Sikhism: Guru Ram Das Ji – The Fourth Sikh Guru – 04/10
🕊️ Architect of Amritsar, Embodiment of Humility, and Heart of Bhakti
Guru Ram Das Ji (1534–1581 CE), the fourth Guru of Sikhism, was a visionary saint who combined devotion, discipline, and divine love into one radiant presence. He was not only a master of spiritual poetry and prayer, but also a city-builder, founding the future epicenter of Sikh Dharma—Amritsar.
His life teaches us that deep bhakti (devotion) and worldly wisdom can—and must—coexist to serve Dharma and humanity.
“ਧਨੁ ਧੰਨੁ ਰਾਮਦਾਸ ਗੁਰੁ ਜਿਨਿ ਸਿਰਿਆ ਤਿਨੈ ਸਵਾਰਿਆ ॥”
Dhan dhan Ramdas Guru jin siriyaa tinai savaariya
Blessed, blessed is Guru Ram Das, who was created by the Lord and beautified all creation.
👶 Early Life
- Birth Name: Jetha
- Born: 24 September 1534 CE, Chuna Mandi, Lahore
- Parents: Hari Das Sodhi and Mata Daya Kaur
- Orphaned Young: Raised by his maternal grandmother
- Marriage: To Bibi Bhani, daughter of Guru Amar Das Ji
- Seva and Humility: Known for carrying water, collecting firewood, and building Baoli Sahib at Goindwal as seva to Guru Amar Das Ji
📿 Becoming Guru – A Legacy of Humility
Guru Ram Das Ji’s spiritual depth was recognized through his tireless seva and boundless humility. Despite being son-in-law to the Guru, he never sought attention, position, or praise.
In 1574 CE, Guru Amar Das Ji appointed him the Fourth Guru, recognizing his bhakti, leadership, and inner radiance.
🏛️ Major Contributions of Guru Ram Das Ji
1. Founding of Amritsar (Guru Da Chak)
Guru Ram Das Ji purchased land and began digging the Amrit Sarovar (Pool of Nectar), around which the city of Amritsar was built—later becoming home to the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple).
He envisioned a spiritual center open to all, irrespective of caste, religion, or status.
“ਸਰੋਵਰੁ ਪਾਰਿ ਪਰਮ ਪਦੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥”
Crossing the sacred pool, one attains the supreme state.
2. Composed the Laavan – Sikh Wedding Hymns
Guru Ram Das Ji composed the four Laavan (ਲਾਵਾਂ)—four sacred hymns sung during Sikh weddings. These verses describe the union of two souls in divine harmony, making the Sikh marriage a spiritual journey, not merely a social contract.
“ਹਰਿ ਪਹਿਲੀ ਲਾਵਿ ਪਰਵਿਰਤੀ ਕਰਮ ਦ੍ਰਿੜਾਇਆ ਬਲ ਰਾਮ ਜੀਉ ॥”
In the first round, the Lord inspires the soul to perform righteous deeds and merge in love.
3. Master of Devotional Poetry
Guru Ram Das Ji contributed 638 hymns to Guru Granth Sahib Ji—known for:
- Sweet devotional tone
- Deep focus on Naam Simran (Divine remembrance)
- Descriptions of divine longing (birha)
- Elevating themes of humility, surrender, and love
“ਹਉ ਮੂਲਹੁ ਭੁਲਾਣਾ ਰਾਮਾ ਫਿਰਿ ਪੰਥਿ ਪਾਇਆ ॥”
I was lost from the beginning, O Lord—but You placed me back on the path.
4. Emphasis on Seva and Humility
He taught that no one is too poor to serve, and no one is too rich to bow.
“ਸੇਵਾ ਕਰਤ ਹੋਇ ਨਿਹਕਾਮੀ ॥ ਤਿਸ ਕਉ ਹੋਤ ਪਰਾਪਤਿ ਸੁਆਮੀ ॥”
He who serves without desire—he alone attains the Lord.
Even as Guru, Ram Das Ji washed the feet of visitors, reflecting the Sikh ideal that serving others is serving God.
5. Reinforced Langar and Sangat Systems
Guru Ram Das Ji expanded the Langar (free kitchen) and Sangat (community congregation) systems to newer regions, ensuring spiritual and physical nourishment went hand-in-hand.
🕯️ Teachings of Guru Ram Das Ji
| Teaching | Message |
|---|---|
| Naam Simran | Remember God constantly and all burdens will dissolve |
| Birha (Longing) | Divine separation is the sweet pain that deepens love |
| Humility | Even the Guru bows to the Divine in all |
| Grace over effort | The Lord’s mercy is the ultimate gift |
| Marriage as Dharma | True union is walking together toward God |
✨ Key Quotes from Guru Granth Sahib Ji
“ਗੁਰੁ ਸਾਗਰੁ ਰਤਨੀ ਭਰਪੂਰਿ ਹੈ ਗੁਰ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਰਤਨੁ ਪਰਗਾਸਾ ॥”
The Guru is the ocean filled with jewels; His wisdom is the radiant gem.
“ਮੈ ਅਨਾਥੁ ਨਾਥੁ ਕਰਿ ਲੀਆ ਮੇਰਾ ਮਨੁ ਤਨੁ ਹਰਿਆ ਹੋਇਆ ॥”
You made this orphan Yours, and my mind and body blossomed in joy.
🌍 Impact on Sikh History
| Contribution | Legacy |
|---|---|
| Founded Amritsar | Future site of the Golden Temple |
| Wrote Laavan | Sacred marriage hymns still used today |
| Expanded Sikh base | Organized new towns and sangats |
| Promoted humility | Role model for future Gurus and Khalsa |
| Poetic Bhakti | Made Sikhism deeply accessible through loving verses |
💡 Life Lessons from Guru Ram Das Ji
| Modern Challenge | Teaching from Guru Ji |
|---|---|
| Arrogance | Stay humble—greatness lies in bowing low |
| Relationship crisis | See your spouse as a partner in Dharma |
| Loneliness | Birha is sacred—use it to remember God |
| Depression | Naam is the eternal anchor of joy |
| Need for legacy | Build a community, not an empire |
🔚 Conclusion
Guru Ram Das Ji was the bridge between spiritual ecstasy and earthly excellence. A saint, a builder, a poet, a husband, and a Guru—his life was devotion in action and compassion in motion.
Through his hands, Amritsar was born. Through his words, souls found peace. Through his example, Sikh Dharma grew deep roots of humility and joy.
“ਧਨੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਰਾਮਦਾਸ ਤਿਨਿ ਨੀਚੁ ਕਰਿ ਉਚੁ ਕਰਿਆ ॥”
Blessed is Guru Ram Das, who raised the lowly and made them exalted.