Introduction: Guru Amar Das Ji is the Third Guru of Sikhism, played a important role in shaping the Sikh community and advancing the principles of equality and social reform. With his Deep spiritual wisdom and unwavering commitment to justice, Guru Amar Das Ji transformed the Sikh faith and established a legacy that continues to inspire millions of followers today. This article explores the life, teachings, gurgadi , contributions of Guru Amar Das Ji and passing of Guru Amar Das ji . highlighting his significant impact on Sikh society and his unwavering dedication to creating a just and egalitarian world.
Early Life and Spiritual Journey : Guru Amar Das Ji was born on May 5, 1479, in the village of Basarke in dist. Amritsar Punjab, India. his Original name was Bhai Amar Das, he belonged to a Hindu Khatri family and had a successful career as a trader.
His father Name was Bhai Tej Bhan and Mother’s Name was mata sulakhani ji. He had 1 elder brother and 2 youger brothers;. Before he became sikh . he was known as bhai amardas at that time. He was very religious Vaishnavite hindu . one day bhai amardas ji heard some hymns of Guru Nanak dev ji, hymns sung by bibi amro ji, she was a daughter of guru angad dev ji However, his life took a deep turn when he meeted the teachings of Guru Angad Dev Ji, the second Sikh Guru. Later bibi amro ji was married to bhai sahib’s brother bhai manak chand ji’s son bhai Jasso ji. after some days of them marriage bhai saab was at his brother’s near by house , he heard the Gurbani by his niece in law. Bhai sahib was impressed by this shabad. Now he instant decided to go to see guru angad dev ji at khadur sahib. This event when happened then he was 61 years old. In 1539, his meeting with Guru Angad Dev Sahib Ji happened. Bhai Sahib was so touched by the guru’s message. Bhai Amar Das ji is Inspired by the teachings of Guru Angad Dev Ji, Bhai Amar Das Ji adopted Sikhism and dedicated himself to a life of devotion and service. He became a devout disciple of Guru Angad Dev Ji, he got absorbed himself in the Sikh spiritual practices and gaining deep insights into the Sikh philosophy.
Later bibi amro ji was married to bhai sahib’s brother bhai manak chand ji’s son bhai Jasso ji. after some days of them marriage bhai saab was at his brother’s near by house , he heard the Gurbani by his niece in law. Bhai sahib was impressed by this shabad. Now he instant decided to go to see guru angad dev ji at khadur sahib. This event when happened then he was 61 years old. In 1539, his meeting with Guru Angad Dev Sahib Ji happened. Bhai Sahib was so touched by the guru’s message. Bhai Amar Das ji is Inspired by the teachings of Guru Angad Dev Ji, Bhai Amar Das Ji adopted Sikhism and dedicated himself to a life of devotion and service. He became a devout disciple of Guru Angad Dev Ji, he got absorbed himself in the Sikh spiritual practices and gaining deep insights into the Sikh philosophy.
Gurgadi: Guru Amar Das ji is so devoted to Sewa and the Guru that he has renounced all pride and is so lost in this commitment that he is called an old man with no thought for life, named Amru, and abandoned.
However, due to Bhai Sahib’s commitment to Sikhi causes, dedication and commitment to the Sikh cause, Sri Guru Angad Dev Sahib Ji appointed Sri Guru Amar Das Sahib Ji as the third Sri Guru Nanak Sahib in March 1552 when he was 73 years old. its head office in the new city of Goindwal Sahib, built by Sri Guru Angad Dev Sahib Ji.
Marriage : at the age of 28 , Guru Amar das ji ‘s father fixed marriage of his son with bibi mansa devi, her original name was ram devi. She was from khatri family She was known for her piety , devotion, and virtuous qualities. there Marriage happened in her village of basarke dist. Amritsar Punjab. After 22 years of marriage they had 2 sons ( bhai Mohan and bhai Mohri ) and 2 daughters ( bibi dani and bibi bhani). Bibi bhani later married bhain jetha who became the fourth Sikh Guru.
