Sikhism: Guru Arjan Dev Ji – The Fifth Sikh Guru – 05/10
🔥 Architect of the Guru Granth Sahib & the First Martyr of Sikh Dharma
Guru Arjan Dev Ji (1563–1606 CE), the fifth Guru of Sikhism, was a divine visionary, poet-saint, and martyr whose life unified spiritual wisdom with fearless sacrifice. He completed the Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), compiled the Adi Granth (Guru Granth Sahib), and laid down the ultimate example of martyrdom, choosing death over compromise of truth.
“ਸਚੁ ਤਕਤੁ ਰਖਿਆ ਕਰਿ ਸੰਜਮੁ ਜੋਤਿ ਸਰੂਪਿ ਅਪਾਰਾ ॥”
He preserved the throne of truth through discipline and became the embodiment of divine light.
👶 Early Life
- Born: 15 April 1563 CE, Goindwal Sahib, Punjab
- Parents: Guru Ram Das Ji and Mata Bhani Ji
- Grandfather: Guru Amar Das Ji (maternal)
- Youngest of 3 brothers, yet chosen by Guru Ram Das Ji for his humility, wisdom, and poetic depth
- Known for his early love for meditation, Gurbani, and divine music
Guru Arjan was married to Mata Ganga Ji and later became the father of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, the sixth Guru.
📿 Becoming Guru
After tests of patience, detachment, and devotion, Guru Ram Das Ji appointed Guru Arjan Dev Ji as his successor in 1581 CE, passing him the light of Guruship.
His elder brother Prithi Chand, who coveted the title, later became an opponent, but Guru Arjan maintained graceful silence and divine equanimity.
🏛️ Major Contributions of Guru Arjan Dev Ji
1. Compilation of the Adi Granth (Guru Granth Sahib)
Guru Arjan Dev Ji created the first sacred scripture of Sikhism, called the Adi Granth:
- Compiled in 1604 CE at Ramsar Sahib, Amritsar
- Included hymns of Guru Nanak to Guru Arjan, and Bhagats from Hindu & Muslim traditions (e.g., Kabir, Namdev, Farid, Ravidas)
- Placed truth above religious identity
- Established Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru of Sikhs
“ਬਾਣੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੁਰੂ ਹੈ ਬਾਣੀ ਵਿਚਿ ਬਾਣੀ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਸਾਰੇ ॥”
Bani is the Guru, and the Guru is Bani. Within it is the nectar of immortality.
2. Completion of Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple)
Guru Arjan Dev Ji:
- Finalized the construction of Harmandir Sahib (begun by Guru Ram Das Ji)
- Built it at a lower level—symbolizing humility
- Opened four entrances, symbolizing welcome to all directions and all humanity
- Placed the Adi Granth within, making scripture—not a person—the Guru
“ਸਿਰੁ ਨਿਵਾਈਐ ਸੇਵਕੁ ਜੇ ਹੋਵੈ ॥”
Let the head bow, if you are truly a sevak.
3. Promotion of Economic & Spiritual Prosperity
- Encouraged trade, agriculture, and ethics-based business
- Oversaw Amritsar’s growth as a spiritual and economic hub
- Distributed wealth to support the poor, travelers, and those in need
4. Divine Poetry – Over 2000 Hymns
Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s contributions to Guru Granth Sahib Ji are the most voluminous:
- Composed Sukhmani Sahib – the Psalm of Peace
- Deepened themes of divine grace, surrender, bliss, and martyrdom
- Expressed divine longing with mystical depth
“ਸੁਖਮਨੀ ਸੁਖ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਨਾਮੁ ॥ ਭਗਤ ਜਨਾ ਕੈ ਮਨਿ ਬਿਸ੍ਰਾਮ ॥”
Sukhmani is the joy of peace—the immortal Name of God. It dwells in the hearts of saints.
🔥 Martyrdom – The Supreme Sacrifice
Why was Guru Arjan Dev Ji Martyred?
- Jahangir, the Mughal emperor, saw Guru Ji’s rising influence as a threat
- Religious leaders envied his acceptance of Hindu and Muslim saints in the Adi Granth
- Guru Ji refused to edit his scripture, bribe the emperor, or change his path
Torture and Death
In 1606, Guru Arjan Dev Ji was:
- Made to sit on a burning iron plate
- Hot sand poured over him
- Submerged in boiling water
Yet, he never uttered a cry or complaint.
“ਤੇਰਾ ਕੀਆ ਮੀਠਾ ਲਾਗੈ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਪਦਾਰਥੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਮਾਂਗੈ ॥”
Whatever You do, O Lord, feels sweet to me. Nanak only asks for the gift of Your Name.
With divine acceptance, he merged into the Eternal Light on the banks of the Ravi River in Lahore.
🕊️ Teachings of Guru Arjan Dev Ji
| Theme | Teaching |
|---|---|
| Martyrdom | Truth must be upheld even at the cost of life |
| Naam Simran | Remembrance is the highest treasure |
| Universal Brotherhood | Truth belongs to no religion; it belongs to the soul |
| Suffering | Is grace in disguise—burns away ego |
| Sacred Music | Divine praise is the highest healing and worship |
✨ Quotes from Guru Arjan Dev Ji
“ਚਿੰਤਾ ਤਿਸ ਹੀ ਕੋ ਕਰੇ ਜੋ ਅਨਹੋਨੀ ਹੋਇ ॥”
Only the one who faces the impossible should worry—leave the rest to the Divine.
“ਸਚਹੁ ਓਰੈ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਉਪਰਿ ਸਚੁ ਆਚਾਰੁ ॥”
Truth is great—but greater still is truthful living.
“ਕਰਿ ਸਾਧੂ ਸੰਗੁ ਜਪਿ ਨਾਮੁ ॥ ਸੋਈ ਜਨਮੁ ਸੁਹੇਲਾ ॥”
Join the company of saints, chant the Divine Name—that alone makes life beautiful.
🌍 Legacy of Guru Arjan Dev Ji
| Contribution | Impact |
|---|---|
| Guru Granth Sahib | Elevated scripture above human Guru |
| Golden Temple | Established universal spiritual center |
| First Sikh Martyr | Laid the foundation for the Khalsa |
| Sukhmani Sahib | Became daily spiritual anchor for millions |
| Love without fear | Showed peace is not weakness—it is power under control |
💡 Daily Life Lessons from Guru Arjan Dev Ji
| Modern Issue | Lesson from Guru Ji |
|---|---|
| Religious extremism | Include all voices in the song of truth |
| Injustice or oppression | Respond with strength, peace, and faith |
| Fear of failure | Chant Naam and surrender outcome to the Divine |
| Loss & suffering | Sweetly accept God’s will—Chardi Kala |
| Personal ambition | Use power for service, not self-glory |
🔚 Conclusion
Guru Arjan Dev Ji was the soul of courage, the architect of Sikh scripture, and the embodiment of divine acceptance. His martyrdom sanctified Sikh Dharma forever, not through conquest—but through truth, love, and the power to suffer with dignity.
He invites us all to build golden temples in our hearts, to sing the psalms of peace, and to live as unshakable lovers of truth.
“ਸਚੁ ਤਖਤੁ ਰਚਾਇਆ॥”
He established the throne of Truth.