Bhai Jetha son of Haridas and Daya Kanr, later known as Guru Ramdas, was born on Sept. 24, 1534 in Lahore. He lost his parents at the age of seven and, therefore, his grandmother came to Lahore and took him to Basarkay where she lived. The major portion of his early life was spent under the care of a family friend named Bhai Amardas who was a disciple of
Guru Angad. He taught Jetha and Gurbani. Later he took him to Goindwal a new township where the boy earned his living by selling boiled grain. In 1552, when Amardas became the third Guru, Jetha served in the langar and also did various ardous tasks. Being pleased with his service, Guru Amardas got his daughter married to Bhai Jetha in 1553.
The second period of 21 years (1553-1574) of Jetha’s life was one of practicing the Sikh way of life by serving the congregation and undertaking preaching work and welfare projects. He took an active part in the construction of a deep well called Baoli Sahib which was completed in 1559. At the inaugural function of Baoli Sahib, Guru Amardas held a big celebration where he exhorted his disciples to undertake public welfare projects. He was a great man of considerable merit and of quiet and peaceful disposition. He is said to have been held in high esteem by Moghul Emperor Abkar, and restored an old tank at Ramdaspur, which here named Amritsar, or the tank of immortality. Later the emperor visited Goindwal to meet Guru Amardas. Ji. As was the custom in those days, Akbar and his retinue took meals in the Guru’s langar and listened to his discourse. The Guru suggested to him to remit the land revenue for the Lahore region because of drought. The emperor readily agreed and the farmers thanked the Guru for this.
Guru Amardas decided to set up a new township to serve as a center for the Sikhs. He deputed Bhai Jetha who selected a big piece of land which he purchased from the landlords of Tung, The first task was the provisions of water supply; so Bhai Jetha planned the construction of a huge tank. This was the beginning of Ramdaspur, later called Amritsar. As Guru Amardas was getting very old, he decided to hold a test among his two sons in law whom he thought suitable for succession. In the test Bhai Jetha emerged successful and he was declared the fourth Guru in 1574 and renamed Guru Ramdas, Baba Srichand, the son of Guru Nanak and the founder of the Udasi sect came to Goindwal to meet Guru Ramdas. He was warmly received by the Guru. Sri chand asked the Guru casually, why he had grown a long beard. The Guru answered with humility that it was grown to wipe the feet of holy men like Baba Srichand. The latter was much impressed by the Guru’s sincerity and thanked him for his hospitality. Guru Ramdas shifted from Goindwal to Ramdaspur in 1577 to develop the new town ship. He persuaded many arti sans, craftsmen and traders to settle in the township. A new shopping center called “Guru ka Bazar” was established. To strengthen missionary work, Guru Ramdas set up a new organization called ‘Mass and.’ Those selected were to carry the message of Sikhism to different regions and initiate converts and collect donations for the development of Amritsar and local welfare projects.
During the third part of his life (1574-1581) when he was the Guru, Ramdas contributed a great deal to hymns and sacred music. He composed special hymns to besung for starting new ventures and religious ceremonies. He composed Lavan the Sikh wed ding song, and Ghorian the songs to be sung as a prelude to marriage. Guru Ramdas was a self-made man. He came to Guru Amardas as a helpless orphan and by dint of his devotion and humility was elevated to the position of ‘Guru’. His life is a beacon to Sikhs that any one of them can gain spiritual stature by discipline and selfless service. In 1580 guru Amardas deputed his youngest son Arjan to attend his cousin’s marriage at Lahore. Arjan was asked to stay there till recalled. He wrote letters of great love to his father requesting him to recall him to Amritsar. Guru Ramdas selected Arian as his successor and soon passed away a Ramdaspur in 1581.
Guru Ramdas contribution to Sikhism was great and significant. Though his Guruship lasted for only seven years, he wrote more than 800 hymns in 30 ragas. He gave the Sikhs a center of Sikh worship, trade and education in the new township of Ramdaspur. He created the “Mass and” order and this ensured funds for nation building activities. He laid down the Sikh routine and code of conduct. As a poet, missionary and nation builder, he put Sikhism on the path of development.
Article extracted from this publication >> September 18, 1996
