Sikh beliefs of equality.
This event at the Mughal Court helped Jetha become the Fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das. It made the Sikh tradition even more dedicated to fairness and equality for all.
“In the eyes of the divine, all of humanity is equal.”
Marriage and Family Life
In 1554, Jetha, the future Guru Ram Das, married Bibi Bhani, Guru Amar Das’s younger daughter. This was arranged by Guru Amar Das’s wife, Mata Mansa Devi. She saw Jetha’s devotion and piety as perfect for her daughter. Jetha and Bibi Bhani had three sons: Prithi Chand, Mahadev, and Guru Arjan.
Union with Bibi Bhani
Bibi Bhani was a key part of Guru Ram Das’s life. Their marriage, set up by Guru Amar Das, united two faithful people. Bibi Bhani’s support was crucial for Guru Ram Das’s spiritual path.
Children and Family
Guru Ram Das and Bibi Bhani had three sons: Prithi Chand, Mahadev, and Guru Arjan. These sons were important in the Sikh community. Guru Arjan became the fifth Sikh Guru. Their family life showed Sikh values of devotion and spiritual growth.
| Name | Relationship to Guru Ram Das | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Prithi Chand | Eldest son | Claimed the Guruship but was denied by Guru Ram Das |
| Mahadev | Second son | Lived a life of devotion and spiritual service |
| Guru Arjan | Youngest son | Succeeded Guru Ram Das as the fifth Sikh Guru |
Guru Ram Das’s family life was filled with harmony and devotion. It helped the Sikh faith grow and expand.
Test to Become a Worthy Successor
Guru Amar Das, the third Sikh Guru, had a big decision to make. He had to choose between his two son-in-laws, Ramo and Jetha, to be the next Guru. He came up with a special test to find the right person.
The test was to build a platform for the Guru to sit on. Ramo tried first and built four platforms. But Guru Amar Das wasn’t happy with any of them. Ramo then gave up.
Jetha, the other son-in-law, decided to try. He built seven platforms, each one better than the last. But Guru Amar Das still wasn’t impressed. Yet, Jetha didn’t give up. He said he would keep trying to please the Guru.
Jetha’s determination and humility won Guru Amar Das over. The Guru chose Jetha to be the next Sikh Guru. He would become known as Guru Ram Das.
Guru Amar Das’s test was more than just about building a platform. It was about who could show humility, dedication, and a true desire to serve the Sikh community. Jetha’s unwavering commitment and humility impressed the Guru, making him the Fourth Nanak.
Guru Ram Das Ji (1534-1581)
Appointment as the Fourth Sikh Guru
In 1574, Jetha, a devoted disciple of Guru Amar Das, became the fourth Sikh Guru. He was named Guru Ram Das. He was a skilled poet and wrote 679 hymns in different musical styles. These hymns were later added to the Adi Granth by his son, Guru Arjan Dev Ji.
Founding of Amritsar
Guru Ram Das Ji founded Ramdaspur, later renamed Amritsar, on land given by Akbar. This city became the holiest site in Sikhism. It attracted followers from all classes because of its location on major trade routes.
Guru Ram Das Ji had a big impact on Emperor Akbar. He helped ease distress and removed taxes on non-Muslims. He also created a Sikh code of conduct. He wrote hymns, including the ‘Lavan’ for Sikh weddings, and hymns in eleven new ragas.
After Guru Ram Das Ji passed away on September 1, 1581, his youngest son, Arjan Dev, became the Fifth Sikh Guru. His eldest son, Prihi Chand, tried to influence the decision and cause trouble in the succession.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Appointment as Fourth Guru | Jetha became the fourth Sikh Guru on August 30, 1574, and was known as Guru Ram Das. |
| Hymns Composed | Guru Ram Das Ji composed 679 hymns in varying musical measures, which were incorporated into Adi Granth by his son, Guru Arjan Dev Ji. |
| Founding of Amritsar | On land given to him by the Mughal emperor Akbar, Guru Ram Das built a holy tank and invited merchants and traders to settle there, founding the town of Ramdaspur, later renamed Amritsar. |
| Succession | After Guru Ram Das Ji’s passing on September 1, 1581, his youngest son, Arjan Dev, succeeded him as the Fifth Sikh Guru, while the eldest son, Prihi Chand, attempted to influence the decision in his favor. |
Contributions and Teachings
Guru Ram Das Ji (1534-1581) greatly impacted the Sikh faith. He expanded the Manji system and started the Langar. This is a community kitchen where everyone can eat together, no matter their background.
