Guru Gobind Singh was the tenth Sikh Guru, spiritual leader, and a key figure in Sikh history. He was born Gobind Rai on December 22, 1666, in Patna, Bihar, India, and was the son of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru. Guru Gobind Singh succeeded his father at the young age of nine after Guru Tegh Bahadur was executed for refusing to convert to Islam by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
Guru Gobind Singh is known for many significant contributions to Sikhism, including the establishment of the Khalsa, a collective body of initiated Sikhs represented by the five beloved ones, or Panj Pyare. He formalized the initiation ceremony called Amrit Sanskar or Amrit Parchar, where Sikhs are initiated into the Khalsa by drinking Amrit (sweetened water) from the same bowl, symbolizing equality and unity among Sikhs.
Guru Gobind Singh also wrote several important Sikh texts, including the Dasam Granth, which contains his own compositions and writings. He was a warrior-poet and actively participated in battles against oppression and tyranny. He fought several wars to defend the Sikh community against the Mughal rulers and other adversaries.
One of Guru Gobind Singh’s most notable legacies is the concept of the Sant-Sipahi, or “saint-soldier,” emphasizing the importance of leading a spiritually disciplined life while also being prepared to defend oneself and others against injustice.
Guru Gobind Singh passed away on October 7, 1708, at Nanded, Maharashtra, India. He is remembered and revered by Sikhs as a spiritual leader, warrior, and visionary who made significant contributions to Sikh philosophy, culture, and identity.
