Page 24 - Gurmat Book 4

Lesson 11: Guru Hargobind Ji

Hargobind Ji was born in 1595 at Guru Ki Vadali, Amritsar. He was the

only son of Guru Arjan Dev Ji and Mata Ganga Ji. He was born after Baba

Budha Ji blessed Mata Ganga Ji that she will give birth to a son who will
be so brave that he will crush the heads of the enemy like an onion.

Hargobind Ji was only 11 years old when he was made responsible for the

Sikhs as the Sixth Guru. His father Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s Shaheedi impacted

him and his thinking. He knew that the peaceful times were over for now.

He knew that he would need to defend the Sikhs and the Sikhi from the

Mughals. The rulers of the time used to carry one sword, but at his
Gurgaddi time, he told Baba Budha Ji that he wished to wear two swords.

Hargobind Ji knew that it was time to take up arms against intolerance of

Muslims and the evil practices of Hindus against the common people. His

two swords represented Miri and Piri. Miri meant the worldly powers and

Piri meant the spiritual powers. That is why he is also called Miri-Piri de
Malik.

Guru Hargobind Ji adopted a royal life style. He constructed the Akal

Takhat (God's throne) directly in front of Harimandir Sahib. He believed
that to be a good leader, one must have faith in God.

He dressed up in princely clothes and held his Darbar from a raised

platform. A Chattar and the Kalgi were added. Guru Hargobind

administered justice like a King and awarded honors and gave punishment

when needed. The Akal Takhat was the first Takhat in the history of the

Sikhs.

He built a fortress at Amritsar called ‘Lohgarh', the Fortress of Steel. He

had his own flag and an exceptionally large and thundering drum called the

Nagara which was beaten twice a day to gather the Sangat.

He set up an army, acquired arms and horses. Mughal rulers were not

Stepping Stones Gurmat Sikhia Book 4G 2023 Edition Page 22