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Gobind Sarvar 2nd Annual
Sikh History Competition Ages 13-15 Package C
Important Dates:
Sunday November 11, 2012 – Review/Info Session @ 7:30 pm
Saturday November 17, 2012 – Qualification Exam @ 3:30 pm
Saturday November 24, 2012 – Main Event Game Show @ 6:30 pm
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Package B Page 1 gurmiq isiKAw
Lesson 1 Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji 4 Bhai Lehna Ji’s Life as Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Sikh 6 Lesson 2 Bhai Lehna Ji and Guru Ji’s Requests 8 Complete Surrender to Guru Nanak Dev Ji 9 Lesson 3 Guru Jot at Khadur Sahib 11 Gurmukhi Script 13 Lesson 4 Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji’s Love for Children 14 Lesson to Humayun 15 Guru-Ka-Langar and Mata Khivi Ji 16 Lesson 5 Sri Guru Amar Das Ji 17 Early Life of Sri Guru Amar Das Ji 17 Longing For Guru Sahib 19 Lesson 6 Blessed by Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji 20 Devotion to Service 21Lesson 7 Guru Jot to Sri Guru Amar Das Ji 23 Baba Datu Ji’s Aimosity 23 Role of Baba Budha Ji in Finding Guru Amar Das Ji 24Lesson 8 Social Reforms 26 Guru –Ka-Langar 27 Lesson 9 Baoli Sahib at Goindwal Sahib 28 Establishment of Sikh Ceremonies and Festivals 29 Preservation of Life 30 Lesson 10 Guru Amar Das Ji and Equality 31 Establishment of Manji System 31 Equal Respect and Dignity for Women 32 Lesson 11 Some Notable Sikhs of Guru Amar Das Ji 34 Lesson 12 Sri Guru Ram Das Ji 37 Early Life of Sri Guru Ram Das Ji 37 Marriage With Bibi Bhani Ji 38 Lesson 13 Seva 40 Guru Ram Das Ji Becomes Guru: Platform of Humility 41 Lesson 14 Respect From Emperor Akbar 43 Lesson 15 Appearance of a Holy Spot 45 Limitless Humility 47 Lesson 16 Guru Ram Das Ji Visits Lahore 48
Our Beloved Guru Sahibs1 Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji sRI gurU nwnk dyv jI
Parkash 1469, Rai Bhoe Di Talwandi, Nankaana Sahib Father Sri Kalyan Das Ji Mother Mata Tripta Ji Sister Bibi Naanki Ji Wife Mata Sulakhni Ji Children Baba Sri Chand Ji, Baba Lakhmi Das Ji Joyti Jot 1539, Kartarpur Sahib
2 Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji sRI gurU AMgd dyv jI
Parkash 1504, Matey Di Saran, Mukatsar Father Sri Pheru Mall Ji Mother Mata Daya Kaur Ji Wife Mata Khivi Ji Children Baba Dasu Ji, Baba Datu Ji Bibi Amro ji, Bibi Anokhi Ji Joyti Jot 1552, Khadoor Sahib
3 Sri Guru Amar Das Ji sRI gurU Amr dws jI
Parkash 1479, Basrke, Amritsar Father Sri Tej Bhan Ji Mother Mata Sulakhani Ji Wife Mata Ramo Ji Children Baba Mohan Ji Baba Mohri Das Ji Bibi Bhaani Ji, Bibi Daani Ji Joyti Jot 1574, Goindwal Sahib
4 Sri Guru Ram Das Ji sRI gurU rwm dws jI
Parkash 1534, Chuna Mandi, Lahore Father Sri Hardas Ji Mother Mata Daya Kaur Ji Wife Mata Bhaani Ji Children Baba Prithi Chand Ji Baba Mahan Dev Ji Guru Arjan Dev Ji
Joyti Jot 1581, Goindwal Sahib
5 Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji sRI gurU Arjn dyv jI
Parkash 1563, Sri Goindwal Sahib Father Guru Ram Das Ji Mother Mata Bhani Ji Wife Mata Ganaga Ji Children Guru Hargobind Ji Joyti Jot 1606, Lahore, Pakistan
6 Sri Guru Har Gobind Ji sRI gurU hir goibMd jI
Parkash 1595, Gur Ki Wadali Father Guru Arjan Dev Ji Mother Mata Ganga Ji Wife Mata Damodri Ji, Mata Naanki Ji Mata Mahan Devi Ji Children Baba Gurditta Ji, Baba Atal Rai Ji Baba Anhi Rai Ji, Baba Suraj Mal Ji Guru Teg Bahadar Ji, Bibi Veero Ji
Joyti Jot 1644, Kiratpur Sahib
7 Sri Guru Har Rai Ji sRI gurU hir rwey jI
Parkash 1630, Kartarpur Sahib Father Baba Gurditta Ji Mother Mata Nihal Kaur Ji Wife Mata Krishan Kaur Ji Children Baba Ram Rai Ji Guru Harkrishan Ji
Joyti Jot 1661, Kiratpur Sahib
8 Sri Guru Har Krishan Ji sRI gurU hir ikRSn jI
Parkash 1656, Kiratpur Sahib Father Guru Har Rai Ji Mother Mata Krishan Kaur Ji Joyti Jot 1664, Delhi
9 Sri Guru Teg Bahadar Ji sRI gurU qyg bhwdr jI
Parkash 1621, Guru Ke Mahal, Amritsar Sahib Father Guru Hargobind Ji Mother Mata Nanki Ji Wife Mata Gujri Ji Children Guru Gobind Singh Ji Joyti Jot 1675, Delhi
10 Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji sRI gurU goibMd isMG jI
Parkash 1666, Patna Sahib Father Guru Teg Bahadar Ji Mother Mata Gujri Ji Wife Mata Sundar Kaur Ji, Mata Ajit Kaur Ji Mata Sahib Kaur Ji Children Sahibzaada Ajit Singh Ji Sahibzaada Jhujaar Singh Ji Sahibzaada Jorawar Singh Ji Sahibzaada Fateh Singh Ji Joyti Jot 1708, Hazoor Sahib, Nanderh
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji
Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji
Sri Guru Teg Bahadar Ji
Sri Guru Amar Das Ji
Sri Guru Har Krishan Ji
Sri Guru Ram Das Ji
Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji
Sri Guru Hargobind Ji
Sri Guru Har Rai Ji
Bibi Nanki Ji Sister
Baba Datu JiBaba Dasu Ji
Sons
Baba Lakhmi Das JiBaba Sri Chand Ji
Sons
Sahibjaada Ajit Singh jiSahibjaada Jhuzaar Singh JiSahibjaada Jorawar Singh JiSahibjaada Fateh Singh Ji
Sons
Son
5 Sons
Baba Anhi Rai Ji
Bibi Veero Ji Daughter
Sikh
Son
Son
Sikh
Sikh
Son In-Law
Grandson
Baba Gurditta JiSonBaba Ram Rai Ji Son
Baba Pirthi Chand JiBaba Mahan Dev Ji
Sons
Baba Mohan JiBaba Mohri Ji
Son
Grandfather
Bibi Daani Ji Bibi Bhaani Ji
Daughters
Wife
Sons
Baba Atal Rai Ji
Bibi Amaro JiBibi Anokhi Ji
Daughters
Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji
Baba Suraj Mal Ji
Mother
Page 4 gurmiq isiKAw
Lesson 1 Date:____________
Date of Parkash: March 31, 1504 (vYswK vdI 1, 5 vYswK sMmq 1561) Place of Parkash: Mattay Di Sarai, Muktsar Sahib Father's Name: Bhai Pheru Mal Ji
Mother's Name: Mata Daya Kaur Ji
Mahal (Wife): Mata Khivi Ji
Sons: Baba Dasu Ji, Baba Datu Ji
Daughters: Bibi Amaro Ji, Bibi Anokhi Ji
Gurgaddi: September 3, 1539(4 A~sU sMmq 1596) Joti Jot: March 29, 1552(3 vYswK sMmq 1609)
Calendar dates: English Calendar; Lunar calendar; Bikrami Calendar
Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji‟s previous name was Bhai Lehna Ji. Bhai Lehna Ji‟s father, Bhai Pheru Mal Ji, was employed as the treasurer to
the Governor of Ferozepur (i&rojpur). His mother‟s name was Mata
Daya Kaur Ji.
Bhai Pheru Mal Ji gave Bhai Lehna Ji a good education. At the age of fifteen, Bhai Lehna Ji married Bibi Khivi Ji in the village of
Khadur. In 1524 AD, Bhai Pheru Mal Ji moved to Khadur and opened a store there.
Bhai Pheru Mal Ji was a devout worshipper of the goddess
Durga. Every year he would take other villagers with him to visit the goddess Durga‟s temple.
After Bhai Pheru Mal Ji died in 1526, Bhai Lehna Ji started
leading the group of villagers. In 1532, on his way to Jawala Ji, Bhai
Lehna Ji decided to visit Kartarpur. He had heard from Bhai Jodh Ji
that Guru Nanak Dev Ji lived there. He had heard Bhai Jodh Ji singing
the Gurbani of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and wanted to meet Him. Bhai Lehna Ji decided to go to Jawala Ji via Kartarpur Sahib.
When his party reached near Kartarpur Sahib, Bhai Lehna Ji
asked them to wait at the nearby village, and He Himself rode towards Kartarpur Sahib to visit Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
The all-knowing (jwxI jwx) Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji came to the
outskirts of Kartarpur Sahib to greet Bhai Lehna Ji. But Bhai Lehna Ji
Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji
Page 5 gurmiq isiKAw
did not recognize Guru Nanak Dev Ji since he had never seen Guru
Sahib before. Bhai Lehna Ji asked Guru Sahib the way to the Dharamsala (now known as Gurdwara Sahib) where Sri Guru Nanak
Dev Ji recited Gurbani.
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji said, “Please follow me. I am also going
there."
When they reached the door of the Dharamsala, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji
said to Bhai Lehna Ji, "Please fasten
your mare to the stake and go in through that door."
When Bhai Lehna Ji entered the
door, he was surprised to see that the One who had shown him the way
earlier, was actually Guru Nanak Dev
Ji. Bhai Lehna Ji felt sorry and fell at Guru Sahib‟s feet and said, “It was my fault that l was riding and You
were walking." As Bhai Lehna Ji placed his forehead on Guru Sahib‟s
feet, he was blessed with Naam Simran and bliss. Guru Nanak Dev Ji asked, “Bhai; what is your name?" Bhai
Lehna Ji replied, "My name is Lehna." Guru Sahib said, "Bhai Lehna,
you are to take (laina lYxw) and I am to give (dena dyxw).” Bhai Lehna Ji
was moved by Guru Sahib‟s charismatic and humble personality and
could not sleep at night. Around midnight Bhai Lehna Ji noticed that a
lady with extraordinary glow on her face was sweeping the floors at Guru Sahib‟s front yard - vyhVw. In curiousty, Bhai Lehna Ji asked the
lady, “Who are you?” She smiled and said, “Every year, you visit my
shrines to seek my blessings, but you don‟t recognize me? I am the
Goddess Durga.” She continued further, “Guru Nanak Dev Ji is the
personification of Waheguru Ji. I get my powers by serving Him.”
Bhai Lehna Ji decided to give up everything and dedicate every
breath of his life to Guru Nanak Dev Ji‟s seva.
Page 6 gurmiq isiKAw
From the day he met Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Bhai Lehna Ji
served Him day and night with deep love and devotion. Bhai Lehna Ji who now had become a Sikh wanted to stay permanently with Guru
Sahib. Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji advised him to go home for a few days
and settle his household affairs before joining. Bowing to the command of Guru Sahib, he returned to Khadur.
Bhai Lehna Ji informed his wife, Mata Khivi Ji, about his plans to
serve Guru Sahib. He handed over his shop to his eldest son, Bhai Dasu Ji. After a few days, he left for Kartarpur Sahib with a large
sack of salt on his head.
Mata Khivi Ji asked, "Why don‟t you hire a laborer to carry the bundle of salt to Kartarpur Sahib?"
Bhai Lehna Ji replied, "You can get the work done from a
laborer, but it is better to do Seva (Guru‟s service) yourself." On reaching Kartarpur, Bhai Lehna Ji left the bundle of salt at
Guru Sahib‟s home and went to the fields where Guru Sahib was
supervising the work. The Sun was setting as he reached the fields. Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji had three loads of fodder collected and tied up
to be carried home for the cattle. Since it had rained in the
afternoon, the fodder was wet and muddy. When Sri Guru Nanak Dev
Ji found the peasants unwilling to carry the bundles home, he asked
his two sons. They, too, declined saying that they would send a
servant to perform the task. At that moment Bhai Lehna Ji appeared on the scene. He picked up the bundles one upon the other and
carried all three bundles to Guru Sahib‟s home. Bhai Lehna Ji's
expensive clothes were completely soiled. Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji's wife, Mata Sulakhni Ji, was unhappy to see a Bhai Lehna Ji treated in
such a way. Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji told her that the load was carried
by one who was fit to carry it. She didn't seem to understand and said, "See how his clothes have become dirty.” Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Key Gurmat Message:
Even though He was the Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji stayed humble. That can be seen in how He led Bhai Lehna Ji to His
house without disclosing that He was Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Bhai Lehna Ji’s Life as Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Sikh
Page 7 gurmiq isiKAw
responded, "It is not dirt, it is saffron.” For a moment Mata Sulakhni
Ji didn't believe her eyes. It was indeed saffron sprinkled all over Bhai Lehna Ji‟s dress!
It is said that the three bundles that he carried represented the three
authorities: the spiritual, the temporal, and the successor to carry Guru Jot, which were to fall on his shoulders shortly.
QUESTIONS:
Test your knowledge: Match the correct items in each column.
Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji: Match correct information
Mother's Name March 31, 1504
Date of Parkash Mattay Di Sarai, Muktsar Sahib
Joti Jot September 3, 1539
Father's Name Mata Daya Kaur Ji
Place of Parkash Mata Khivi Ji
Gurgaddi March 29, 1552
Mahal (Wife) Bhai Pheru Mal Ji
Level 4 Page 8 gurmiq isiKAw
Lesson 2 Date:____________
In those days, handling dead
animals, critters, or entering filthy areas was thought to be only the
work of the outcasts, or Shuddras.
Bhai Lehna Ji was from a higher Khatri caste. To remove the
differences of caste and social
status from the mind of Bhai Lehna Ji, Guru Sahib asked him to throw
out a dead rat. Immediately, on
hearing Guru Sahib‟s command, Bhai Lehna Ji threw the dead rat
out. On another day, while returning after bathing, Guru Sahib threw the
bowl (kOlw) he was carrying into a dirty pond. Guru Sahib asked his
sons, Sri Chand Ji and Lakhmi Das Ji, to retrieve it, but they refused
to do so. Guru Sahib looked at Bhai Lehna Ji, who at once jumped into the dirty pond with his brand-new clothes on and took the bowl
out.
Bhai Lehna Ji and Guru Ji’s Requests
Key Gurmat Message:
Bhai Lehna Ji was always following Guru Sahib's Hukam.He
never questioned and never let his ego (haumai, hwaumy) get in the
way. We should believe in Guru Sahib with the same devotion and faith, and always obey His Hukam.
Level 4 Page 9 gurmiq isiKAw
It was Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji‟s routine to get up early in the
morning (after midnight; four hours before sunrise) and go bathe in the Ravi (rwvI) River. Guru Sahib was always accompanied by Bhai
Lehna Ji, who was in charge of his clothes.
