Guru Amardas Ji
Early Life and Family History
Guru Amardas Ji was born on Sunday, May 5, 1479, in the village of Basarke, near Amritsar, Punjab, India. His father, Tej Bhan Ji, was a farmer and businessman, while his mother, Mata Lachmi Ji, was recognized for her strong religious beliefs. Guru Amar Das Ji’s early life was heavily affected by his family’s Vaishnavite background. He was up in a family that prioritized religious adherence, and these activities affected his early life. Guru Amar Das Ji married Mata Mansa Devi, and they had four children: two sons, Bhai Mohan and Bhai Mohri, and two daughters, Bibi Dani and Bibi Bhani. Bibi Bhani then married Bhai Jetha, who became Guru Ram Das Ji, the fourth Guru of the Sikhs.
In his youth, Guru Amar Das Ji worked as a merchant, immersing himself in his community’s daily economic life. During this time, he followed traditional Hindu rites and customs such as pilgrimages and fasting. Despite his dedication to these disciplines, a huge shift was about to occur in his spiritual journey, altering the trajectory of his life and the history of Sikhism.
Spiritual Transformation and Sikhism Adoption
At the age of 61, Guru Amar Das Ji transformed from a devout Vaishnavite Hindu to a dedicated Sikh. This critical shift began when he came upon the hymns of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. Bibi Amro Ji, the daughter of Guru Angad Dev Ji, the second Sikh Guru, recited these hymns. Her melodic and profound recitations had a lasting impression on Guru Amar Das Ji, prompting him to visit Guru Angad Dev Ji at Khadur Sahib.
Meeting Guru Angad Dev Ji was a watershed moment for Guru Amar Das Ji. He was extremely impressed by Guru Angad Dev Ji’s teachings and spiritual message, therefore he decided to fully embrace Sikhism. This decision prompted him to relocate to Khadur Sahib, where he dedicated himself to serving the Guru and the Sikh community. Guru Amar Das Ji’s dedication was displayed by his simple service, which included bringing water from the Beas River, washing Guru Angad Dev Ji’s garments, and gathering wood for the Langar (community kitchen). His passion and humility were evident in his approach to these undertakings.
Guruship
In March 1552, Guru Angad Dev Ji named Guru Amar Das Ji as his successor. At the age of 73, Guru Amar Das Ji took on the role of third Sikh Guru. His appointment was characterized by both respect and challenge. Datu, the son of Guru Angad Dev Ji, challenged Guru Amar Das Ji’s succession. Driven by envy, Datu attempted to assert his claim by violently stealing the Guru’s seat and publicly insulting Guru Amar Das Ji.
Despite the assault and public shame, Guru Amar Das Ji reacted with great humility and grace. When Datu kicked him, instead of retaliating, Guru Amar Das Ji expressed concern for Datu’s well-being, noting that his elderly bones might have injured Datu’s tender foot.
This remarkable demonstration of humility demonstrated Guru Amar Das Ji’s commitment to Sikhism’s teachings. Following this occurrence, Guru Amar Das Ji withdrew to his own village of Basarke for solitary meditation, disappointing his disciples.
A group of ardent Sikhs, led by Baba Buddha, eventually found Guru Amar Das Ji and begged him to return. They emphasized their strong need for his spiritual instruction, as well as their allegiance. Moved by their devotion, Guru Amar Das Ji agreed to return to Goindwal Sahib, resuming his duty as Guru and continuing his mission to guide and serve the Sikh community.
The Manji System
Guru Amar Das Ji resumed his leadership and introduced various administrative reforms to handle the growing Sikh community. One of his major accomplishments was the creation of the Manji system. This structure split the Sikh Sangat into 22 areas, each led by a local preacher, or “Manji,” who was in charge of propagating Sikhism’s teachings and governing the local congregation.
The Manji system aided the development and structure of the Sikh community. Preachers noted for their devotion and mastery of Sikh beliefs were assigned to a variety of places, including Majha, Jalandhar Doab, Kangra Hills, Kashmir Hills, Malwa and Sind. This mechanism guaranteed that Sikh teachings were widely disseminated and that the community functioned efficiently.
