Founder
of the city of Amritsar, site of Harmandir Sahib, Guru Ram Das Ji was the forth
Sikh Guru. He was born at September 24, 1534 at Chuna Mandi (Lahore). Originally named as Bhai Jetha Ji, he was
married to Bibi Bhani ji who was the daughter of Guru Amar Das Ji. Prithi
Chand, Arjan Dev and Mahan Dev were his three sons. He was nominated to Gurgaddi in 1574 at Goindwal.
As he grew up, he loved to be in the company
of Holy men. Guru Ram Das ji spread the message of selfless service to the
humanity without any discrimination of gender, caste, color, creed and country.
He emphasized on leading simple living
and high thinking. He introduced the concept of ‘Four Lawan’, the meaning
of marriage to a Sikh couple. Guru ji defined beautifully a Sikh marriage as a
spiritual union in these lines, “They are
not said to be husband and wife who merely sit together. Rather they alone are
called husband and wife, who have one soul in two bodies."
Guru
Ji not only founded the city but strived to ensure the commercial and
all-around development of the city through different trade ventures.
Eventually, it has become a flourishing trade centre and a place of distinct pilgrimage
for Sikhs. It is him who dugged up the pool of Harmandir Sahib Ji or Golden
Temple. The excavation of the holy sarovar (pool of nectar) is the symbol of
spirituality that strengthens the Sikh unity. The holy city of Amritsar was
also known as Guru Ka Chak.
Guru
Ram Das Ji dedicated his entire life to preach Sikhism. He motivated the Sikhs
to become true Sikhs while following the path of supreme power i.e GOD. One of
his famous quotes includes:
“One who calls himself a Sikh of the True
Guru shall get up early morning and meditate on the Lord's Name. Make effort
regularly to cleanse, bathe and dip in the ambrosial pool. Upon Guru's
instructions, chant Har, Har singing which, all misdeeds, sins and pains shall
go away.”
He
also constituted the Massand Institution to look after the growth and
development of Sikhism. His Bani is compiled up in Sodar Sahib and Kirtan
Sohila (regular prayers of Sikhs).
He
bestowed Guruship on his youngest son Guru Arjan Dev Ji. Guru Ram Das Ji left
for heavenly in 1581 at Goindwal.
Youth
Akali Dal (YAD) seeks blessings of Shri Guru Ram Das Ji on his immensely pious
and spiritual Gurgaddi Diwas.
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