It was winter with freezing wind blowing and hail beginning to fall. Bhai
Lehna Ji endured the cold as if it had
been the mildest weather. When Guru Sahib came out of the water at sunrise,
He congratulated Bhai Lehna Ji on his
endurance. Guru Sahib was very pleased with Bhai Lehna Ji‟s devotion and his
commitment to Seva.
Once, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji was holding a coin in his hand and asked the
Sikhs, “What is in my hand?” Everyone
responded that you have a coin in your hand. When Guru Sahib asked Bhai
Lehna Ji, he said, “Only you know what is
in your hand, it is the whole universe and much more that I don‟t know.”
During one winter night, a portion of the compound wall in Sri
Guru Nanak Dev Ji‟s house collapsed due to the heavy rain. Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji desired that the wall be fixed immediately, preferably
that very night. Guru Sahib‟s sons thought it was a job for the masons,
who would fix it the next morning. Bhai Lehna Ji volunteered to raise
the wall as desired by his Master.
Bhai Lehna Ji had hardly completed the job when Sri Guru Nanak Dev
Ji came and said, "It is all uneven." Bhai Lehna Ji demolished the wall and started doing it all over
again. This time, too, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji was not satisfied. The wall
was pulled down once again. Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji‟s sons advised Bhai Lehna Ji not to obey unreasonable orders. But Bhai Lehna Ji
would not listen to them. He obeyed his Master and started building
the wall once more. Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji was extremely pleased with Bhai Lehna Ji‟s devotion.
Complete Surrender to Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Level 4 Page 10 gurmiq isiKAw
Once, an unusually large Sangat (congregation) had gathered
and continuous rain fell for three days; it became impossible to light a fire or cook food. There was nothing to eat for the Sangat.
Guru Sahib said to his elder son, “Climb this kikar tree, shake it,
and it shall rain fruit and sweets to satisfy theSangat.” Sri Chand replied, “Nothing can fall from the kikar but thorns or bitter
fruit.”
Guru Sahib then addressed his other son, “Climb this tree and
shake it.”
Lakhmi Das questioned, “Have sweets ever fallen from
trees?“
Guru Sahib then told Bhai Lehna Ji to do what his sons had
refused. Bhai Lehna Ji climbed
the tree, shook it, and heaps of every imaginable form of Indian
sweets fell down.
When the Sangat had enjoyed the sweets and satisfied
their hunger, they began to sing praises of Guru Sahib and his
faithful disciple. Bhai Lehna Ji promptly explained that he did not have the power to do what had happened. It was all the miraculous
effect of Guru Sahib's words.
Guru Sahib, on hearing this, said, “My words are profitable, but only those who obey them shall obtain the fruit thereof.” It was then,
for the first time, Guru Sahib's sons and many of His Sikhs realized
the value of obedience. There were several other occasions when Guru Nanak Dev Ji
tested the devotion of His Sikhs, including His own sons. Each time, it was Bhai Lehna Ji who was able to win Guru Sahib‟s blessings. It was
because of this deep devotion towards Guru Nanak Dev Ji that Bhai
Lehna Ji was chosen to succeed Him as the next Guru.
Level 4 Page 11 gurmiq isiKAw
Lesson 3 Date:_____________
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was so pleased with Bhai Lehna Ji that He
preferred to call him “Angad,” (ang means limb, referring to Bhai
Lehna Ji as a part of Guru Nanak Dev Ji‟s body). On September 3, 1539, Guru Nanak Dev Ji seated Angad Dev Ji on His throne and
placed “Guru Jot” into Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji. Waheguru Ji‟s Jot that
came to this earth as Guru Nanak Dev Ji now resided in Guru Angad Dev Ji. Then Guru Nanak Dev Ji asked Guru Angad Dev Ji to move
from Kartarpur Sahib and make Khadur Sahib the new Sikh Center.
Guru Sahib ordered Sikhs to go to Khadur Sahib to get Guru Nanak Jot‟s blessings and enlightenment.
idqw Coif krqwrpur bYiT KfUry joiq jgweI] (BweI gurdws jI) (Guru Angad Dev Ji) left Kartarpur and spread His light (Guru Jot) while sitting at Khadur.
Guru Angad Dev Ji came to Khadur Sahib, but He could not bear the physical separation
of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Guru Angad Dev Ji went
to his aunt's house at Khadur Sahib and instructed his aunt, Mata Sabhrai Ji, not to
disclose his whereabouts to anyone. Guru
Sahib shut himself in a room, and chose to stay in deep meditation. Days and months
passed, Guru Angad Dev Ji continued to stay in the room, in bliss from the union with
Waheguru Ji. Guru Nanak Dev Ji used to hold
daily morning and evening Katha and Kirtan Diwans. Six month passed by, but the Sikhs still did not get to see
their Guru Sahib. Lots of Sikhs visited Khadur Sahib, but they could
not locate Guru Sahib. They went to Kartarpur Sahib but returned disheartened due to not finding him there.
Guru Jot at Khadur Sahib
Level 4 Page 12 gurmiq isiKAw
One day, Sikhs requested
Baba Budha Ji to reveal the Guru to them. Baba Budha Ji
took the Sikhs with him to
Khadur Sahib. He went straight to Mata Sabhrai Ji‟
house. Mata Ji came forward to
greet Baba Budha Ji and Sikhs. When Baba Budha Ji asked her
about Guru Angad Dev Ji, she
said nothing. Baba Budha Ji understood that Guru Sahib
was at her home. Baba Budha Ji asked Sikhs to recite Guru Nanak
Dev Ji‟s Gurbani and do Kirtan. As soon as Guru Angad Dev Ji heard Sangat reciting Gurbani, he came out of the room to join Sangat.
Sikhs were delighted to see their Guru. When Guru Angad Dev Ji
came out of His seclusion, the Sikhs saw in Him the same aura, the same characteristics, the same speech, as Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
joiq Ehw jugiq swie sih kwieAw Pyir pltIAY ] (sRI guru gRMQ swihb jI, 966)
They shared the same One Light and the same way; just the body changed.
Baba Budha Ji requested Guru Angad Dev Ji, "There is no one who can guide the Sikhs. Please give audience to the Sikhs and guide
them to the right path." Guru Angad Dev Ji accepted Baba Budha Ji‟s
request. Guru Sahib selected an elevated site near Khadur Sahib and set
up a Dharamsala (Gurdwara Sahib) there. Guru Sahib spread the
teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji through daily Katha and Kirtan Diwans at Khadur Sahib. In the early morning hours, Guru Nanak
Dev Ji's Shabads were sung in praise of God. Guru Sahib spread Guru
Nanak Sahib's message of Naam, honest living, and of loving service to mankind.
Level 4 Page 13 gurmiq isiKAw
“Gurmukhi” literally means “from
the mouth of the Guru." Gurmukhi is a script that is used to write the Punjabi
Language. The Gurmukhi alphabet
contains thirty-five letters. The Gurmukhi
alphabet did not exist before Guru Nanak
Dev Ji. Most commonly, the Punjabi
language was written in the Landa script.
The Landa script had no vowel sounds,
which had to be imagined by the reader
in order to make sense of the writing. Therefore, there was a need of a script
which could faithfully reproduce the true meaning and message of the the hymns of the Gurus. Guru Angad Dev Ji modified or refined
the Landa script to reflect pronunciation and tonal expressions, and
developed what is known as Gurmukhi today.
Gurmukhi has become the medium of writing the Punjabi
language.
QUESTIONS:
Fill in the blanks with the correct words: Guru Sahib meditation Guru Granth Sahib Ji
Waheguru‟s jot
1. Guru Sahib shut himself in a room, and chose to stay in deep
___________.
2. All Guru Sahiban have the same ________________
Key Gurmat Message:
All Guru Sahiban have the same light (Waheguru‟s Jot). Over time, the same Guru Jot has been transferred from one Guru
Sahib to the next. In the present, the same Jot resides in Guru
Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj.
Gurmukhi Script
Level 4 Page 14 gurmiq isiKAw
Lesson 4 Date:____________
Every day, Sri Guru Angad
Dev Ji spent time with children. He, himself, taught children the
Gurmukhi script after the morning
diwan (prayers). He used to write primers for children with his own
hands because there were no
printing presses back then. Guru Sahib spent a lot of time with
children and brought awareness
about the importance of spiritual education, worldly education, and a strong body.
Before the evening diwan, Guru Angad Dev Ji organized
wrestling and other sports events
for entertainment and fitness of his devotees. He advised
everyone to do practical service
and do honest labor. Guru Sahib himself always twisted strings,
which were used to weave cots.
He listened to the problems of his devotees and advised solutions.
Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji’s Love for Children
Key Gurmat Message:
Guru Angad Dev Ji placed a lot of importance in education. He wanted all children to work hard at school and do well in their
studies.
Level 4 Page 15 gurmiq isiKAw
When Sher Shah Suri defeated
Humayun, the emperor of India,
Humayun came to seek the blessings of Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji to regain his lost
empire. At the time, when Humayun
came to Khadur Sahib, Guru Sahib was busy teaching children.
Since children‟s education was very
important to Guru Sahib, He continued to teach while Humayun was waiting.
Humayun got offended for not being
attended to immediately and put his hand on the handle of his sword. Humayun did
this to threaten Guru Ji as if he was going
to attack Him. Guru Sahib looked up calmly, smiled and said, "It is wrong for a king to flee from the battlefield and take out his anger on
spiritual men." Hearing these bold words of wisdom from Guru Sahib,
Humayun realized his mistake and begged for forgiveness. Guru Sahib forgave him, blessed him, and said, "Though your
path may be difficult and long, you will win back the throne of
Hindustan.” Guru Angad Dev Ji‟s words came true. After some time, Humayun succeeded in getting the throne of Delhi again, and he
wanted to do a favor for Guru Sahib. By that time, Guru Amar Das Ji
was on the throne of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Guru Sahib replied that Guru's House does not need a personal favor, but providing justice to
all, irrespective of race, religion, caste or creed, will be seen as a
favor.
Lesson to Humayun
Key Gurmat Message: Guru Ji is fearless and forgiving.
Sooner or later, Guru Sahibs‟ word always come true.
Level 4 Page 16 gurmiq isiKAw
Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji continued
the practice of maintaining Guru-ka-
langar (free community kitchen), to provide food to the devotees and to
the needy, and to create a casteless
society. Mata Khivi Ji, the pious and noble wife of Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji,
organized and supervised the langar
and personally saw to the needs of the devotees who came to listen to Guru
Sahib's discourse on the Divine Word.
She lovingly rendered service in the langar in utmost humility, cooking
and serving food with her own hands.
Mata Khivi Ji prepared langar with great love and kindness. Her heart and
soul was deeply dedicated to serving the sangat (the holy
congregation). Says Balvand in the Ode of Coronation:
blvMf KIvI nyk jn ijsu bhuqI Cwau pqRwlI ] lµgir dauliq vMfIAY rsu AMimRqu KIir iGAwlI ]
(sRI gurU gRMQ swihb jI - AMg 966) Blessed is Kehivi, the Guru's noble and pious wife, who is like a dense
leafy tree, giving shade to all. The langar is a source of unlimited
bounty in her care.
The institution of langar grew and developed into an important part
of the Sikh way of life.
Guru-ka-Langar and Mata Khivi Ji
Key Gurmat Message:
Langar is an important part of Sikhi. Mata Khivi Ji showed us
that the Langar should be prepared and served with love and devotion.
Level 4 Page 17 gurmiq isiKAw
Lesson 5 Date:____________
Date of Parkash: May 5, 1479 (vYswK sudI 14, 9 jyT sMmq 1536) Place of Parkash: Basrke, District Amritsar
Father: Sri Tej Bhan Ji
Mother: Mata Sulakhni Ji
Mahal (Wife): Mata Mansa Devi Ji
Sons: Baba Mohan Ji, Baba Mohri Ji
Daughters: Bibi Dani Ji, Bibi Bhani Ji Gurgaddi: March 26, 1552. (30 cyq sMmq 1609)
Joti Jot: September 1, 1574 (2 A~sU sMmq 1631)
Legend for calendar dates: English Calendar; Lunar Calendar; Bikrami Calendar
Sri Guru Amar Das Ji‟s Parkash took place in the village
Basarkay (bwsrky) on May 5, 1479, in the present district of Amritsar.
His father was Baba Tej Bhan Ji and His mother, Mata Sulakhni Ji.Sri
Amar Das Ji was only ten years younger than Guru Nanak Dev Ji.He
earned his livelihood by agriculture and trade. He was married to
Mata Mansa Devi Ji and had two sons, Baba Mohri Ji and Baba Mohan
Ji, and two daughters, Bibi Dani Ji and Bibi Bhani Ji.
Like his father, Sri Amar Das Ji carried on the rituals of the
Hindu faith with great devotion. It had become part of his daily life to
recite Vedic 'Mantras,' give charity to Brahmins, worship gods and
goddesses, and discriminate based on the Hindu caste system. At the
age of 42, he went for a holy dip to Hardwar and other holy places.
Hindus believe a dip in the river Ganga washes away one‟s sins. After
that, he made it a routine to go on a pilgrimage every year. Once
returning from a pilgrimage, an ascetic became Sri Amar Das Ji‟s
companion, thinking him to be a great saint. The ascetic cooked for
Sri Guru Amar Das Ji
Early Life of Sri Guru Amar Das Ji
Level 4 Page 18 gurmiq isiKAw
himself and avoided taking food from others. In the company of Sri
Amar Das Ji, he began to eat the food Sri Amar Das Ji cooked. He
accompanied Sri Amar Das Ji to Basarkay.
After staying for a few days
with Sri Amar Das Ji, the ascetic,
while leaving asked him, "Who is your Guru (spiritual teacher)?" Sri
Amar Das Ji replied, "I have not
adopted a Guru yet." At this the ascetic was enraged at Sri Amar Das
Ji and said, "I have been taking food
from one without a Guru. All my pilgrimages have become fruitless.
All my life until now has become
useless." Having said this, the ascetic departed but left Sri Amar Das Ji very pensive.
Key Gurmat Message:
It is very important to have a Guru to guide us in life.
jy sau cMdw augvih sUrj cVih hjwr ] eyqy cwnx hoidAW gur ibnu Gor AMDwr ]2]
(sRI gurU gRMQ swihb jI, AMg 463) If a hundred moons were to rise, and a thousand suns appeared, even with such light, there would still be pitch
darkness without the Guru. ||2||
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After his departure, Sri Amar Das Ji thought, “The ascetic was
right. A person without a Guru cannot get spiritual bliss and his mind
cannot attain peace. For complete bliss, one needs a spiritual Guru just as one needs a teacher to learn other things." Thoughts like this
kept on rising in his mind throughout the night and consequently he
could not get any sleep. Early in the morning, he heard the sweet melody of a hymn
being sung by Bibi Amro Ji, while she churned butter for the family.
