Page 21 - Gurmat Book 4

Lesson 9: Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s Contributions

Guru Arjan Dev Ji accomplished so much in a short time. He did so much to
strengthened Sikhi to make it a big religion. He compiled the Bani of the

first four Sikh Gurus. Guru Ji himself wrote Bani. One of his Banis is

Sukhmani Sahib – Prayer for Peace. He created the Adi Granth that

became our Guru Granth Sahib.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji built Harimandir Sahib in Amritsar. He developed
Amritsar as a big business center. He further developed the Masand

system started by Guru Ramdas Ji. Their duty was to collect donations

from the Sikhs and send them to Guru Ji. Not only that, he gave the gift of

Kirtan to the Sangat. Today, every Sikh can learn and do Kirtan.

He believed Sikh religion was for everyone. It was a universal faith. He

included the Banis of non-Sikh holy saints like Sheikh Farid, Kabir Ji,

Ravidas Ji, Dhanna Ji, Namdev Ji, Ramannand Ji, Jaidev Ji, Trilochan Ji,

Beni Ji, Pipa Ji and Surdas Ji. All of them belonged to different times,
beliefs, sects, and castes from high and low.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji became very popular with Sikhs and non-Sikhs. Many

Hindus and Muslims became Guru Ji’s Sikhs. Harimandir Sahib became a
popular place for Sikhs to come together and pray. During his period Guru

Ji had founded many villages, towns and cities and constructed numerous

wells in the Punjab region. Peace and prosperity once again returned to this

area.

Classwork or Homework: Write answers to the following questions.
1. What did Guru Arjan Dev Ji to make Sikh religion a big religion?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

2. How did Guru Arjan Dev Ji make Sikh religion for everyone?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Stepping Stones Gurmat Sikhia Book 4G 2023 Edition Page 19