Guru Hargobind

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Title
Official name
Born	19 June 1595 Guru Ki Wadali, Amritsar, Punjab, India
Died	28 February 1644 Kiratpur Sahib, Punjab, India
Cause of death
Resting place

Guru Hargobind (19 June 1595 – 28 February 1644) was the sixth of the Sikh Gurus. He was the son of Guru Arjan, the fifth Sikh Guru, and succeeded him after his martyrdom. Guru Hargobind introduced the concept of Miri and Piri, symbolizing the temporal and spiritual authority in Sikhism.

Early Life

Guru Hargobind was born on 19 June 1595 in Guru Ki Wadali, a village near Amritsar, Punjab, India. His father, Guru Arjan, was the fifth Sikh Guru, and his mother was Mata Ganga. He was trained in martial arts, horsemanship, and archery, which later influenced his leadership style.

Guru Gaddi

Guru Hargobind was appointed as the sixth Guru of the Sikhs on 25 May 1606, following the martyrdom of his father, Guru Arjan. He was the first Guru to emphasize the importance of physical strength and military preparedness among the Sikhs. He wore two swords, representing Miri and Piri, to signify the dual responsibility of the Guru to provide spiritual guidance and to protect the community.

Military Leadership

Guru Hargobind is known for transforming the Sikh community into a military force. He built the Akal Takht in Amritsar, which served as a center for temporal authority. He also fortified the city of Amritsar and encouraged his followers to take up arms to defend themselves against oppression.

Battles

Guru Hargobind fought several battles against the Mughal Empire, including the Battle of Amritsar (1634), the Battle of Hargobindpur (1630), and the Battle of Kartarpur (1635). These battles were significant in establishing the Sikh community's resilience and military prowess.

Legacy

Guru Hargobind's leadership marked a turning point in Sikh history. He laid the foundation for the militarization of the Sikh community, which was further developed by his successors. His teachings emphasized the importance of balancing spiritual and temporal responsibilities.

Family

Guru Hargobind had three wives: Mata Damodari, Mata Nanaki, and Mata Mahadevi. He had six children, including Guru Tegh Bahadur, who became the ninth Sikh Guru, and Baba Gurditta.

Death

Guru Hargobind passed away on 28 February 1644 at Kiratpur Sahib, Punjab, India. He was succeeded by his grandson, Guru Har Rai.

Related Pages

• Sikhism
• Guru Arjan
• Guru Har Rai
• Miri and Piri
• Akal Takht
• Mughal Empire