Expansion of the Manji System
Guru Ram Das Ji grew the Manji system. This network of local clergy helped with the Sikh movement’s spiritual and economic needs. He made sure the community was well taken care of.
Langar and Community Kitchen
Guru Ram Das Ji’s most important gift was the Langar. It’s a free kitchen where anyone can eat together. This act showed Sikh values of equality and unity.
New Customs and Practices
Guru Ram Das Ji brought new traditions to the Sikh community. He wrote “Lavan” for Sikh weddings. He also taught his followers to wake up early, bathe, and meditate on God’s name.
“In the Langar, all people, regardless of their background, would sit together and share a meal. This was a powerful expression of the Sikh values of equality and community.”
Guru Ram Das Ji’s teachings still guide the Sikh faith today. They focus on service, equality, and spiritual devotion. These values are key to the Sikh way of life.
Succession and Guruship
As Guru Ram Das neared the end of his life, he made a key choice. He named his son, Guru Arjan Dev, as the fifth Sikh Guru. This choice was over his elder son, Prithi Chand. Prithi Chand was upset and vowed to take the Guru Gaddi for himself.
Guru Ram Das tried to calm Prithi Chand down, telling him not to fight over it. But Prithi Chand refused to listen and openly defied his father. This family fight would deeply affect the Sikh community, threatening to split the religion.
Guru Ram Das chose Guru Arjan Dev for a reason. He saw the younger son’s spiritual gifts and leadership skills. With Prithi Chand’s rebellion, Guru Arjan Dev had to keep the community united and the Sikh teachings strong.
“Guru Ram Das counseled Prithi Chand not to quarrel about it, but Prithi Chand refused to submit and adopted an attitude of open defiance.”
Guru Arjan Dev’s succession was a turning point for Sikhism. The religion was facing internal struggles and the risk of division. His leadership and how he handled this conflict would shape the Sikh community’s future.
Legacy and Significance
Guru Ram Das (1534-1581) is remembered for his humility, piety, and service to others. He played a big role in growing Sikhism. His legacy inspires Sikhs all over the world.
He founded the city of Amritsar, the holiest city of Sikhism. The Harmandir Sahib, or Golden Temple, is there. It shows Sikh values of inclusivity and access to the divine.
Guru Ram Das Ji also grew the manji system. This network of clerics helped guide and manage donations. It strengthened the Sikh community and spread teachings.
He was also a great composer of hymns, included in the Guru Granth Sahib. His teachings and songs have shaped Sikh faith and practices.
| Key Facts about Guru Ram Das Ji | Value |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | September 24, 1534 |
| Birthplace | Chuna Mandi, Pakistan |
| Accession as Guru | 1574 (at the age of 40) |
| Passing Away | September 1, 1581 (at the age of 47) |
| Founding of Amritsar | June 13, 1577 |
| Successor Guru | Guru Arjan Dev Ji |
Guru Ram Das Ji’s legacy shapes Sikh Sikh Legacy and spiritual practices. His work in Amritsar and the Golden Temple make him a revered Spiritual Leader.
“Guru Ram Das Ji’s humility, piety, and selfless service to others have left an indelible mark on the Sikh faith, inspiring generations of followers.”
Conclusion
Guru Ram Das Ji (1534-1581) was a key figure in Sikhism’s history. He left a lasting impact on the Sikh community’s religious, social, and cultural life. As the fourth Sikh Guru, he was crucial in expanding and developing the faith.
He founded the city of Amritsar and introduced the Langar system. This system promoted equality and community. His hymns and teachings are still guiding Sikhs worldwide. Guru Ram Das Ji’s legacy shows the enduring values of Sikhism.
Guru Ram Das Ji’s work continues to influence Sikhism today. His contributions to the Sikh Gurus’ lineage are profound. He is remembered as a revered and respected figure in Sikh history.