Sri Amar Das Ji was so charmed by the lovely melody and stirring words that he felt a deep solace and peace in his heart. Bibi Amro Ji,
the daughter of Guru Angad Dev Ji, was married to Sri Amar Das Ji‟s
nephew. On coming to know that she was singing a hymn of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, on whose throne now sat her father, he requested her
to take him to Guru Angad Dev
Ji. At Khadur Sahib, Guru
Angad Dev Ji received Sri Amar Das Ji with great affection and
love. One glimpse of the Guru
enlightened Sri Amar Das Ji‟s heart and soul. He knew at once
that he had found the true Guru,
the raft that would take him across the sea of illusion. He
immediately placed his head at
the feet of Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji and prayed. "Please be kind and accept me as your disciple." Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji gave Charnamrit
(crnwimRq) and blessed Sri Amar Das Ji with Naam (holy Word). So
deep and intense was his passion to remain in the presence of the
Guru that he found pleasure only in serving his Master and the Sangat.
Longing For Guru Sahib
Key Gurmat Message:
Guru Ji‟s Gurbani has great effect on our minds and hearts,
especially, if we sing it early in the morning.
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Lesson 6 Date:____________
Sri Amar Das Ji was 62 years old at the time when he met Guru
Angad Dev Ji. His old age did not deter him from Seva and Simran.
He saw that the devotees, who came for audience with Guru Sahib, took up Seva voluntarily
Some started cleaning utensils in the Langar (community
kitchen). Some would bring firewood from the forest while others took up other small jobs. Sri Amar Das Ji gave up the worldly
relationships and like a faithful Sikh, got busy in the service of the
Guru and His Sangat. Sri Amar Das Ji requested the cook, Bhai Jodh, and took up the
service of bringing water for the Langar. He also took up the
responsibility of bringing water from the well for the morning bath of Guru Angad
Dev Ji.
Sri Amar Das Ji started taking meals in Pangat (sitting together on the
floor for meals). The illusion of low and high caste and pride of being a Khatri left
his mind. When he got time, he took up
cleaning utensils, at the same time applying his mind to listen and recite the
Guru's Word.
Blessed By Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji
Key Gurmat Message:
Those who serve Guru Sahib and the Sangat with selfless
loving devotion are blessed with honor.
syvk kau syvw bin AweI ] hukmu bUiJ prm pdu pweI ]
(sRI gurU gRMQ swihb jI, AMg 292) The servant's purpose is to serve;obeying the Lord's
Command, the supreme status is obtained.
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Sri Amar Das Ji spent the next few years in total love and devotion to the service of Guru Angad Dev Ji. He was so devoted that
only Guru Ji could understand his devotion and Divine Love. Guru Angad Dev Ji had experienced the same, when Guru Nanak Dev Ji
entranced his heart and soul. A new town named Goindwal was being built near Khadur Sahib (KfUr swihb). Guru Angad Dev Ji tested the obedience of Sri Amar Das
Ji by asking him to go and make Goindwal his residence and to help
in building the new town. Saying „Sat Bachan (siq bcn)‟ to Guru
Sahib‟s command, Sri Amar Das Ji started living in Goindwal. But the
pain of separation was too much for him to bear. Every day early in the morning, Sri Amar Das Ji would come
from the Beas River carrying a pitcher of water on his head for Guru
Sahib's bath. While returning from Khadur Sahib to Goindwal, Sri Amar Das Ji never turned his back on Khadur Sahib: he walked
backards with his eyes still looking towards his master. He preferred death to turning his back
on his Master.
During one dark rainy winter night, Amar
Das Ji, as usual, was
carrying a pitcher full of Beas water for Guru
Angad Dev Ji. As he
walked by the house of a weaver (someone who
makes cloth), Sri Amar
Das Ji tripped over a wooden peg fixed in the
ground by the weaver and fell in the weaver's loom pit.
At the sound of the fall, the weaver called from inside, "Who is it at this early hour?"
The weaver's wife told him to calm down and said, "Who else
could have fallen at this time? It must be „Amru nithawan (inQwvW)‟ (homeless Amar Das), who never sleeps and never rests."
Devotion to Service
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Sri Amar Das Ji heard these words and exclaimed, “You must be
out of your senses if you think I am homeless, for I am of the Guru. Guru Sahib is my home; Guru Sahib is the home of all.”
Sri Amar Das Ji had casually said to the weaver woman, “You
must be out of your senses.” After this episode, she lost her wits and started behaving like an insane person. In the morning, the weaver
took her along and presented themselves in the morning
congregation that gathered before Guru Angad Dev Ji. The weaver narrated to Guru Sahib all that had taken place
early that morning and prayed, "May our mistake be forgiven and my
wife be cured." When the weaver narrated the above episode to Guru Angad
Dev Ji, the word 'nithawan inQwvW' (homeless) used by the weaver's
wife moved Guru Sahib deeply. Guru Sahib embraced Sri Amar Das Ji to his bosom and lovingly blessed him, "My Amar Das! My Amar Das
is the home of the homeless; He is the shelter for the unsheltered;
the protector of the weak and the downtrodden; the abode for those without any abode; he is the hope for the hopeless; He is the last
refuge of those for whom no one cares." Guru Sahib advised the
congregation, "Never speak bad words of anybody." Guru Sahib pardoned the weaver woman and she got well.
Key Gurmat Message: By doing Seva, one becomes closer to Guru Sahib and earns
Guru Sahib‟s pleasure. Sri Amar Das Ji was more than 60 years
old, but he still did Seva all day long. Those who do lot of Seva receive Guru Sahib‟s spiritual blessings.
sqgur kI syvw Aiq suKwlI jo ieCy so Plu pwey ] (sRI gurU gRMQ swihb jI, AMg 31)
Serving the True Guru brings a deep and profound peace, and
one's desires are fulfilled.
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Lesson 7 Date:_____________
It was mentioned earlier
also that Sri Amar Das Ji served
Guru Angad Dev Ji and his Sangat with full devotion for
twelve years. Pleased with his
service to the Guru and Sangat, Guru Angad Dev Ji asked Baba
Budha Ji to anoint Guru Amar
Das Ji to Gurgaddi, the throne of Guru Nanak on March 29, 1552.
The “Guru Jot” that Guru Nanak
Dev Ji placed in Guru Angad Dev Ji, now resided in Guru Amar Das Ji. All the Sikh Sangat bowed to the Guru, but Guru Angad Dev Ji‟s elder
son, Baba Datu Ji, was unhappy at not being granted the Gurgaddi.
Guru Angad Dev Ji directed Guru Amar Das Ji to settle in Goindwal Sahib to spread the message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji far and wide.
Guru Amar Das Ji, as per the instructions of Guru Angad Dev Ji,
settled at Goindwal Sahib. At that time, Guru Amar Das Ji was 72 years old. At Khadur Sahib, Guru Angad Dev
Ji‟s son Baba Datu Ji proclaimed himself a
Guru, but the Sikhs did not accept him. At
this, Baba Datu Ji full of rage went to
Goindwal Sahib and struck Guru Amar Das Ji
with his foot saying, "What? Only yesterday a servant of ours, made into a Master today?"
But Guru Amar Das Ji humbly knelt down and
began rubbing Baba Datu Ji‟s feet saying, "O son of my Master, my flesh is old and bones
hard; they must have hurt your foot." After this incident, Guru Amar Das Ji quietly left Goindwal Sahib, to let Baba Datu Ji do whatever he
Guru Jot to Sri Guru Amar Das Ji
Baba Datu Ji’s Animosity
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wished to do. Baba Datu Ji declared himself Guru again, this time at
Goindwal Sahib. The Sikhs despised him for insulting Guru Amar Das Ji.On seeing the Sikhs' contempt towards him, Baba Datu Ji loaded
his newly acquired wealth on a camel and returned to Khadur Sahib.
On his way he encountered some robbers who seized the camel and the wealth. One of the robbers struck Baba Datu Ji on the same foot
with which he had kicked Guru Sahib. Baba Datu Ji‟s foot became
swollen and caused him great pain for the rest of his life.
The Sikhs were very much distressed at losing their Guru. They
searched all over but could not find him anywhere. Guru Nanak Dev Ji once blessed Baba Budha Ji, a bRhmigAwnI (Brahmgiani) Gursikh, by
saying, “buiFAw, qYQoN auhly kdy nW hosW,” which means,“the Guru Nanak Jot
would never hide from you.” The Sikhs requested Baba Budha Ji, to
help find Guru Sahib. As per Guru Nanak Dev Ji‟s blessings, Baba Budha Ji knew where „Guru Jot‟ was, but he was very humble and did
not want to show his powers. Baba Budha Ji along with other Sikhs
came to Goindwal Sahib. There they found Guru Sahib‟s horse that would not allow anyone except Guru Sahib to ride on it. Baba Budha
Ji and the Sangat prayed to Guru Sahib, put a saddle on Guru Ji‟s
horse, and then anxiously followed it. The horse made
her way to a room on the
outskirts of Guru Sahib's village Basarkay, and stood
before its door.
On the door was written, "Whoever opens
this door is no Sikh of mine,
nor am I his Guru." Baba Budha Ji did not open the door, but made an opening in the back wall
Key Gurmat Message:
Guru Amar Das Ji had full control over His emotions. He did not
get angry even when Baba Datu Ji hit Him.
Role of Baba Budha Ji in Finding Sri Guru Amar Das Ji
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and entered through there. Guru Sahib could not disregard the love
and devotion of His Sikhs and returned to Goindwal Sahib. Guru Sahib's return was celebrated with illuminations, rejoicing and
feasting. A large number of devotees flocked to Goindwal Sahib to
have Guru Sahib‟s darshan (drSn) and obtain guidance.
QUESTIONS:
Fill in the blanks with the correct words:
emotions Guru Sahib disregard Baba Budha Ji Sikhs
1. Guru Amar Das Ji had full control over His ______________. He did
not get angry even when Baba Datu Ji hit Him.
2. The Sikhs requested ______________ to help find Guru Sahib.
3. Guru Sahib could not ______________ the love and devotion of his
__________ and returned to Goindwal Sahib.
4. Gursikhs who are close to __________can help us get closer to
Guru Sahib to get Guru Ji‟s blessings.
Key Gurmat Message: Gursikhs who are already close to Guru Sahib can help us get
closer to Guru Sahib to get Guru Ji‟s blessings. jnm mrx duhhU mih nwhI jn praupkwrI Awey ] jIA dwnu dy BgqI lwiein hir isau lYin imlwey ]2]
(sRI gurU gRMQ swihb jI, AMg 749) Those generous, humble beings are above both birth and death.They give the gift of the soul, and practice devotional
worship; they inspire others to meet the Lord. ||2||
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Lesson 8 Date:____________
In Guru Sahib‟s time, society was divided into small segments
based on caste, economic status, gender, region, religion, etc. A person was considered high or low based on family he/she was born
in, and not according to his/her deeds. Divisions based on gender,
caste and religious belief were so extreme that:
People from different castes would not sit together or eat
together.
People from different castes would use different wells to
draw water or to bathe.
People from lower castes were not allowed to enter the
temples that belonged to higher caste.
Untouchables (the lowest caste) were not even allowed to
pray or enter the temple.
Women, even if they belonged to higher caste families,
were not allowed to enter certain temples, offer prayers,
or perform religious rites.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji preached against discrimination and hate based on race, caste, and status. Guru Sahib aimed at creating a
casteless and classless society in which all were treated with respect
and dignity and where one member did not exploit the other. Guru Amar Das Ji took steps to ensure his Sikhs were taking
steps to practice what they had been learning since Guru Nanak Dev
Ji.
Social Reforms
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Guru Amar Das Ji continued to preach Guru Nanak Dev Ji‟s
message of equality for mankind. Everyone who came to seek His blessings accepted this message. The food was prepared and
distributed to the rich and the poor alike, while they took their seats
in a row on the carpeted ground (Pangat, pMgq). Every person was
asked to eat in Guru-ka-Langar
before he/she could see Guru Sahib.
Even Emperor Akbar and the King of Haripur ate in Guru-ka-Langar before
they were permitted to have an
audience with Guru Sahib. It was Guru Sahib‟s directive – pihly pMgq, pwCy sMgq (Pehlay Pangat, Pachhay Sangat):
first take a meal in the Langar, and
then join the congregation. Guru-ka-Langar was kept up by the contributions from the devotees.
When Akbar offered land for the Guru-ka-Langar, Guru Sahib did not
accept it, saying that it is a Sikh
institution and must be supported by the offerings and services of the devotees.
Every day, fresh food was prepared and served in Langar, which
continued day and night. Guru Sahib directed his Sikhs to maintain cleanliness and hygiene in the Langar hall and asked Sikhs to recite
Gurbani the entire time while cooking and serving Langar. Whatever
was left over was given to the birds and animals and even to the fish in the river, Beas, flowing close by.
Once, Guru Amar Das Ji came on a visit to the Langar. Bhai
Handal Ji, who was kneading dough at the time, was delighted to see him, and prepared to greet him. But in order to maintain the
cleanliness, he did not let his hands touch the ground.
He put them behind his back, and bowed before the Guru. Guru Sahib was very pleased with Bhai Handal Ji because he maintained
respect, both of the Guru and the Langar.
Guru-Ka-Langar (gurU kw lMgr)
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Lesson 9 Date:____________
Before Guru Sahib‟s time, there were different wells for people of different castes. Untouchables were not allowed to get water from a
well that belonged to higher caste people.
By now, Guru Sahib‟s followers from all castes and classes had learned to eat together by sitting on the floor
in Guru-ka-Langar. Guru Amar Das Ji
took another step to promote equality, and to end centuries‟ old divisions.
Guru Sahib wanted His Sikhs to share
the same well and bathe from it too. Therefore Guru Sahib decided to build
a Baoli, a staircase leading to the
source of water. The digging of the Baoli started in 1556 and was
completed in 1559. When completed, the Baoli had 84 steps.
The Sikh devotees would come in large numbers to Goindwal Sahib, take a bath in the Baoli, and listen to Kirtan and katha (explanation of
Gurbani and Sikh History).
On completion of the Baoli, Guru Sahib blessed the Sangat by saying, "Whoever will bathe and recite Japuji Sahib with loving
devotion on each of the 84 Paurees (step), will experience
great peace and happiness. Also, that person will escape from the cycle of eighty four lakh (8.4 Million) forms of
life; Joona– jUnW." In the recent times, the Baoli has been
beautifully built and artistically decorated. The
walls are adorned by rows of frescoes (paintings
engraved in color on plaster) depicting scenes from Sikh history.
When one crosses the gateway of the Baoli, one
enters the enclosure beneath the big dome. Its walls are marbled and studded with colored
stone.
Many patterns, especially of flower vases, are engraved in the marble slabs. The passage down the 84 steps is lined with marble on the side,
Baoli Sahib (bwaulI swihb) at Goindwal Sahib
Level 4 Page 29 gurmiq isiKAw
as well as on the steps.
Guru Sahib issued a directive to all Sikhs to assemble twice a year, on Baisakhi (April) and Diwali (November) festivals, either at
Goindwal Sahib or at the Manji of their area. Guru Sahib laid down Sikh ceremonies to make Sikhs distinct
from the Hindus. Guru Sahib prescribed the marriage ceremony, when
one of the Sikhs, Bhai Dayala Ji, complained that the Brahmins had refused to perform his daughter's marriage. Guru Sahib asked Sikhs to
perform Sikh marriage ceremony in the presence of Guru Sahib and
Sangat by reciting Gurbani. In a Sikh ceremony, the couple takes four
circles (Lavan -lWvW) around Guru Sahib or Gurbani, while in a Hindu
marriage ceremony the couple takes seven Lavan around a fire. Guru
Sahib also made the recitation of Anand Sahib and Ardas compulsory for a Sikh wedding. The new ceremony constituted a distinct break
from Hinduism.