The Piri System
Guru Amar Das Ji’s administration also included the Piri system, which sent out missionaries to promote the Sikhism word. Among these missionaries was Bhai Gurdas Ji, a well-known poet and scholar. Guru Amar Das Ji, acknowledging Bhai Gurdas Ji’s extensive understanding of Hindu scriptures and languages, assigned him to disseminate Sikh teachings in Agra. Bhai Gurdas Ji’s profound knowledge and devotion to Sikhism made him a valuable messenger.
Guru Amar Das Ji devised a Sikh practice that emphasized the value of daily prayers, meditation, and ethical behavior. He encouraged Sikhs to get up early, bathe in holy water, and focus on spiritual pursuits. This regimen was designed to assist Sikhs develop a disciplined and spiritually centered lifestyle.
Contributions to Sikh Practice
Guru Amar Das Ji contributed significantly to Sikh traditions and social changes. He was a strong supporter of equality and social justice. One of his most significant innovations was the implementation of Langar (community kitchen), which he made mandatory for all visitors. Guru Amar Das Ji required that all guests, regardless of social rank or caste, participate in Langar before visiting the Guru. This practice exemplified the Sikh principle of equality and showed that everyone was welcome in the Sikh community.
Guru Amar Das Ji’s attempts to end the caste system were ground-breaking. He actively sought to end untouchability and promote social inclusion. His initiatives also included measures to promote gender equality. He was adamantly opposed to customs such as Sati (the burning of widows) and Parda (the veil worn by women). He advocated for widows’ remarriage and the rights of female newborns, opposing traditional traditions that oppressed women.
Interaction with Emperor Akbar
Guru Amar Das Ji’s impact stretched beyond the Sikh community and into the larger political and social environment of the period. One such interaction was with the Mughal emperor, Emperor Akbar. Akbar went to see Guru Amar Das Ji and was compelled to participate in Langar before meeting him. This interaction strongly struck Akbar, who understood the importance of the Langar system and its role in creating equality.
Despite Akbar’s gift of royal property for the Langar, Guru Amar Das Ji graciously declined. Instead, he persuaded Akbar to waive the toll charge for non-Muslims crossing the Yamuna and Ganga rivers, making pilgrimages simpler for Sikhs and other non-Muslims. This gesture represented Guru Amar Das Ji’s diplomatic abilities and devotion to building harmonious relationships.
Foundation of Goindwal Sahib
Goindwal Sahib was founded in 1552 by Guru Amar Das Ji on the banks of the Beas River. During his Guruship, this town became the spiritual and administrative hub of the Sikhs. One of Guru Amar Das Ji’s important contributions to Goindwal Sahib was the creation of the Baoli Sahib, an 84-step well that became a popular pilgrimage destination for Sikhs.
Guru Amar Das Ji’s choice to build Goindwal Sahib and the construction of Baoli Sahib aided the growth of Sikh institutions and customs. These efforts established a physical and spiritual core for the Sikh community, emphasizing the value of communal worship and service.
Legacy and Succession
As Guru Amar Das Ji approached the end of his life, he appointed his son-in-law, Bhai Jetha, who later became Guru Ram Das Ji, as his successor. This decision was made in honor of Bhai Jetha’s abilities and deep comprehension of Sikh beliefs. Guru Amar Das Ji’s decision to designate a son-in-law as his successor over a biological son established the notion that Guruship was based on merit and dedication rather than family genealogy.
Guru Amar Das Ji died on September 1, 1574, at the age of 95. His death marked the end of an illustrious period of leadership and service. The Guru’s life and teachings continue to inspire Sikhs and others who strive to uphold the values of equality, humility, and service. His legacy lives on through the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Sikhism’s holy scripture, which contains his hymns and contributions to Sikh philosophy.
Conclusion
Guru Amar Das Ji’s life and contributions had a significant impact on Sikhism and its growth. His reforms in social practices, administrative organization, and spiritual teachings influenced the Sikh community’s values. Guru Amar Das Ji founded Sikhism on the principles of equality, service, and spiritual devotion, thanks to his dedication, humility, and vision. His legacy continues to influence Sikh thinking and practice, demonstrating his enduring significance on the Sikh faith.