Promotion of Equality and Social Reform : Guru Amar Das Ji’s tenure as Guru was characterized by a relentless commitment to equality and social reform. He challenged the prevailing social inequalities and worked tirelessly to create a just and inclusive society. One of Guru Amar Das Ji’s significant contributions was the abolition of discriminatory practices and rituals, including Sati (the practice of a widow self-immolating on her husband’s funeral pyre) and the custom of Parda (segregation of women). By condemning these practices, Guru Amar Das Ji aimed to empower women and elevate their status in society. Guru Amar Das Ji introduced revolutionary changes to the institution of langar (community kitchen). He expanded and organized langar, emphasizing its importance as a cornerstone of Sikh practice. Langar became a symbol of equality, where people from all backgrounds, regardless of caste, gender, or social status, could sit together and share a meal as equals. This practice challenged social divisions and fostered a sense of unity and communal harmony. Furthermore, Guru Amar Das Ji implemented a system of Manjis (dioceses) to oversee religious and administrative matters. These Manjis were responsible for spreading Sikh teachings, promoting Sikh values, and ensuring equal access to spiritual guidance. Guru Amar Das Ji appointed both men and women as leaders of the Manjis, highlighting his commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women.
Visit of Akbar: Guru Ji strengthened the tradition of ‘Guru ka Langar’ and made it mandatory for the visitor to the Guru by saying that ‘Pehle Pangat Phir Sangat’ (first visit the Langar and then to the Guru). Once the Emperor Akbar came to see Guru Sahib and he had to eat the coarse rice in the Langar before he could have an interview with Guru Sahib. He was too much impressed with this system that he expressed his desire to grant royal property for ‘Guru ka Langar’ but Guru Sahib respectfully declined. Guru Amardas Sahib persuaded Akbar to waive toll tax (pilgrim tax) for non-Muslims while crossing Yamuna and Ganga, Akbar did so. Guru Amardas Sahib maintained cordial relations with Emperor Akbar.
Legacy and Contributions : Guru Amar Das Ji’s legacy is imprinted on the fabric of Sikhism and continues to inspire generations of Sikhs. His contributions and teachings have had a lasting impact on Sikh society and beyond.Guru Amar Das Ji composed numerous hymns (bani) that captured his spiritual insights and teachings. These hymns, now incorporated into the Sikh scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, guide Sikhs in their spiritual journey and offer profound wisdom on devotion, righteousness, and social harmony. Guru Amar Das Ji’s emphasis on humility, selfless service, and devotion to God left an indelible mark on the Sikh community. He established a code of conduct (rehat) that emphasized moral and ethical living, promoting virtues such as honesty, compassion, and equality. Guru Amar Das Ji’s visionary leadership and commitment to social reform laid the foundation for a just and egalitarian society. His teachings challenged the oppressive social structures of his time and continue to inspire Sikhs to actively engage in creating a more equitable and compassionate world.
Meet with bhai jetha :When the time came for the Guru to marry his daughter Bibi Bhani, he chose a pious and powerful young man named Jetta from Lahore. Yeta came to visit the Guru with a group of pilgrims from Lahore and was so impressed with the Guru’s teachings that he decided to stay in Goindwal. Here, he earned money to buy grain and continued to attend Guru Amar Das Ji’s work in his spare time.
Guru Amar Das Sahib did not consider any of his sons fit to be Guru and chose his son-in-law (Guru) Ram Das to replace him. It was indeed a true act, not an impossible one, because the spirit of Bibi Bhani and (Guru) Ram Das was true to the act and their knowledge of the Sikh tradition was necessary for this. This practice shows that the Guruship can be transferred to any body worthy of the Sikh cause and not to a person belonging to one family or another. Guru Amar Das Sahib at the ripe old age of 95 passed away for heaven on the 14th Bhadon Sudi, (1st Assu) Samvat 1631, (1 September 1574) at Goindwal Sahib near Amritsar District, after giving the responsibility of Guruship to Nanak the Fourth, Teacher Ramdas.
Conclusion : Guru Amar Das Ji, the third Sikh Guru, was a visionary leader and tireless advocate for equality and social reform. His teachings and actions transformed the Sikh community, promoting principles of justice, compassion, and unity. Guru Amar Das Ji’s legacy continues to inspire Sikhs and people worldwide, serving as a guiding light for those who seek to create a more egalitarian and harmonious society. His profound spiritual wisdom and unwavering commitment to social justice make him a revered figure in Sikh history and a beacon of hope for humanity.