Similarly, Guru Sahib gave special directions for a Sikh funeral.
Guru Sahib‟s grandson, Bhai Sundar Ji, has mentioned the funeral
ceremony in „Sadd‟ (Ang. 923 of SGGS). Hymns in the praise of God
are to be sung before and after the cremation. There is to be no crying or syapa because death is natural and inevitable, and takes place
according to the Will of God.
Key Gurmat Message:
Guru Amar Das Ji took steps to promote equality and to create
a society where everyone lived with dignity and respect. siqguru isK kw hlqu plqu svwrY ] (sRI gurU gRMQ swihb jI, AMg 286)
Guru Sahib fulfills his Sikh’s needs for this world and the next.
Establishment of Sikh Ceremonies and Festivals
Key Gurmat Message:
Guru Sahib made Sikhism a distinct religion with its own sangat centers and ceremonies.
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Guru Amar Das Ji greatly valued human life and regarded it as a
wonderful opportunity to merge with Waheguru Ji. The body is the temple of God and as such, it should be looked after and taken care of
properly. One day, as Guru Sahib approached a decaying house, He
quickly rode past it. When the Sikhs saw this, some questioned if Guru Sahib was afraid of death. Guru Sahib smiled and said He is not afraid
of death but He believes in avoiding unnecessary risks. If we protect
the body and look after it, we can perform holy and charitable work.
Guru Sahib elaborated the idea with an example. If we provide proper
fertilizer, water etc., to a fruit tree, it blossoms and bears fruit.
Similarly if we maintain a healthy body, it becomes easier to meditate and do charitable work.
QUESTIONS:
Fill in the blanks with following words
promote valued distinct dignity healthy body opportunity
1. Guru Amar Das Ji took steps to _____________equality and to
create a society where everyone lived with _____________ and
respect.
2. Guru Amar Das Ji greatly _______human life and regarded it as a
wonderful ___________to merge with Waheguru Ji.
3. Guru Sahib made Sikhism a ________ religion with its own sangat
centers and ceremonies.
4. One must maintain a ______________and use it to earn an honest
living, meditate, and do charitable work.
Preservation of Life
Key Gurmat Message:
One must maintain a healthy body and use it to earn an honest living, meditate, and do charitable work. nwnk so pRBu ismrIAY iqsu dyhI kau pwil ]2]
(sRI gurU gRMQ swihb jI, AMg 554)
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Lesson 10 Date:___________
Guru Amar Das Ji strongly believed in equality for all people. This meant to treat everyone - men and women, rich and poor, no
matter where they came from – with equal respect and dignity. He
spread this message through the following:
Guru-ka-Langar: Guru Sahib preached “Pehlay Pangat pachay
Sangat” (pihly pMgq pwCy sMgq). Everyone eats together on the ground
at the same level.
Baoli Sahib: Guru Sahib ended centuries‟ old divisions based on
caste system by asking Sikhs to share the same well and bathe
from the same well. Guru Ji appointed both men and women to go out and preach
about Sikhi and Naam.
Guru Sahib made Sikhism a distinct religion with its own sangat
centers and ceremonies.
Before Guru Sahib‟s time, a typical preacher was a male Brahmin or, in some instances, a high caste Khatri. Guru Amar Das Ji spread
Guru Nanak Dev Ji‟s message throughout India by appointing 22
devout Sikh preachers called Masands. The preacher sat on a Manji (a
cot) to convey Guru Sahib‟s message while the congregation sat
around the Manji or cot. Manji was awarded purely on merit,
irrespective of one‟s caste, gender, or social status. Each Manji or sangat center was established wherever there was a sizeable
population of Sikh devotees.
Each Masand (head of a Manji) was also responsible for the
offerings of the Sangat (the Dasvand-10% of one‟s income or 1 tenth
of income donated), which the Sangat made as a token of their respect to the Guru. The Sikhs' offerings were used for langar, and
Guru Amar Das Ji and Equality
Establishment of Manji Sahib
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paying the expenses of the local chapters; the surplus was passed on
to the Guru‟s golak at Goindwal Sahib.
Guru Amar Das Ji stood for equal respect and dignity for
women. Guru Sahib took the
following great steps towards uplifting women's status in society.
1. Guru Sahib forbade the practice of parda, the veiling of women. In
His congregation, women were not
allowed to veil their faces 2. Guru Sahib prohibited syapa, the
beating of thighs and crying by
women on the death of a relative; instead, he exhorted all to sing God's praises and accept His Will
3. Guru Sahib forbade the practice of sati, in which widows burn
themselves alive on the funeral pyres of their dead husbands. Guru Sahib said, “True Satis are those who honor their husbands in their
hearts and not those who burn themselves on the funeral pyre.
Those are considered Satis who live contented, adorn themselves with good conduct, and cherish the Lord." Var Suhi ki- Slok Mahala
3, Ang-787). To be exact, Guru Sahib said, sloku mÚ 3 ] sqIAw eyih n AwKIAin jo miVAw lig jlµin@ ] nwnk sqIAw jwxIAin@ ij ibrhy cot mrMin@ ]1] mÚ 3 ] BI so sqIAw jwxIAin sIl sMqoiK rhMin@ ] syvin sweI Awpxw inq auiT sMm@wlµin@ ]2]
(sRI gurU gRMQ swihb jI, 787)
4. Guru Sahib not only forbade the practice of sati, but also
encouraged widows to remarry.
5. Guru Sahib reversed the then existing practice of excluding women from preaching by appointing women among the 22 preachers who
Equal Respect and Dignity for Women
Level 4 Page 33 gurmiq isiKAw
were placed in charge of sangat centers called Manjis (mMjI). Two
Manjis were allotted to women: Mai Seva of Goindwal and Bibi
Bhago of Kashmir. 6. Guru Amar Das Ji established another organization called the Pihrhi
(pIVHI) system. Only the ladies were assigned Pirhis, whose objective
was to spread Naam among women. Bibi Bhani, Bibi Dani, and Bibi Pal were some of the most revered women assigned with Pihrhis.
QUESTIONS:
Fill in the blanks with the correct words:
Syapa rights burn honor veiling
1. Guru Amar Das Ji forbade the practice of “Parda,” the __________
of women.
2. Guru Sahib also prohibited ___________, the beating of thighs and crying by women on the death of a relative.
3. Guru Amar Das Ji forbade the practice of “Sati” in which widows
_________themselves alive on the funeral pyres of their husbands.
4. Guru Sahib uplifted the _________ and _________ of women at
the time when women were denied the basic human rights
Key Gurmat Message:
Guru Sahib uplifted the honor and rights of women at a time
when women were denied the basic human rights. so ikau mMdw AwKIAY ijqu jMmih rwjwn ]
(sRI gurU gRMQ swihb jI, 473) So why call her bad? From her, kings are born.
Level 4 Page 34 gurmiq isiKAw
Lesson 11 Date:___________
Bhai Paro Jhulka Ji (also called Parma Hans) belonged to the
village Dalla (f`lw), which is now in the Kapurthala district of Punjab. He
received religious instructions and emancipation from Guru Sahib.
Allayar, a rich Muslim horse-dealer of Delhi, brought five hundred horses from Arabia and arrived at Beas. He could not continue his
journey because the Beas River was flooded and the boatmen refused
to take the risk of crossing the swollen river. While Allayar was waiting on the banks of the river, he saw Bhai Paro Jhulka Ji plunge his horse
into the foaming river and reach the opposite shore in safety. Allayar
met Bhai Paro Ji on his return and complimented his daring feat of crossing the river. Bhai Paro Ji told him that it was through the
blessings of Guru Amar Das Ji that he could cross the flooded river. He
further informed Allayar about Guru's glory, and Allayar became anxious to meet Guru Sahib. The next morning they both went to see
Guru Sahib.
Allayar (“Alla” means God, and “yar” means friend) was delighted to see Guru Sahib. Upon hearing Allayar‟s name Guru Sahib said, "It is
difficult to become a friend (yar) of God (Alla).” Allayar humbly
requested Guru Sahib to bless him so that he could become “yar of Alla.” Pleased with Allayar‟s humility, Guru Sahib blessed him with
Naam and he became Guru Sahib‟s disciple. Allayar was also blessed
with one of the 22 Manjis that were set up by Guru Amar Das Ji to spread the fragrance of Naam. There are numerous such stories of the
Sikhs who were blessed by Guru Sahib.
Some Notable Sikhs of Guru Amar Das Ji
Key Gurmat Message: Those with faith are blessed by the Guru and bring blessings to
their companions.
Awip jphu Avrw nwmu jpwvhu ] (sRI gurU gRMQ swihb jI, 289)
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Bhai Sawan Mal Ji, the son of Guru Amar Das Ji's brother, was
a devoutSikh. One day, Guru Sahib handed him a handkerchief and asked him to go to Haripur in the Kangra hills, to arrange for the
supply of lumber for the construction of buildings in Goindwal Sahib.
The ruler of Kangra, Raja Hari Chand, was a devotee of Bairagi Saints, a sect of Hindu Saints. He had ordered all his people not to eat
or cook anything on ekadshi, the eleventh day of the lunar fortnight. If
smoke was seen emerging from any of the kitchens on this day, the owners of the house were taken to the king and brutally punished.
Bhai Sawan Mal Ji ignored the royal ordinance and cooked his
food. When the smoke emerged from his kitchen, he was imprisoned for the offence of cooking on ekadshi and presented before Raja Hari
Chand. Bhai Sawan Mal Ji politely explained to the Raja that he was
following his Guru‟s command not to observe fasting. The arrogant Raja Hari Chand ordered that Bhai Sawan Mal Ji‟s legs be cut off for
disobeying his orders.
The king returned to his chamber after announcing the punishment and noticed that his only son had gotten critically ill. An
acute pain had risen in his son‟s stomach. None of the royal vaids
(doctors) could cure him as he became unconscious and was dying. Raja Hari Chand understood that God was punishing him for troubling
one of his beloved devotees. The king immediately ran to the cells
barefoot and pleaded Sawan Mal to pardon him for his cruel behavior. He begged him to grant life back to his son. Bhai Sawan Mal Ji was
moved by the Raja‟s plea and he forgave the king. To help cure the
king‟s son, he placed a handkerchief on the prince's face and did Ardaas remembering Guru Amar Das Ji. The prince recovered after the
Ardaas. The Raja and the queen fell at Bhai Sawan Mal's feet to thank
him for the miraculous saving. Bhai Sawan Mal Ji humbly explained that all he did was Ardaas and that the real savior is Guru Amar Das Ji.
From that day, the king and the queen became devout followers of Guru Sahib. They visited Goindwal Sahib and presented precious gifts
at Guru Sahib's feet. Raja Hari Chand also arranged lumber to be sent
via the Beas River for the construction at Goindwal Sahib. Bhai Sawan Mal was put in charge of a Manji to spread the
fragrance of Naam in the Kangra hills area.
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Bhai Gangu Shah Ji, a merchant of Lahore, suffered losses in
business and came to Goindwal Sahib to seek the Guru's blessing. Guru Sahib said to him: "Go to Delhi and start your business.
Remember God and put one tenth of your income (Daswand, dsvMD)
into Guru Nanak‟s account. Use money from Guru Nanak‟s account to
help the needy and you will be wealthy.” With Guru Sahib‟s blessings, Gangu Shah started his business in Delhi and in a couple of years
became a rich merchant.
At Goindwal Sahib, a needy Brahmin sought financial aid from Guru Amar Das Ji for his daughter's marriage. Guru Sahib gave him a letter
for Gangu Shah, asking him to help the Brahmin using Guru Nanak‟s
account. Wealth had made Gangu Shah arrogant and greedy, however. He
thought that if he helped the Brahmin, Guru Sahib might send more
men to him for help. So he told the Brahmin that he cannot give him anything, as his registers show no account with the name of Guru
Nanak. The Brahmin returned disappointed to Goindwal Sahib. Guru
Sahib told the congregation to collect funds and He himself contributed some amount towards the marriage expenses of the Brahmin's
daughter.
After some time, Bhai Gangu Shah Ji suffered losses in business, and returned to Goindwal Sahib empty-handed. He dared not show his
face to Guru Amar Das Ji. For repentance, he cleaned utensils, mopped
floors in the Langar, and dedicated all his time to Seva and Simran.
One day, Guru Sahib called and blessed him. He was put in charge of
the Manji at Lahore to spread Guru‟s message for the rest of his life.
Key Gurmat Message:
1. Guru Sahib takes care of those who have full faith in Him. 2. Guru Sahib is very kind and forgives those who realize
their mistakes and take corrective action.
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Lesson 12 Date:____________
Date of Parkash: September 24, 1534(k`qk vdI 2, 25 A`sU sMmq 1591) Place of Parkash: Chuna Mandi, Lahore (Pakistan)
Father: Sri Haridas Ji
Mother: Mata Daya Kaur Ji
Mahal (Wife): Bibi Bhani Ji
Sons: Baba Prithi Chand Ji, Baba Maha Dev Ji, Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji
Gurgaddi: August 30, 1574(31 BwdoN sMmq 1631) Joti Jot: September 1, 1581(2 A`sU sMmq 1638)
Legend for calendar dates: English Calendar; Lunar Calendar; Bikrami
Calendar
(Guru) Ram Das Ji‟s Parkash took place at Chuna Mandi, Lahore
lwhOr (in Pakistan), on September 24, 1534. He was the son of Mata
Daya Kaur Ji and Baba Hari Das Ji Sodhi. Being the first-born child of
his parents, he was also called Jetha Ji, meaning the eldest. (Guru) Ram Das Ji‟s parents died when he was just 7 years old.
His maternal grandmother took Him to her native village Basarkay,
Punjab. There He spent the next five years earning His living by selling boiled grains.
Imagine yourself at the age of 7. Think how hard life would be if
you had to earn a living at such a young age? You miss your parents, you are living with your grandmother, and you have to actually work
hard every day in order to survive. But (Guru) Ram Das Ji didn‟t feel
angry; instead, He was a very kind hearted and sweet natured child. He was so kind that sometimes He would give boiled grains to the
hungry for free.
Sri Guru Ram Das Ji
Early Life of Sri Guru Ram Das Ji
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Once Guru Amar Das Ji came to village Basarkay to offer support to the grandmother of (Guru) Ram Das Ji at the death of her
son-in-law. There, Amar Das Ji developed deep affection with
(Guru) Ram Das Ji. (Guru) Ram Das Ji used to hear about God's glories and the Guru's greatness from the Sikh pilgrims
going to Goindwal Sahib. (Guru) Ram Das Ji moved to Goindwal
Sahib to join in the Seva, and to earn his living, He continued to sell boiled grains. After selling the grains, he made it his daily
routine to help in the construction of Goindwal Sahib. (Guru)
Ram Das Ji would bring water for the Langar. Whenever he had spare
time, he would wash dishes, at the same time he would listen to and recite Gurbani.
Guru Amar Das Ji‟s younger daughter, Bibi Bhani Ji was a devout Gursikh who recited Gurbani all the time, even while playing
with her girl companions. She dressed simply, and cherished the
Divine Name. She was content within herself and cared not for the worldly wealth. One day Bibi Bhani Ji‟s mother conversed with Guru
Amar Das Ji about the marriage of their daughter. She said, "Bhani is
of marriageable age, and we should find a suitable partner for her." Guru Amar Das Ji asked, "To whom shall we give her hand in
marriage?" The mother,
pointing towards (Guru) Ram Das Ji said, "To a young man
like him." Guru Amar Das Ji
remarked, "He is a unique, for God had made none other like
him." In this way, (Guru) Ram Das Ji was chosen as the
bridegroom for Bibi Bhani Ji.
