The only son of Guru Arjan, he was born at “Guru Ki Wadali” Amritsar on June 19, 1595. He assumed Guruship at the age of 11 years and he wore two swords of “Miri” (Temporal) and “Piri” (Devine) powers and thus mixed religion and politics together.
He was a great sportsman, warrior and statesman. He laid the foundation of Akal Takhat (the Throne of Immortal). He was imprisoned by Emperor Jahangir for organizing the Sikhs militarily but was later released. He fought and won many battles. He was the first Guru who justified using a sword to obtain justice if necessary. Thus he made the Sikhs protectors, not only of the Sikh religions, but also of the Hindu religions and other oppressed classes.
He had three wives, Mata Damodri Ji, Mata Nankee Ji, and Mata Mahan Devi Ji. He had six children from them, five boys, Baba Gurditta Ji. Baba Anirai Ji, Baba Suraj Mal Ji, Baba Atal Rai Ji, Baba Teg Bahadur Ji (Guru Teg Bahadur Ji) and one daughter, Bibi Veero Ji.
He stayed primarily at Amritsar but in later days moved to Kiratpur where he died in 1644.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 26, 1996
