Contributions Of Guru Arjan And Guru Hargobind

 Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Sikh Guru, served from 1581 to 1606 and is remembered for his significant contributions to the spiritual, social, and physical development of the Sikh community. His tenure marked a period of unprecedented growth and consolidation for the Sikh faith, culminating in his martyrdom, which left a profound impact on Sikh history.

Expansion of the Sikh Community

During Guru Arjan’s leadership, the Sikh community experienced remarkable growth, partly due to the increasing number of Jats (a large agricultural community) joining the faith. The Jats, known for their martial spirit and agricultural prowess, became a significant part of the Sikh community, enhancing its strength and resilience against external pressures, including Mughal tyranny.

Daswandh: Supporting the Community

To sustain the growing community, Guru Arjan institutionalized the practice of Daswandh, a voluntary contribution of 10% of one’s income. This tax was used for communal purposes, primarily funding the construction of large water tanks (sarovars) and holy buildings, which served both spiritual and practical needs.

Construction of Harmandir Sahib

One of Guru Arjan’s most significant achievements was the construction of the Harmandir Sahib, commonly known as the Golden Temple, in Amritsar. This temple became the central place of worship for Sikhs and a symbol of their faith. Reflecting Sikhism's inclusive nature, the temple was built with doors on all four sides, symbolizing openness to all, regardless of caste, creed, or religion. Completed during Guru Arjan’s time, the Harmandir Sahib was established as a central spiritual and cultural hub for Sikhs.

Compilation of the Adi Granth

Facing challenges from his elder brother, Prithi Chand, who compiled a collection of hymns to undermine his authority, Guru Arjan responded by creating an authentic compilation of Sikh scriptures. He entrusted this task to Bhai Gurdas, a learned scholar and devoted Sikh, and together they compiled the Adi Granth. This monumental work included hymns from the first five Sikh Gurus and writings from various Hindu and Muslim saints, known as Bhagats, reflecting the universal message of Sikhism. The Adi Granth was completed and installed in the Harmandir Sahib in August 1604, further solidifying the temple's significance as the spiritual heart of the Sikh community.

Urban Development

In addition to his religious contributions, Guru Arjan also focused on physical and infrastructural development. He founded three cities—Taran Taran, Kartarpur, and Hargobindpur—besides Amritsar. These cities were designed to serve as centers of Sikh religious and cultural life and hubs of economic activity, strengthening the Sikh community’s presence in the region and providing a stable base for continued growth.

Martyrdom and Its Impact

Guru Arjan’s leadership and the rapid growth of the Sikh community drew the hostility of the Mughal authorities. Emperor Jahangir, wary of the growing influence of Guru Arjan and the Sikhs, accused him of supporting a rebel prince and ordered his arrest. Guru Arjan was subjected to severe torture and ultimately martyred in 1606. His martyrdom was the first instance of a Sikh Guru being executed for his faith, marking a significant turning point in Sikh history. It symbolized the Sikh commitment to standing up for truth, justice, and righteousness, even in the face of persecution, and set the stage for the subsequent militarization of the Sikh community.

Legacy

Guru Arjan Dev's legacy is multifaceted. He is remembered as a spiritual leader who significantly expanded and consolidated the Sikh community, a social reformer who established key institutions like Daswandh and the Adi Granth, and a martyr who laid down his life for the principles of his faith. The Harmandir Sahib stands today as a testament to his vision of a faith that is open, inclusive, and deeply rooted in equality and service. The Adi Granth, later expanded into the Guru Granth Sahib by Guru Gobind Singh, remains the central scripture of Sikhism, guiding the spiritual lives of millions of Sikhs worldwide.

Guru Hargobind (1606-1644)

Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh Guru, led from 1606 to 1644, marking a significant shift in the Sikh tradition. In response to the growing threats against the Sikh community, particularly after the martyrdom of his father, Guru Arjan Dev, Guru Hargobind emphasized the need for Sikh sovereignty and military power while maintaining the spiritual teachings of Sikhism.

Sovereignty and Military Power

Guru Hargobind introduced the concept that the Sikh community should be prepared to defend itself against oppression and injustice. He established a standing army, a major departure from the practices of previous Gurus, who focused primarily on spiritual and social reform. Guru Hargobind’s decision to arm the Sikhs was a direct response to his father’s martyrdom, underscoring the need for the Sikh community to protect itself.

He donned two swords symbolizing the dual concepts of Piri (spiritual authority) and Miri (temporal authority). This dual role laid the foundation for the future militarization of the Sikh community, particularly under the leadership of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru.

Link for Class: https://youtu.be/AcCkEySxt5w

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