(Guru) Ram Das Ji was
Key Gurmat Message:
Even though (Guru) Ram Das Ji had to work hard as a child, he was very kind and helpful to the poor and needy people.
Marriage with Bibi Bhani Ji
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married to Bibi Bhani Ji in 1553. (Guru) Ram Das Ji and Bibi Bhani Ji
were humble at heart and deeply devoted to the Guru. After his marriage, (Guru) Ram Das Ji with his noble wife visited his deceased
parents' home, as was the custom. However, he could not remain
there for long; as separation from Guru Sahib was unbearable to him. So he returned to Goindwal Sahib and dedicated the rest of his life to
the service of Guru Sahib.
(Guru) Ram Das Ji and Bibi Bhani Ji were blessed with three sons, Baba Prithi Chand Ji, Baba Maha Dev Ji, and (Guru) Arjan Dev
Ji. Guru Amar Das Ji was very impressed by (Guru) Ram Das Ji and
blessed him with Naam.
Key Gurmat Message: Those who heed Guru Sahib‟s word and lovingly serve the poor
are blessed by Guru Sahib‟s gracious glance. They who
surrender themselves to the Guru, realize the Truth, and forever remain in peace.
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Lesson 13 Date:___________
Guru Amar Das Ji started the construction of Baoli, a step-well
at Goindwal Sahib. On hearing the construction of the step-well, the devotees started pouring in to take part
in the Seva (service). (Guru) Ram Das
Ji spent long hours every day
performing Seva including carrying a
basket of sand on his head, digging
dirt, or any task that needed to be done.
One day, some pilgrims including
relatives of (Guru) Ram Das Ji‟s ancestral home in Lahore were going
for a holy dip to Haridwar, stopped at
Goindwal Sahib. They were furious to see (Guru) Ram Das Ji, the son of a
high caste Khatri, carrying a basket of
sand on his head and working along with people of low castes like an
ordinary laborer in his in-law's house.
They said to Guru Amar Das Ji very angrily, "You are making our son work like a laborer with low caste
people. This does not speak highly of you." Hearing his relatives talk
like this, (Guru) Ram Das Ji went to Guru Sahib and pleaded, "Please forgive them. They are ignorant yet innocent. They have no
knowledge that Seva is above caste, creed, and relationships."
Seva
Key Gurmat Message:
Guru Sahib‟s Seva is more important than even the highest
person in this world.
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Guru Amar Das Ji wanted to select his successor just like the
first two Guru Sahibs. Guru Amar Das Ji asked both of his sons-in-law, Bhai Rama Ji and (Guru) Ram Das Ji to make him two platforms
beside the Baoli at Goindwal. When they completed their platforms,
the Guru went to inspect them but disapproved of them. He asked that the platforms be built again. In obedience to his command, new
platforms were built the next day but were also disapproved and
ordered to be dismantled. Every day Guru Sahib would come to inspect the platforms, disapprove and ask to rebuild. This happened
seven times! Rama Ji refused to build it again saying that the Guru
had grown old and that there was nothing wrong with his
platform. (Guru) Ram Das Ji on
the other hand obeyed, asked Guru Sahib for his forgiveness
that he wasn‟t building the
platforms to Guru Sahib‟s expectation. He started building
the platform again. Guru Sahib
smiled and embraced him affectionately saying, "You have
passed the supreme test! Guru
Jot of Guru Nanak Dev Ji needed a new home, which I have found in you.” Guru Amar Das Ji asked Baba Budha Ji to anoint Guru Ram Das
Ji as the fourth Guru. Guru Nanak Dev Ji‟s “Guru Jot” that Guru Amar
Das Ji got from Guru Angad Dev Ji, now resided in Guru Ram Das Ji. Guru Amar Das Ji's younger son Baba Mohri Ji accepted the
Guru's verdict with good grace, but His elder son Baba Mohan Ji
resented his father‟s decision. He asserted his claim to the Gurgaddi. Guru Amar Das Ji asked Guru Ram Das Ji to move to „Guru Ka Chakk‟
along with his family. Guru Amar Das Ji decided to conclude His earthly abode. Guru Sahib
blessed the sangat and instructed them not to weep or wail after His
leave. Guru Amar Das Ji immersed in Eternal Light on September 1, 1574 at the age of 95.
Guru Ram Das Ji continued the tradition of kirtan, langar, and
Guru Ram Das Ji becomes the Guru: Platform of Humility
Level 4 Page 42 gurmiq isiKAw
seva (selfless service). In His discourses to the devotees, Guru Ram
Das Ji always emphasized the value of seva and simran (meditation) as the primary duty of every Sikh. Guru Sahib encouraged Sikhs to
earn their living by honest means, meditate on Naam, and share their
material and spiritual wealth with others. This would bring happiness to this world and freedom from the painful cycle of births and deaths.
Guru Amar Das Ji had already setup 22 sangat centers. To further
propagate Sikhism, Guru Ram Das Ji sent prominent Sikhs like Bhai Handal Ji and Bhai Gurdas Ji to establish contact with the Sikhs outside
of Punjab.
QUESTIONS:
Fill in the blanks using the following words: head 95 Seva earn
simran long hours September 1, 1574
meditate dirt Seva share
1.(Guru) Ram Das Ji spent __________ every day performing
_______ including carrying a basket of sand on his_______,
digging_______, or any task that needed to be done.
2.Guru Amar Das Ji immersed in Eternal Light on
________________at the age of ____.
3.Guru Ram Das Ji always emphasized the value of ______ and
__________ (meditation) as the primary duty of every Sikh.
4.Guru Sahib encouraged Sikhs to ______ their living by honest
means, _______on Naam, and ________ their material and
spiritual wealth with others.
Key Gurmat Message:
(Guru) Ram Das Ji always followed Guru Amar Das Ji‟s directions without questions. This is how we should do Seva.
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Lesson 14 Date:__________
After the construction of the Baoli, the
step-well, in 1559, the core Sikhi principles
of equality and treating everyone with respect received a further boost. Now, the
devotees not only sat in Pangat for their
meals, they also started bathing at a common place, thus further wiping out the
differences of caste and creed from their
minds. Sikhs, after visiting Goindwal Sahib, started similar practice at their villages.
With this, the false walls in the society
based on the caste system began to fall. Brahmins and high caste people, however,
could not bear low caste people acting as
their equals. In October 1566 AD, Emperor Akbar stayed for some time at Lahore.
Taking advantage of his presence, the Brahmins and high caste people
drafted a memorandum against Guru Amar Das Ji and presented it to Emperor Akbar. Having read the charge sheet, Emperor Akbar sent a
message to Guru Amar Das Ji to come to Lahore and reply to those complaints. Guru Amar Das Ji sent (Guru) Ram Das Ji as His
representative to Emperor Akbar to reply to those charg es.
In the court at Lahore, (Guru) Ram Das Ji began replying to the
charges in the complaint one by one. The first complaint was, "Why do
the Sikhs not read Vedas or recite the 'Gayatri' and instead only recite Gurbani (Guru's word)?" (Guru) Ram Das Ji said, "The verses in Vedas
prohibit Shudras (untouchables) from reciting the Gayatri but the
teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji are accessible to people of all castes and faiths. Moreover, the Vedas are written in Sanskrit, which is
beyond the comprehension of common men. Gurbani is easy to
understand. Having understood it, life is molded in accordance with Guru Sahib‟s teachings. Gurbani makes it easy to unite with Waheguru
(God) while living in this world. "
The second question was "Sikhs are very egoistic. They do not go
Respect from Emperor Akbar
Baoli Sahib
Level 4 Page 44 gurmiq isiKAw
on pilgrimages to holy places and bathe, which allows previous sins to
be destroyed and allow entrance into heaven in the next world." (Guru) Ram Das Ji replied, "Sangat (Congregation) is the holy place
for Sikhs. They get the spiritual wisdom from Gurbani. Sikhs
implement Gurbani in their daily life, which saves them from committing sins. Sikhs have no aspirations for the pleasures of
heaven. Sikhs rise above this.”
The third question was "Why do not Sikhs practice the centuries old caste system?" (Guru) Ram Das Ji replied, "Guru Nanak Dev Ji‟s
message is that all humans deserve equal respect and dignity. Caste
system developed by Manu Brahmin oppresses and mistreats women and lower caste people. It is not for the welfare of the society."
The fourth question was "Why do Sikhs not worship idols?"
(Guru) Ram Das Ji replied, "Sikhs believe in only one God that is ever alive and is beyond birth, death or aging. He is present everywhere all
the time. Idols decay, get destroyed and have no life."
The last question was, "If the Sikhs believe in only one God, then why do they bow (Matha Tek) to their Guru?" (Guru) Ram Das Ji
replied, “The Sikhs bow to the „Guru Jot‟ inherent in the Guru that
dispels the darkness from the mind of every Sikh and unites him/her with Waheguru."
Emperor Akbar was convinced by the answers of (Guru) Ram Das Ji.
Before leaving, (Guru) Ram Das Ji said to Akbar, "It would be a great relief if you relieved the imposition of Jazia tax on farmers and
Pilgrimage Tax on the Hindus."
Emperor Akbar could not believe that (Guru) Ram Das Ji was asking about the welfare of Hindu Brahmins who had complained
about Guru Sahib. (Guru) Ram Das Ji replied that the house of Guru
Nanak Dev Ji works for the welfare of all without caring for what someone gives in return. Emperor Akbar was so pleased that he not
only removed the Jazia and Pilgrimage Taxes but also honored (Guru) Ram Das Ji with a robe of honor.
Level 4 Page 45 gurmiq isiKAw
Lesson 15 Date:___________
While returning to Goindwal Sahib after laying the foundation of
Guru Ka Chakk (gurU kw c~k) in 1570 AD, Guru Amar Das Ji had told
(Guru) Ram Das Ji that a great place of pilgrimage would appear at this place at the proper time. Due to the shifting of Guru Sahib's abode to Guru Ka Chakk, the
devotees started coming to this place to seek Guru Sahib‟s blessings. The people of all trades started settling at this place and the name of
the town changed to Chakk Ram Das (c~k rwmdws).
In 1577 AD, a woman came to Guru Ram Das Ji accompanied
by a man. After bowing to Guru Sahib, that woman said, "Respected Guru Ji! Please listen to all that happened to me. I shall accept the
decision you will make." Saying this, the woman started her
narration. "My name is Rajni. I am the youngest daughter of Duni Chand,
a wealthy landlord of the village Patti. I have four elder sisters.
One day our father asked, “Who provides for you to eat?” All the sisters except me replied, “Father, it is you.” I had heard that
God provides for everyone. As such I said. “God provides food to
everyone. And I believe God provides for my food too.” My father was very angry at my reply. He said, “I shall see how
God provides for you.”
When I grew older, he made me marry a leper and forced me to leave the house. I put my husband in a basket and while carrying him
on my head, started making
my living by begging in the villages.
This morning, I placed
the basket with my husband by the bank of a pond in the
shade of a 'ber' tree and went
to the village to beg for something to eat.
When I returned, the
Appearance of a Holy Spot
Level 4 Page 46 gurmiq isiKAw
basket in which I had left my husband was empty, and this man was
sitting on the bank of that pond under the shade of that tree. When I asked him about my husband, he replied, 'I am none other than your
leper husband.'"
On being asked by Guru Sahib, that man replied. "I am her husband. When Rajni left for the village, I observed that crows dove
in the water of that pond, and when they emerged they became
swans of a pure white color and flew away. I also crawled into that pond. By contact with the water in that
pond my leprosy was cured except for the hand by which I was
holding onto the branch of the ber tree. I told Rajni everything on her return but she does not believe me."
Guru Sahib told that woman, "Rajni! He is your husband. This
pond is the holy spot of which Guru Amar Das Ji had foretold. Due to your belief in God, you were blessed to visit this pond and your leper
husband has been cured with the
miraculous virtues of its holy water. Let your husband dip the hand
affected with leprosy in the pool and
you shall see the results." As he put his hand in the
water, it was immediately cured.
Rajni, filled with happiness, bowed at Guru Sahib‟s feet.
Early next morning, Guru
Sahib along with Baba Budha Ji and other Sikhs started an excavation of the pool. The 'ber' tree that still exists at this spot is called Dukh
Bhanjani beri, or the destroyer of sorrow. By the construction of this
pool of Amrit (nectar), Chakk Ram Das came to be called Amritsar Sahib.
Key Gurmat Message:
The Amrit Sarovar at Darbar Sahib, Amritsar has the powerful ability to cure any illness.
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When Guru Nanak Dev Ji placed the Guru Jot in Guru Angad
Dev Ji, his elder son, Baba Sri Chand Ji, felt that injustice had been done to him. Though he was against Guru Angad Dev Ji, he never
declared himself a Guru. He had also heard the praises of Guru Amar
Das Ji, but he did not meet Him. When Baba Sri Chand Ji
heard praises of Guru Ram Das Ji
from the people, he came to Amritsar for an audience with the
Guru. When Guru Sahib came to
know of the arrival of Baba Sri Chand Ji, He went to receive him
on the way.
With great respect, Guru Sahib took Baba Sri Chand Ji with
Him and seated him in the congregation beside Him.
Baba Sri Chand Ji saw the long beard of Guru Sahib and asked, "Why have you grown such a long beard?"
Guru Sahib replied, "It is to wipe the dust of the feet of great men
like you." With His beard in His hands, Guru Sahib tried to approach Baba
Sri Chand Ji‟s feet.
Baba Sri Chand Ji immediately bowed and stopped Guru Sahib from touching his feet and said, “It is this limitless humility and
politeness, which has made you worthy of the Guru Jot. I had heard
about your benevolence, generosity, and humility, but now I have seen it with my own eyes. With your devoted service you have not
only achieved the Guru Jot but also won the hearts of mankind. Your praise can not be described in words.”
Limitless Humility
Key Gurmat Message: Guru Ram Das Ji remained very humble to all, even after he
became Guru Himself.
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Lesson 16 Date:___________
The elegance and hustle and bustle of Amritsar increased day by
day. The pilgrims from all over the country visited the city. Bhai Sihari
Mal, a relative of Guru Sahib, along with other Sikhs from Lahore requested Guru Sahib to visit his birthplace. He told Guru Sahib that
Sikhs of Lahore were eagerly waiting for him. Guru Sahib agreed and
promised that he would reach Lahore within a month. One day Guru Sahib asked Sikhs to make arrangements for His
visit to Lahore. Members of the family and some devout Sikhs also
accompanied Him. When they reached near Lahore, all prominent Sikhs and other settlers of Lahore came outside of the city to welcome
Guru Sahib. They were proud that Guru Sahib belonged to Lahore.
They were discussing how an orphan child, because of his selfless service and complete surrender to the Will of the Guru, had become
the True Emperor.
Guru Ram Das Ji first visited his own house in Chuna Mandi. He stayed there for few days and converted his house into a DharamShala
(Gurdwara Sahib). Guru Sahib stayed at Bhai Sihari Mal‟s house. Bhai
Sihari Mal had a huge house. A large number of devotees paid their homage to Guru Sahib in Lahore. To manage the time more
effectively, Guru Sahib fixed times for dIvwn-assembly. Every morning
and evening, the Sangat recited kirtan followed by an address by Guru Sahib. The langar was served all day.
