Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti 2024
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti is celebrated on the 17th of January every year on the birth anniversary of the 10th Sikh Guru for his contribution to the making of khalsa, his leadership, and his literary contributions. This year we will celebrate the 352nd birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh. He was born in Patna, Bihar. He was the last and 10th of the private Sikh Gurus. He was the last of the private Sikh Gurus, known chiefly for his creation of the khalsa, the military solidarity of the Sikhs. He was the son of the 9th Guru, Tegh Bahadur, who suffered martyrdom at the hands of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. He was a man of great intellect and a linguist who knew Persian, Arabic, Sanskrit, and his native Punjabi.
Literary Contributions of Guru Gobind Singh
He also wrote books like Dasm Granth Sahib (1915), Guru Gobind Singh (1967), Savehna Umri Guru Gobind Singh (1967), and Zafar Nama (1959). He is also known for codifying Sikh law and has written martial poetry and music. Guru Gobind Singh’s literary contributions are not only important for spiritual and philosophical but are also important for their poetical and linguistic richness. Jaap Sahib is a hymn of praise and invocation, composed by Guru Gobind Singh. It is part of the daily prayer of the Sikhs.
Creation of Khalsa
Guru Gobind Singh’s most significant achievement was unveiled in 1699 when he established the khalsa. According to the legends, in a poignant moment after a religious service, he engulfed himself in meditation before a gathering of Sikhs and inquired if anyone was willing to make a sacrifice for their faith. Eventually, a courageous individual volunteered. Guru Govind Singh took this volunteer, entered a tent, and came back with a sword full of blood bearing the marks of the solemn act. Likewise, he asked another devotee to step further for the same and this process continued till five men willingly offered themselves. Later, all the five men reappeared unharmed. There are various myths regarding how they survived after sacrifice, that they were never sacrificed, or that it was goats who were instead sacrificed and not men. Whatever may be the truth, these five men ultimately were known as the five beloved and underwent initiation with amrit (sweetened water or nectar) and were bestowed with the title “panic-para”.
Guru Gobind Singh and his encounter with Aurangzeb
An important historical event was the meeting between the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and Guru Gobind Singh. Guru Gobind Singh encountered difficulties and hostilities with the Mughal rulers during this clash.
One significant event was when Aurangzeb received a letter from Guru Gobind Singh known as the Zafarnama (Epistle of Victory). Guru Gobind Singh vented his frustrations in this letter about the unfair treatment of his people and the persecution that the Sikh community endures. When he faced Aurangzeb, Guru Gobind Singh showed bravery and tenacity in the face of adversity.
Aurangzeb was the sixth Mughal emperor who reigned from 1658 until he died in 1707. Aurangzeb gained recognition as an accomplished military administrator and commander. But he was a religious fanatic, he had vowed to convert or exterminate the Muslim population of his empire. He had started a relentless campaign to convert his Hindu subjects to Islam. He has ordered all local officials, Qazis, and Mullas to make it so hot for the Hindus that they should embrace Islam.
Guru Gobind Singh’s encounter with Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor, was significant. Guru Gobind Singh faced challenges and tensions with the ruling Mughal authority. He had sent a letter called Epistle of Victory(Zafarnama) to Aurangzeb. He expressed his grievances against the unfair treatment of his people and the prosecution faced by the Sikh community. He displayed courage and resilience in addressing Aurangzeb.
What did Aurangzeb do to Guru Gobind Singh?
It was the year 1705, during the siege of Anandpur Sahib, Guru Gobind Singh, and his followers had to leave the fortress and were betrayed by the Mughal forces. During this journey, Guru Gobind Singh and his family got separated. He had two sons, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh. They were both captured by the Mughal forces. They were both subjected to torture and asked to convert to Islam. They both showed extreme resilience and courage and remained steadfast in their faith. They were offered clemency if they embraced Islam, but they refused. They were then bricked alive on a wall, a tragic event known as the “Chaar Sahibzaade Di Soti.”