Those relatives who had used inappropriate words to Guru Amar
Das Ji at Goindwal Sahib also came to pay homage to Guru Sahib and asked for forgiveness. They confessed, "Since we have come from
Goindwal Sahib, we are facing many problems. We are always in grief
and pain." Guru Sahib advised them to contemplate the holy Name of God with full devotion, give up the pride of higher cast, and serve the
Sangat and the true Guru. After staying in Lahore for a long time,
Guru Sahib returned to Amritsar along with his family and other Sikhs.
Guru Ram Das Ji Visits Lahore
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Lesson 17 Date:___________
Date of Parkash: April 15, 1563 (vYswK vdI 7, vYswK 19 sMmq 1620)
Place of Parkash: Sri Goindwal Sahib, District Amritsar Father: Sri Guru Ramdas Ji
Mother: Mata Bhani Ji
Mahal (Wife): Mata Ganga Ji
Sons: Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji
Gurgaddi: August 31, 1581 (BwdoN sudI 2, 1 AsU sMmq 1638)
Joti Jot: May 30, 1606 (jyT sudI 4, 2 AswV sMmq 1663)
Legend for calendar dates: English Calendar; Lunar Calendar; Bikrami
Calendar
Guru Arjun Dev Ji was the youngest of Guru Ram Das Ji‟s
three sons, the eldest being Baba Prithi Chand Ji, who was followed by Baba Mahadev Ji.Guru Amar Das Ji was His maternal
grandfather. Both Guru Sahibs helped to shape Guru Arjun Dev Ji‟s
spiritual vision.
Guru Amar Das Ji knew from the beginning that His youngest
grandson was a Divine and Blessed child who would become Guru one day. The following
Sakhis confirm Guru Amar
Das Ji‟s recognition of the future Guru.
One day, Guru Amar
Das Ji was taking His meals when His grandson crawled
to His room and put his hand
into Guru Sahib Ji‟s plate. Bibi Bhani Ji took the child
away, but he returned and
Guru Arjun Dev Ji
The Parkash and Childhood Days of Sri Guru
Arjun Dev Ji
Level 4 Page 50 gurmiq isiKAw
did the same thing again. His mother again carried him away, but
he returned for the third time and tried to take the food from the plate.
Guru Amar Das Ji patted his back and said, „Why so impatient,
O beautiful little one? Heir to the plate, one day you, too, shall eat from this plate.” Mother Bhani Ji and the Sikhs who were there
understood that Guru Sahib meant that one day this child will
become the Guru. On another occasion, the child crawled his way to the bed of
Guru Amar Das Ji while Guru Sahib was resting. He pulled the bed
sheet and tried to climb onto the cot. Bibi Bhani Ji, finding the child missing, ran to fetch him. But he had already engaged the attention
of Guru Sahib Ji; the baby looked up at Guru Sahib Ji and smilingly
spread his arms, wanting Guru Sahib Ji to pick him up. Seeing Bibi Bhani Ji coming to get the child, Guru Sahib Ji picked him up,
saying, “Let him come to me; Dohita, Bani Ka Bohitha.” (doihqw bwxI kw boihqw ) meaning “this grandson of mine is the ship of the Holy Word
to take mankind across the sea of illusion”). Despite the care taken by mother Bhani Ji, one day the child
Guru Arjun Dev Ji went into his grandfather‟s room searching for his
ball. At that time Guru Amar Das Ji was resting on His bed. The child, engrossed in his search for the ball, didn‟t notice that he was
disturbing his Grandfather during His rest. He crawled under the
bed to get the ball. When he went underneath the bed, it was lifted from one side and Guru Amar Das Ji was disturbed from His rest. He
arose and spoke suddenly, “Who is this great man who has shaken
the whole of my bed?” On hearing these words, Bibi Bhani Ji ran to her father‟s room and said, “This is your grandson, dear Father.”
Guru Sahib Ji again said, “My grandson will be a great ship to carry
the Word of God.”
Soon after, the education of
the young (Guru) Arjun Dev Ji
began. Guru Amar Das Ji taught him Gurmukhi Himself. His uncle
Baba Mohri Ji imparted the
knowledge of Arithmetic, and Dev Nagri (Hindi alphabet) was taught
by the village priest. The village
Maulvi, a Muslim priest, taught him Persian and he gained the
Level 4 Page 51 gurmiq isiKAw
knowledge of Sanskrit from Pundit Beni of the village.
Even at an early age, (Guru)
Arjun Dev Ji was often absorbed in deep love and devotion to Guru
Sahib Ji.
(Guru) Arjun Dev Ji used to sing Gurbani with accompanying
music from the Saranda (a stringed
instrument) under the touch of his fingers. As (Guru) Arjun Dev Ji grew,
he sang Guru Sahib Ji‟s hymns with
such a sweet and loving voice that the hearts of passersby would be struck with the glories of God. His mannerism and sweet speech
won the hearts of all those who came near him.
Key Gurmat Message:
These three situations give examples of how Guru Amar Das
Ji knew that the baby (Guru Arjan Dev Ji) would become Guru one day.
Love For Kirtan
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Lesson 18 Date:___________
When (Guru) Arjun Dev Ji was eleven years old, His marriage was
arranged with Mata Ganga Ji, daughter
of a great devotee named Krishan Chand of the village Mau (Doaba,
Punjab).
It was a custom of the Mau village that the bridegroom would pull
out a peg dug in the field. In order to
trick (Guru) Arjun Dev Ji, they carved the stump of a Jand tree so that it looked like a peg but would be impossible to pull out. While
riding upon a horse, (Guru) Arjun Dev Ji used His spear to pull the
peg along with the root from the ground. This feat left all the villagers astonished.
Sihari Mal Ji, a cousin of Guru Ram Das Ji, came from Lahore
to invite Guru Sahib to his son‟s marriage. Since Harimandir Sahib
was being built, Guru Sahib was busy so he promised to send one of His sons with him for this occasion.
Guru Sahib Ji asked Baba Prithi Chand to attend the marriage,
but he made excuses. He said that he had never before been separated from his Father and did not wish to leave Him now. He
also explained how important it was for him to stay at home and
take charge of the offerings. Guru Sahib Ji then asked Baba Mahadev Ji. He also refused
saying that he had no relations in the world and did not want to
entangle himself in worldly affairs. Guru Sahib Ji next asked (Guru) Arjun Dev Ji, who without any hesitation said “Sat Bachan.” Guru
Sahib asked him to go with Sihari Mal Ji to Lahore but before their
Guru Arjun Dev Ji’s Marriage
Key Gurmat Message:
No one can trick Guru Sahib!
Guru Jot to Sri Guru Arjun Dev Sahib Ji
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departure, Guru Sahib Ji instructed (Guru) Arjun Dev Ji not to
return until He sent a message to call him back. When a long time passed and he received no message, (Guru)
Arjun Dev Ji wrote three letters one after the other to his father. His
eldest brother, Baba Prithi Chand, took his first two letters from the Sikh who had brought them from Lahore, and kept them with him.
The third time, (Guru) Arjun Dev Ji asked the Sikh coming
from Lahore to hand over the third letter personally to Guru Ram Das Ji.On receiving the third letter, Guru Sahib Ji asked Baba Prithi
Chand about the first two letters, but he denied having any
knowledge of them. Upon searching both the letters were found at Baba Prithi Chand's house.
Baba Prithi Chand tried to claim that the letters were his own
poetic compositions. Guru Sahib Ji then handed him the third letter and asked Baba Prithi Chand to write another stanza to complete
the composition in sequence with the stanzas in the previous
letters. Obviously, Baba Prithi Chand was unable to write a line even similar to the earlier compositions. The devotees sitting in the
congregation saw that Baba Prithi Chand was attempting to deceive
even Guru Sahib Ji. Guru Ram Das Ji then sent five Sikhs along with BabaBudha Ji
to bring (Guru) Arjun Dev Ji. When asked to compile the fourth
stanza, (Guru) Arjun Dev Ji easily did so and completed the composition. The complete Shabad with four stanzas is present on
Ang (page) 96 of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and is listed below:
mwJ mhlw 5 caupdy Gru 1 ] myrw mnu locY gur drsn qweI ]iblp kry cwiqRk kI inAweI ] iqRKw n auqrY sWiq n AwvY ibnu drsn sMq ipAwry jIau ]1] hau GolI jIau Goil GumweI gur drsn sMq ipAwry jIau ]1] rhwau ] qyrw muKu suhwvw jIau shj Duin bwxI ]icru hoAw dyKy swirMgpwxI ] DMnu su dysu jhw qUM visAw myry sjx mIq murwry jIau ]2] hau GolI hau Goil GumweI gur sjx mIq murwry jIau ]1] rhwau ] iek GVI n imlqy qw kiljugu hoqw ]huix kid imlIAY ipRA quDu BgvMqw ] moih rYix n ivhwvY nId n AwvY ibnu dyKy gur drbwry jIau ]3] hau GolI jIau Goil GumweI iqsu scy gur drbwry jIau ]1] rhwau ]
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Bwgu hoAw guir sMqu imlwieAw ]pRBu AibnwsI Gr mih pwieAw ] syv krI plu csw n ivCuVw jn nwnk dws qumwry jIau ]4] hau GolI jIau Goil GumweI jn nwnk dws qumwry jIau ] rhwau ]1]8] (sRI gurU gRMQ swihb jI, AMg 96)
Guru Ram Das Ji entrusted the Guru Nanak Dev Ji‟s “Guru Jot” to Guru Arjun Dev Ji on August 28th, 1581. Once again Baba Budha
Ji performed the Gurgaddi ceremony and Guru Arjun Dev Ji became
our 5thGuru.
Bhatt Mathura Ji records this event, when Guru Ram Das Ji
places Guru Jot into Guru Arjun Dev Ji, in Guru Granth Sahib Ji as
follows;
rwmdwis gurU jg qwrn kau gur joiq Arjun mwih DrI ]4] (sRI gurU gRMQ swihb jI, 1409) Guru Ram Das, to save the world, enshrined the “Guru Jot” into
Guru Arjun. ||4||
QUESTIONS:
Fill the blanks with following words: return everything Mata Ganga Ji trick
back eleven Mau hide
1. When (Guru) Arjun Dev Ji was ______ years old, His marriage
was arranged with ________, daughter of a great devotee
named Krishan Chand of the village ______ (Doaba, Punjab).
2. No one can _______ Guru Sahib!
3. Guru Sahib Ji instructed (Guru) Arjun Dev Ji not to _______ until
He sent a message to call him _______.
Key Gurmat Message:
You can‟t hide anything from Guru Sahib, because He knows
everything. If you lie, you will have to suffer for your wrong actions.
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Lesson 20 Date:___________
Baba Prithi Chand, being the oldest son of Guru Ram Das Ji, did
not appreciate the fact that Guru Ram Das Ji gave gurgaddi to his
youngest son, Guru Arjun Dev Ji. Baba Prithi Chand was so unhappy
with the decision that he adopted an attitude of open defiance. He met
Sulhi Khan, a revenue officer of the Lahore province, and told him that
he was filing a complaint to the Emperor against his youngest brother
for superseding him. He also claimed that being the eldest son, he had
the right to the property of his father. Guru Arjun Dev Ji gave all the
property to Baba Prithi Chand and Baba Mahadev. But even that did
not pacify Baba Prithi Chand. He knew that the Langar and other
expenses were met with the offerings from the Sikhs. To harass Guru
Sahib further, Baba Prithi Chand‟s men would intercept the Sangat
before they got to see Guru Sahib, take all of their offerings, and later
send them to Guru Sahib for langar. In spite of all these excesses by
Baba Prithi Chand, Guru Sahib did not react and remained calm and
peaceful.
Baba Budha Ji and Bhai Gurdas Ji took Guru Sahib‟s permission
to educate the Sangat. They would go to the outskirts of the town to
direct the Sangat to come to Guru Arjun Dev Ji instead of Baba Pirthi
Chand. To avoid any further conflict and to pacify Baba Prithi Chand,
Guru Sahib decided to leave Amritsar and make a tour of the Majha
region, an area between the rivers Ravi and Beas.
At that time, a lot of people were suffering from leprosy. As
leprosy is contagious, the lepers were often forced out of the village to
suffer alone and even starve to death.
Baba Prithi Chand’s Hatred
Visits to Majha Area
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Guru Arjun Dev Ji started his
tour from Khadur Sahib and
Goindwal Sahib. Then He went
towards the villages Khanpur
and Khaira. Here the villagers
offered land to Guru Sahib to
start new Sikhi Center. In the
year 1590, Guru Sahib laid
down the foundation of a city,
which is now known as Taran
Taaran.
The construction of a Gurdwara Sahib along with the digging of a
Sarovar (water pond) started. Gurdwara Taran Taaran Sahib has the
distinction of having the largest sarovar of all the Gurdwaras. Next to
the sarovar, Guru Arjun Dev Ji
constructed a Leper Home for those
who were suffering from leprosy.
Guru Sahib knew the plight of the
lepers. Even their close relatives
would not touch them. Guru Sahib
personally helped the lepers do
daily chores of the body and
provided them with medicine and
clothes. All the Sikhs followed the
example of their Guru Sahib.
After establishing Gurdwara Sahib and the Leper Home at Taran
Taaran in 1594, Guru Sahib moved to the village Wadali, about four
miles from Amritsar and stayed there until 1597. While Guru Sahib was at
Wadali, the local farmers requested Him
to mitigate their suffering due to water shortages. Guru Arjun Dev Ji ordered the
digging up of wells. A multi-purpose well
with six Persian wheels (Cyhrtw: Cy means
six, hrt means Persian wheel) that could
operate simultaneously was also
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constructed. A Gurdwara Sahib called Chheharata Sahib (gurdvwrw Cyhrtw swihb) reminds us of Guru Sahib‟s contributions.
Availability of water helped farmers to grow crops and thus brought relief to the people and cattle alike.
Guru Sahib Ji returned to Amritsar but Baba Prithi Chand
continued to create problems for him. During Emperor Akbar‟s visit to
Lahore, Prithi Chand complained to the Emperor that Guru Arjan Dev Ji
had compiled Adi Granth in which Muslim and Hindu prophets were
condemned. Upon this, the Emperor sent a message to Guru Sahib
asking to view the Granth. Guru Sahib Ji did not go Himself, but sent
Baba Budha Ji and Bhai Gurdas Ji to read to the Emperor from the
Granth. Various stanzas (Shabads) were read to him and Emperor
Akbar was very much pleased and said, "The Granth is full of love and
devotion to God. I find neither praise nor blame of anyone in the
Granth“. Emperor Akbar honored Baba Budha Ji and Bhai Gurdas Ji,
and promised to visit Guru Sahib Ji on his way back from Lahore.
As promised, Akbar visited Guru Sahib Ji on his return journey to
Delhi. He was charmed and fascinated with Guru Arjun Dev Ji's saintly
bearing. The Emperor wanted to contribute his offerings but Guru
Sahib refused to take anything for Guru Darbar, instead Guru Sahib
asked him to waive the land revenue to the farmers. The Emperor
agreed to waive the revenue of Punjab for that year.
Baba Prithi Chand’s Jealousy Continues
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Lesson 21 Date:___________
Guru Ram Das Ji completed the Sarovar and Guru
Arjun Dev Ji completed the
construction of Harimandir Sahib in the center of the Sarovar.
Sai Mian Mir Ji, a famous
Muslim saint from Lahore (now in Pakistan), was a friend and
devotee of Guru Sahib. Guru
Sahib gave the honor of laying the foundation stone (the first
stone) of Harimandir Sahib to Sai Mian Mir Ji.
As is written in Gurbani, there is no other place on earth like Harimandir Sahib.
ifTy sBy Qwv nhI quDu jyihAw ] (sRI gurU gRMQ swihb jI, AMg 1362) I have seen all places, there is none another like You.
A few of the many unique features of Harimandir Sahib are: Hindu temples had their entrances towards the east: in Hindu
belief east is the holy direction, as sun rises from the east.
While Muslim mosques in India had entrances towards the west, since their holy shrine the Kabba is towards the west.
Harimandir Sahib has entrances from all four sides, signifying
Waheguru is present in all directions. No direction is any holier than any other. Waheguru is all pervasive. Everyone is
welcome to visit Harimandir Sahib regardless of his/her
religion, color, or nationality. Harimandir Sahib is at a level lower than the entire city. The
devotee has to descend (go down the stairs) to approach
Harimandir Sahib from any of the four entrances. This serves as a reminder that Waheguru is attained through humility and
submission
Harimandir Sahib (Golden Temple Amritsar)
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There is no better example of religious harmony that a person
from another religion was invited to lay the foundation stone of the holiest shrine.
Baba Prithi Chand Ji‟s
son Meharban was composing
his own religious hymns. In his writings he used the name
“Nanak” as if Guru Nanak Dev
Ji or the following Guru Sahibs had written what he had made
up. The common people did
not know enough to know the difference between the true
hymns (Gurbani, written by
Guru Sahibs) and the false ones (written by other people like Meharban who also used the name “Nanak”). Guru Arjun Dev Ji felt
the need to collect all Gurbani into one Granth, so that there was no
confusion to the Sikhs about the authenticity of Gurbani. For that purpose, He chose a secluded spot away from Harimandir Sahib,
which is now known as Gurdwara Ramsar. Guru Sahib got a sarovar
excavated there and tents were erected for accommodation. “Goindwal pothis” are the compositions of the first three Guru
Sahibs, and were with Baba Mohan Ji at Goindwal Sahib. Guru Arjun
Dev Ji personally went to Goindwal Sahib and received the Goindwal
pothis from Baba Mohan Ji. Guru Sahib brought them with great
respect in a Palki (palanquin) to Amritsar. Guru Sahib Ji also
Key Gurmat Message:
Entrances to Harimandir Sahib from all four directions signify that the Sikh Gurdwara Sahibs and Sikh teachings are open
to all, regardless of religion, skin color, race, family, caste,
etc.
Compilation of Adi Granth
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gathered the hymns of Guru Ramdas Ji, and then carefully selected
some of the devotional hymns of Bhagats or saints from Hindu and
Muslim backgrounds. To all these, He added His own hymns.
Guru Arjun Dev Ji dictated hymns to Bhai Gurdas Ji, who
wrote them down. The hymns of the Guru Nanak Dev Ji came first
as Mahalla 1 (read as Mahalla pehla), then those of the Guru Angad
Dev Ji - Mahalla 2 (read as Mahalla Duja) and so on. After the Bani
of Guru Sahibs, came the verses of the Bhagats.
People were so fanatic at that time that a Muslim would never
read a hymn written by a Hindu saint, or a Hindu would not like to
hear the religious verse of a Muslim saint. The Hindus did not allow
a saint, born in low caste family, to enter a Hindu temple.
Guru Arjun Dev Ji, therefore, created an ocean into which all
rivers and streams could fall into and assume the appearance of the
ocean itself. The composition of such an ocean was completed on
August 16, 1604 and was called Adi Granth.
Adi Granth is by no means a scripture for the Sikhs alone, but
it is universal in character. Each and every word of Adi Granth is a
universal Truth, and is dedicated to the Glory of the Almighty God
only.
QUESTIONS:
Fill in the blanks with the correct words: humility all respect Sai Mian Mir Ji
submission Palki
1. Guru Sahib gave the honor of laying the foundation stone (the
first stone) of Harimandir Sahib to ______________.
2. Waheguru is attained through ________ and ___________.
Key Gurmat Message:
Adi Granth has the writings of the first five Guru Sahibs, along with Sikhs, Hindu, and Muslim saints.
Each and every word of Adi Granth is a universal Truth, and is
dedicated to the Glory of the Almighty God only.
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Lesson 22 Date:_____________
In the year 1604, the Adi Granth was installed in Harimandir
Sahib. A large number of devotees reached Harimandir Sahib. Baba
Budha Ji was appointed the first Granthi. In Harimandir Sahib, the Holy Granth was seated on a beautiful throne.
After the evening prayer Baba Budha Ji asked Guru Sahib,
“Where should we keep the Holy Granth at night for rest?”
Guru Sahib said,
“I have gotten a new sleeping bed
constructed. Place the
bed in my sleeping room and decorate it
with new bed sheets.
Place the Holy Granth on that bed and then cover
it with new silken
covers.”
Accordingly, the Holy Granth was placed on the new bed and Guru Arjun Dev Ji slept on the floor near the bed.
At Harimandir Sahib, even today, a white sheet is spread on
the floor, next to the Sukh-Aasan bed to remind us about Guru Arjun Dev Ji‟s humility and to what extent Guru Arjun Dev Ji
respected the Holy Granth.
Installation of Adi Granth at Harimandir Sahib
Key Gurmat Message:
Gurbani should be treated with the utmost respect. It has come to us through Guru Ji, directly from Waheguru Ji.
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Lesson 23 Date:___________
Bhai Manjh Ji‟s real name was Teeratha. He was a big landlord
of the village Kangmai in the district of Hoshiarpur. Bhai Teeratha
was a follower of the Muslim sect of Sakhi Sarvar. He was the local leader of this sect and had hundreds of followers who all respected
him. Teeratha would regularly lead the members of this sect on a
pilgrimage to the main Sakhi Sarvar shrine, now in Pakistan. Once, when passing through Amritsar, Teeratha decided to
visit Guru Arjun Dev Ji. He heard the Kirtan in the Darbaar and it
left a permanent mark on him. He heard of the great gift of Naam and the thirst to have this gift rose within him. He was the leader of
hundreds of Sakhi Sarvar followers, but he could no longer follow
that path. He realized that Sikhi was the path he must follow. He came to Guru Arjun Dev Ji and introduced himself. He
begged for Naam and requested to be initiated into the Sikh faith so
that he could also earn Sikhi like other Gursikhs. Guru Sahib Ji replied, "Being a Sikh is no easy thing. The path is finer than a hair
and sharper than a double-edged sword. The primary principle of
Sikhi is humility." Teeratha again repeated his request. Guru Arjun Dev Ji cautioned that if he became a Sikh, he might lose his
followers, his wealth, and all the popularity he had. He may even
have to pay for this decision with his life. However, Teeratha was insistent; he begged and said that nothing else mattered. If he lost
everything, it would not matter; he needed Naam. With tears in his
eyes, he begged for Naam. Guru Arjun Dev Ji accepted his request, initiated him into Sikhi, and gave him Naam.
On returning to his village, Bhai Manjh Ji demolished Pirkhana
from his house. Soon after, all of Bhai Manjh Ji's cattle died. It was unexplainable how all the cattle could die in one night. The villagers
began to believe that perhaps the curse of Sakhi Sarvar was
responsible. They removed him from his position as village head. Bhai Manjh Ji now began to lose his wealth as well, and soon poverty
entered his home.
Bhai Manjh Ji left his village for Amritsar and decided to spend his time doing seva. He began to do the seva of bringing wood for langar,
cleaning the dishes, serving the visiting sangat, and any other seva he
Bhai Manjh Ji
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could find. Guru Sahib Ji, too, heard of Bhai Manjh Ji's great devotion
and selfless seva. One day, Guru Arjun Dev Ji asked, "Bhai Manjh, where do you eat?"
Bhai Manjh Ji replied, "Satguru Ji, I eat from your langar."
Guru Arjun Dev Ji then said, "Well then, what you do is nothing but
wage-labor isn't it?"
Bhai Manjh Ji now started eating sangat‟s leftovers. Again, one day,
Guru Arjun Dev Ji asked, "Bhai Manjh, where do you eat now?"
Bhai Manjh Ji replied, "Satguru Ji, now I eat sangat‟s leftovers."
Guru Sahib Ji said, “Then you are eating what I have reserved for
insects.”
Bhai Manjh Ji decided not to eat in the langar. He decided to
collect two bundles of wood from now on, and he would give one
bundle to the langar and sell the other to earn his living and purchase his food.
One day early in the morning, when Bhai Manjh Ji was going to
the forest to give wood, such a dust storm arose that he could see nothing. He stumbled and fell into a well. At that moment, Guru Sahib
Ji was talking to his Sikhs. “jwxI-jwx” (Jani-Jan) Satguru Ji, knowing
what had happened, left the discussion abruptly, asked Sikhs to bring
a rope, and immediately ran barefoot towards the well. The Sikhs followed Guru Sahib Ji.
Even after falling into the well, Bhai Manjh
Ji managed to keep the wood dry by
supporting it on his head. On reaching the
well, Guru Sahib Ji threw in the rope and
asked Bhai Manjh Ji to climb out. Bhai Manjh Ji requested, "Please, first pull out
the wood for the langar." He tied the wood
bundle to the rope, and after the wood was pulled out, he climbed up the rope.
When Bhai Manjh Ji was out of the
well, Guru Sahib was standing before him. Bhai Sahib fell at Guru Sahib‟s feet. Guru
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Sahib asked, "Bhai Manjh! What have you gained by following me? You
have lost your wealth, your status. You have lost everything!" Bhai Manjh Ji held Guru Sahib‟s feet even tighter and with tears
in his eyes replied, "No Satguru! I have not lost anything. I have only
gained." Guru Arjun Dev Ji said, "Bhai Manjh, your Seva has borne fruit.
Ask for anything you want."
Bhai Sahib replied, "Guru Sahib, bless me that I may never want
anything, may I always be content."
Guru Ji assured Bhai Sahib, "It will happen as you ask. But still,
ask for something Bhai Manjh."
Bhai Manjh Ji then said, "If you are happy with me, then have
this mercy. It is Kaljug. Please do not test so harshly, may your Sikhs
not have to bear such hardships."
Guru Sahib smiled and said, "This, too, will happen, but still ask
for something for yourself."
Bhai Manjh Ji replied, "May my consciousness remain at your feet
and may I never forgets the meditation of your Naam. If you wish to bless me, then bless me with the gift of limitless faith."
Guru Sahib heard these words and then said, "Manjh is the
beloved of the Guru and the Guru is beloved of Manjh. Manjh is the ferry of the Guru who will ferry across the world ocean."
mMJ ipAwrw gurU ko gur mMJ ipAwrw[ mMJ gurU kw boihQw jg lMGxhwrw[
Bhai Manjh Ji truly earned his Sikhi through dedication, faith, and limitless love. Bhai Manjh Ji went through so much to become a real
Sikh of Guru Sahib himself, and it is because of him and his humble
Key Gurmat Message:
Guru Sahib is ever generous, and never hesitates to take
anyone into the fold of Sikhi no matter what they may have done in their lives.
Level 4 Page 65 gurmiq isiKAw
Lesson 24 Date:____________
There were several reasons for the martyrdom of Guru Arjun Dev Ji.The three most important reasons were:
1. Jealousy by some high caste Hindus and some intolerant
Muslims
2. Anger of Chandu towards Guru Ji for having refused to marry
Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji to his daughter
3. Guru Sahib had flatly refused to include some verses in
praise of Prophet Mohammed in the Adi Granth Sahib.
On the orders of Jahangir, Guru Arjun Dev Ji was arrested and
brought to Lahore. The Governor of Lahore was assigned the task of
the execution. He handed Guru Sahib over to Chandu who tortured Guru Sahib in a manner unknown in the history of mankind.
This torture happened during the hot summer of the year 1606.
Guru Sahib was made to sit on a hot iron plate and burning hot sand was poured over His head and body. When His body was
blistered, He was made to sit in a large pot of boiling water.
Martyrdom of Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji
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Guru Sahib‟s friend and devotee, Sai Mian Mir Ji, a Muslim
saint, rushed to see Him. When Sai Mian Mir Ji saw the horrible scene, he cried out and said, "O Master! I cannot bear to see these
horrors inflicted on you. If you permit me, I would demolish this
tyrant rule (Sai Mian Mir Ji was known to possess supernatural powers)." Guru Sahib Ji smiled and said, “This is the Will of my
Master (Waheguru), and I cheerfully submit and surrender to His
Sweet Will."
qyrw kIAw mITw lwgY ] hir nwmu pdwrQu nwnku mWgY ]2]42]93]
(sRI gurU gRMQ swihb jI, AMg 394) Your actions seem so sweet to me.
Nanak begs for the treasure of the
Naam - the Name of the Lord. ||2||42||93||
Sai Mian Mir Ji was Guru Sahib‟s devotee and knew that Guru Sahib has limitless powers and nothing is impossible for Him. Not
able to believe his eyes, Sai Mian Mir Ji asked, “Why are You enduring the suffering at the hands of these evil sinners when you
posses superpowers?” Guru Sahib Ji replied, "I bear all this torture
to set an example for humans so that they may not lose patience or complain to God in difficult situations. The true test of faith is in the
hour of misery. Without examples to guide them, ordinary persons'
minds become weak in torture and suffering." Upon this Sai Mian Mir Ji departed commending Guru Sahib Ji's strength and singing
His praises.
Guru Sahib Ji bore all this torture with calmness and never
uttered a sigh or a groan.
Guru Sahib Ji was unruffled!
Guru Sahib Ji remained calm and unperturbed like the sea! Guru Sahib Ji was in Absolute Bliss!
This was the wonder of the Lord, an unparalleled example in the
history of mankind. All through this torture, Guru Sahib remained very calm and
continued to chant Waheguru. This torture continued for several
days and by then Guru Sahib‟s blistered skin and flesh had started to separate from his bones.
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Chandu‟s evil mind was planning to make the body‟s end even
more horrifying and painfull. The Ravi River flowed next to the place of torture. Guru Sahib Ji asked for a bath in the river. Chandu was
happy at the thought that Guru Sahib Ji's body, full of blisters,
would undergo greater pain when dipped in cold water. Chandu permitted Him to bathe in the river. The soldiers were sent to escort
Guru Sahib. When Guru Sahib walked from the torture facility
towards the Ravi River, some concered Sikhs waiting outside the facility saw Guru Sahib. Guru Sahib looked at them still forbidding
any action. Guru Sahib‟s message was clear, "Such is the Will of
Waheguru, submit to the Divine Will, stand calm and firm against all woes."
Crowds watched the Guru standing in water and having a dip.
The light (Guru Sahib) blended with Light (Waheguru Ji) and the body was to be found nowhere. Guru Arjun Dev Ji
became“Shaheedan de Sirtaj” (ShIdW dy isrqwj – The crown of the
Martyrs), the most wonderful and the greatest Martyr.
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Adi Granth (Awid gRMQ): Adi=beginning, first period; Granth= scripture, book, voluminous book;
Adi Granth = original scripture. Guru Arjun Dev Ji compiled Adi Granth.
Akal Purakh (Akwl purK): Immortal being. It means One Who is beyond the limits and influence
of time. It is used as a name for God (Waheguru)
Akhand Paath (AKMf pwT): The continuous/nonstop reading of entire Guru Granth Sahib Ji
Amrit (AMimRq): Nectar, the drink of immortality; commonly refers to the sacred water used in
the Sikh Initiation ceremony.
Ang (AMg): Part of body; also refers to the pages of Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Ardas (Ardws): Prayer; an act of making plea to Waheguru for our temporal and/or spiritual
desires.
Assu (A~sU): Lunar Punjabi calendar month (Covers months of September – October)
Ayi Hai (AweI hY): Has come
Bala Pir (bwlw pIr): Bala=young child. Pir= a muslim saint (the muslims of Delhi called Guru
Harkrishan Ji "Bala Pir" out of respect)
Bana (bwxw): Khalsa uniform
Bandi Chhorh (bMdI CoV): Bandi=prisoner, Chhorh: release, Bandi Chhorh=release of the prisoners
Bandi Chhorh Diwas (bMdI CoV idvs): diwas=day; the anniversary day to celebrate the release of
prisoners from Gwalior Fort by Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji (see 'Diwali')
Bani (bwxI, gurbwxI, Dur kI bwxI): The word of Timeless, Formless Waheguru brought to us by Guru
Sahibs.
Baoli (bwaulI): A staircase leading to a well of water
Bebe (byby): Elder sister, mother, or grandmother (most commonly used for Bebe Nanki Ji)
Bedawa (bydwvw): Letter of disownment.
Ber (byr): Ziziphus jujuba tree and its fruit
Beri (byrI): Ziziphus jujuba tree
Bhai (BweI): Literally means brother, a word used to address a honored Sikh
Bhagti (BgqI): Meditation
Bhadon (BwdoN): Lunar Punjabi calendar month (Covers months of August – September)
Bhora (Borw): Underground room/apartment
Brahmgiani (bRhm-igAwnI): One who has realized the Supreme Almighty God
Brahmin (bRwhmx): High class in Hindus
Chandoa (cMdoAw): A canopy that adorns above Guru Granth Sahib Ji as a sign of respect
Glossary of Punjabi Words
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Charnamrit (crnwimRq): Charn refers to the pious feet of Guru Sahib and amrit means nectar;
Charnamrit is a ceremony in which Guru Sahib dipped His feet into water and gave this sacred
water to His disciples.
Chet: Lunar Punjabi calendar month (Covers months of March-April)
Chola (colw): A traditional dress (long baggy shirt) worn by Sikhs.
Chor (cor): Thief
Chaur (cOr): The Chaur Sahib is used to respectfully wave over Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Damdama Sahib (dmdmw swihb): Damdama means resting place.
Darbar (drbwr): The king‟s court, hall of audience
Darbar Hall (drbwr hwl): The main hall in Gurduara Sahibs.
Darbar Sahib (drbwr swihb): Darbar = the king‟s court; Sahib=used as respect
Dargah ((drgwh): A court of law, mosque, a Muslim worship place
Daroga (drogw): Police officer
Darshan (drSn): To see or meet
Darshani Deori (drSnI ifauVI): The entrance door to Gurduara Sahib
Daswandh (dsvMD): The giving of one-tenth of one‟s income in charity.
Deewan/Diwan (dIvwn): Congregation, royal court
Devi (dyvI): a Hindu goddess
Dhadi (FwfI): A minstrel; traditional singer who sings the praise of the Sikh Guru and recounts
the heroic deeds of the Sikhs.
Dhal (Fwl): Shield to protect yourself during attack
Dharamsala (Drmswlw): An old name for Gurdwara Sahibs
Diwali (dIvwlI): Celebrated by Sikhs as the anniversary day of the release of Guru Hargobind
Sahib Ji, from the Gwalior fort. (Also known as Bandi-Chor Divas)
Dukh Bhanjani Beri (duK BMjnI byrI): Dukh = pain, sorrow; Bhanjani = destroyer of sorrow; Dukh
Bhanjani Beri is located at the banks of Amrit Sarovar, Darbar Sahib, Amritsar.
Fakir (PkIr): Muslim Sadhu (saint)
Fateh (Pqih): Literally means victory and refers to Sikh greeting vwihgurU jI kw Kwlsw vwihgurU jI kI Pqih Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!
Gatka (gqkw): Sikh martial arts introduced by Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji
Geeta (gIqw): Holy book for Hindus
Ghar (Gr): House
Golak (golk): An area where offerings to the Guru are placed
Granthi (gRMQI): A trained reader of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji who is the functionary incharge of
a Gurdwara.
Gur Mantar (gurmMqr): “Waheguru” is the Gur Mantar that is given at the Amrit Sanchar
ceremony by the five chosen Amritdhari Sikhs in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
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Gurbaani/Gurbani (gurbwxI, bwxI, Dur kI bwxI): The word of Timeless, Formless Waheguru brought
to us by Guru Sahibs.
Gurdwara (gurduAwrw): Sikh place of worship; Guru's abode
Gurgaddi/Gurugaddi (gurg~dI): Passing on the Guruship; a ceremony in which the Guru Jot is
transferred into the next Guru
Gurh (guV): jaggery (raw brown sugar, made from sugar cane)
Gurmat (gurmiq): general term for Sikh core beliefs
Gurmukhi (gurmuKI): The script in which Punjabi language is written. This is the script used in the
Sikh scriptures. It was propagated by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Guru Angad Dev Ji
Gurpurab (gurpurb): a holy celebration in connection with Guru Sahib
Guru Jot (gurU joiq): divine light (part of Waheguru) that is transferred from one Guru to the
next and now resides in Guru Granth Sahib Ji
Haji (hwjI): a pilgrim going to Mecca
Harh (hwV): Lunar Punjabi calendar month (Covers months of June – July)
Harmandir (hrmMidr): A Gurdwara Sahib at Amritsar, Punjab that is of historical, spiritual, and
emotional significance to Sikhs
Haumai (hwaumY): ego; one of the five evils
Hukam (hukm): command or order given by Guru Sahib, also refers to the Divine Will of God.
Jaap (jwp): holy chant, recitation, repetition of passages from Holy Scriptures or God‟s name
Jaikara (jYkwrw): Sikh victory slogan; boly so inhwl ] siq sRI Akwl ] Jand (jMf): a tree, prosopis spicigera tree
Janeu (jnyaU): a sacred thread worn by Hindus
Japuji (jpujI swihb): the first Bani of the five nitnem baanis; composed by Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Jathedar (jQyydwr): A leader of Sikh volunteers; also refers to the appointed leader of one of
the five Sikh Takhats.
Jeth (jyT): Lunar Punjabi calendar month (Covers months of May – June)
Ji (jI): a term added to the end of a name to show respect
Jot (joiq): flame of light; also see “Guru Jot” above
Joti Jot Diwas (joqI joiq idvs): the day Guru Sahib physically left this earth.
Kakar (kkwr): five symbols of purity and courage
Kalma (klmW): Muslim blessing
Kamarkassa (kmrk`sw): Waistband
Karah Parshad (kVwh pRswid): sacred food that is distributed to the Sangat at the end of the
Diwan
Kara (kVw): an iron bangle
Kattak (k~qk): Lunar Punjabi calendar month (Covers months of October – November)
Kangha (kMGw): a wooden comb
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Katha (kQw): an explanation of Gurmukhi and Sikh History
Kaur (kOr): Princess, Last name of Sikh woman
Kirpan (ikrpwn): sword; represents the Sikh commitment to Truth and Protection of the
innocent
Kachehra (kiChrw): pair of shorts
Kesh (kys): uncut hair
Khalsa (Kwlsw): Literally means "Pure". Khalsa is the name Guru Gobind Singh Ji gave to the
Sikhs after having administered Khande de Pahul (Amrit) for the first time at Vaisakhi day,
March 29, 1699.
Khande–de-pahul (KMfy dI pwhul): name given to Sikh Baptism ceremony; initiation ceremony into
the Khalsa "brotherhood"
Kikar (ik~kr): Acacia tree
Kirat Karo (ikrq kro): Kirt karo means to work honestly, not to cheat and always be truthful. To
do what is right and truthful no matter what.
Kirtan (kIrqn): the singing of hymns/Gurbani
Koran (kurwn): Holy book for Muslims
Kotwal (koqvwl): Police chief
Kotwali (koqvwlI): Police station
Laina (lYx): to take
Langar (lMgr): holy food prepared by the sangat
Magh (mwG): Lunar Punjabi calendar month (Covers months of January – February) Maghar (m~Gr): Lunar Punjabi calendar month (Covers months of November – December)
Mahal (mihl): wife of Guru Sahib
Mahant (mhMq): A caretaker of Gurdwara during the war times of Khalsa Panth. But due to some
extremely immoral mahants, Khalsa Panth took over the management of Gurudwara Sahib during
British Rule and ended mahant activities.
Mai (mweI): Mother, A respectful term used to address respectful woman
Masand (msMd): The preacher of Sikhism during the time of Guru Amar das Ji to Guru Tegh
Bahadur Ji, but many masands got indulged in immoral activities. Guru Gobind Singh Ji
discouraged and ended the masands‟ activities.
Mata (mwqw): Mother, A respectful term used to address respectful woman
Matha tek(m~Qw tyk): bowing down to Guru Sahib by placing the forehead on the ground and palms
on the floor
Maulvi (mOlvI): Someone who is an expert in Islamic law
Miri (mIrI): Temporal powers
Misl (imsl): A fighting clan
Mithha Bolna (im~Tw bolxw): a sweet and melodious voice; speaking positively of others
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Mool mantar (mUl mMqr): given to Sikhs at the time of Amrit Sanchar; mool=root, mantar=chant;
therefore, this mantar encompasses the Sikh philosophy
Mughal (mugl): A south Asian tribe, India was ruled by Mugal emperor for very long time
Naam Japo (nwm jpo): Remember Waheguru by reciting Naam. Remember Him by saying His
name, Waheguru, with every breath and every step you take. Waheguru is always with you.
Naam (nwm): holy word
Nagni (nwgxI): a special spear used by Bhai Bachittar Singh to wound the drunken elephant
Nawab (nvwb): baron
Nithawan (inQwvW): abodeless, shelterless, homeless
Paisa (pYsw): One hundrederth part of Indian Rupees
Palki (pwlkI): palanquin (a seat carried on poles)
Pangat (pMgq): sitting together on the floor to eat meals (langar)
Panj Piarey (pMj ipAwry): the five beloved Sikhs that gave their heads at the call of Guru Gobind
Singh Ji
Panja (pMjw): hand
Parkarma (pRkrmw): the act of going around Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji
Parkash (pRkwS): light; see „Parkash Diwas‟
Parkash Diwas (pRkwS idvs): a respectful term to describe Guru Sahib‟s birthday
Panth Parkash (pMQ pRkwS): A renowoned book on Sikh History by Sardar Rattan Singh Bhangu
Parsad (pRswd): means blessing; often refers to Karah Parshad (see above)
Parshada/Prashade(pRSwdy/pRSwdw): roti; tortilla made of flour
Paurees (pwauVI): steps; also refers to stanzas in Gurbani
Phagun (P~gux): Lunar Punjabi calendar month (months of February – March)
Pir (pIr): spiritual guide, Muslim saint
Piri (pIrI): spiritual power
Pirri (pIVI): Wooden seating which has lower legs and no back, organization where women were
chose to spread the message of God
Poh (poh): Lunar Punjabi calendar month (covers months of December – January)
Pothi Sahib (poQI swihb): religious book
Pothis (poQI): see „Pothi Sahib‟
Qazi (kwzI): judge of Muslim court
Rabab (rbwb): string instrument (Guru Nanak Dev Ji used to do kirtan while Bhai Mardana Ji
played the rabab)
Rabab Chher (rbwb CyV): Touch the strings of Rabab (Guru Sahib asks Bhai Mardana Ji to play
Rabab)
Rababi (rbwbI): Rabab player
Raja (rwjw): King
Rani (rwxI): Queen
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Ranjit Nagara (rxjIq ngwrw): a big war drum of Guru Gobind Singh Ji
Reetha (rITw): soap-nuts that are used to make shampoo and detergent
Roti (rotI): tortilla made of flour
Rumalaas (rumwlw): clothes of Guru Granth Sahib Ji
Rupees (rupeIey): Indian currency (currently in 2009, 45 rupees=1 dollar)
Sabad Kirtan (sbd kIrqn): Singing hymns from Guru Granth Sahib Ji
Sabad (Sbd): A sacred Sikh hymn from Guru Granth Sahib Ji
Sacha Sauda (s~cw sOdw): Ture-Trade.
Sadhu (swDU): A religious ascetic or holy person
Sahib (swihb): A respectful term used to address Guru Sahibs and other people
Sakhi (swKI): Account of the historical events in Sikh History. Salok (slok): The verse in Bani
Sambat (sMmq): Indian calendar year
Sangat (sMgq): Congregation; people who are worshipping; worshippers Saranda (srMdw, isrMdw): Musical string instrument that was first used by Guru Arjun Dev Ji Sawan (swvx): Lunar Punjabi calendar month (Covers months of July – August) Sehaj (shj): A blissful stage of calmness Siropa (isropw): An honorary cloth given to a person in honor of performing a good deed/act
Sarbans Dani (srbMs dwnI): who sacrificed all of his possessions and worldly joys for other, Guru
Gobind Singh Ji
Sarovar (srovr): Holy pool of water Sat-Bachan (s~q-bcn): literally means, ”True is your word and I obey” – Saying satbachan means
you will do what is asked of you.
Satguru (sqgurU): True Guru
Sehaj Path (sihj pwT): The entire reading of Guru Granth Sahib Ji at the readers‟ own pace.
Seva (syvw): Self-less service that you do to benefit others without expecting anything in return Shaheedan De Sirtaj (ShIdW dy isrqwj): The one who led martyrdom. This title is used for Guru
Arjun Dev Ji as He was the first martyr.
Shaheed (ShId): Martyr- the one who accepts death with courage as a witness to his faith.
Shaheedi (ShIdI): Martyrdom- Facing death as supreme witness to the truth of faith
Shakti (SkqI): Temporal power
Simran (ismrn): Remebering Waheguru and meditating on His Naam Singh (isMG): Lion, Last name of Sikh man
Sukh-Aasan (su~K-Awsn): A short ceremony performed when the Guru Granth Sahib is formally
taken to His room at the end of day.
Taabiya (qwibAw): In presence of Guru Granth Sahib Ji specifically being in reading position
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Takhat (qKq): An eternal throne representing Authority.
Tayra (qyrw): Adressing to Waheguru that “it belongs to you; all is yours Lord”
Tibbi (it~bI): Mound Tilak (iqlk): Ceremonial symbol Udaasis (audwsI): Journeys of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Vaisakh ( vYswK): Lunar Punjabi calendar month ( Covers months of April - May) Vaisakhi (ivswKI): Vaisakhi (or Baisakhi) - Celebrated as the founding day of Khalsa in 1699
Vand ke Chakko (vMf ky Cko): Sharing with the needy. This is one of the 3 Golden rules of Guru
Nanak Dev Ji.
Waheguru (vwihgurU): “The wonderful Lord"; It is the Gurmantar given to Sikhs by Guru Sahib,
meant to be recited while meditating.
Zafarnama (zPrnwmw): the Book of Victory- Word is used to describe the letter Guru Gobind
Singh Ji wrote to Emperor Aurangzeb
