Guru Arjan (15 April 1563 – 30 May 1606) was the fifth of the ten Sikh Gurus. He is widely recognized for compiling the first official edition of the Sikh scripture, the Adi Granth, which later became known as the Guru Granth Sahib. Guru Arjan is also remembered as one of the two Gurus martyred in Sikh history.
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| Personal life | |
| Born | 15 April 1563 Goindwal, Lahore Subah, Mughal Empire (present-day Tarn Taran district, Punjab, India) |
| Died | 30 May 1606 (aged 43) Lahore, Lahore Subah, Mughal Empire (present-day Punjab, Pakistan) |
| Cause of death | Execution |
| Resting place | Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Walled City of Lahore |
| Spouse | Mata Ram Dei Mata Ganga |
| Children | Guru Hargobind |
| Parent(s) | Guru Ram Das and Mata Bhani |
| Known for |
|
| Other names | Fifth Master Fifth Nanak |
| Religious life | |
| Religion | Sikhism |
| Religious career | |
| Period in office | 1581–1606 |
| Predecessor | Guru Ram Das |
| Successor | Guru Hargobind |
Born in Goindval in Punjab, Guru Arjan was the youngest son of Bhai Jetha, who became Guru Ram Das, and Mata Bhani, the daughter of Guru Amar Das. Guru Arjan played a key role in the construction of the Darbar Sahib in Amritsar, after his father had founded the town and built the sarovar (holy pool).
He gathered hymns from previous Gurus and other saints to create the Adi Granth, the first formal compilation of Sikh scriptures, and installed it in the Harimandir Sahib.
Guru Arjan also reorganized the masand system, initiated by Guru Ram Das, encouraging Sikhs to donate a portion of their income, goods, or services (known as dasvandh) to the Sikh community. The Masand were responsible for collecting these funds, teaching Sikh principles, and resolving civil disputes, which helped finance the construction of gurdwaras and langars (community kitchens).
In 1606, Guru Arjan was arrested under the orders of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, who accused him of supporting a rebellion led by Khusrau Mirza. When asked to convert to Islam, Guru Arjan refused. As a result, he was tortured and executed. While historical records and Sikh tradition are unclear about whether he was drowned or died during torture, his martyrdom is seen as a key moment in the history of Sikhism, symbolizing the ongoing persecution of Sikhs under the Mughal Empire.
His martyrdom is commemorated annually as Shaheedi Divas of Guru Arjan, which falls in May or June according to the Nanakshahi calendar, established by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee in 2003.
Early Life and Background
Guru Arjan was born in Goindwal, the son of Bibi Bhani and Jetha Sodhi. His mother, Bibi Bhani, was the daughter of Guru Amar Das, and his father, Jetha Sodhi, later became Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru. Guru Arjan's birthplace is now commemorated as Gurdwara Chaubara Sahib. He had two brothers, Prithi Chand and Mahadev. While some Sikh chroniclers suggest his birth year was 1553, the scholarly consensus places it in 1563, with his birthday being 15 April.
Guru Arjan spent his early years in Goindwal, where he lived for the first 11 years of his life. He then spent the next seven years in Ramdaspur with his father. During his youth, Guru Arjan was sent by his father to Lahore for two years, where he attended the wedding of his cousin Sahari Mal's son and also helped establish a Sikh congregation there.
After the death of his father, Guru Ram Das, in 1581, Guru Arjan succeeded him as the fifth Sikh Guru, keeping the Guruship within the Sodhi family, a Khatri sub-caste to which both Guru Ram Das and Guru Arjan belonged.
Marriages
Guru Arjan married twice according to historical records. His first wife was Mata Ram Dei, whom he married on 20 June 1579. His second wife, Mata Ganga, married him on 19 May 1589. However, popular Sikh tradition often omits his first wife and emphasizes his marriage to Mata Ganga as his only marriage.
Succession and Time as Guru
Guru Ram Das, the father of Guru Arjan, chose him as his successor to become the fifth Guru of Sikhism. Guru Arjan's brothers, Prithi Chand and Mahadev, had different paths—Mahadev chose an ascetic life, and Prithi Chand, the eldest, opposed Guru Arjan's succession. This dispute led to internal divisions within the Sikh community.
Prithi Chand, who opposed Guru Arjan's leadership, formed a breakaway faction called the Minas, meaning "scoundrels." The Minas rejected the increasing militarization of Sikhism under Guru Arjan’s son Hargobind, which came about due to the Mughal persecution after Guru Arjan’s martyrdom. Prithi Chand even attempted to assassinate Hargobind multiple times, and it is also said that he allied with Mughal agents. Competing texts written by the Minas offered a different perspective on their relationship, with some asserting that Prithi Chand remained loyal to Guru Arjan.
Despite these internal conflicts, the mainstream Sikh tradition recognized Guru Arjan as the fifth Guru and Hargobind as the sixth. Guru Arjan, at the age of 18, became the fifth Guru in 1581, succeeding his father. After Guru Arjan's execution by the Mughal Empire in 1606, his son Guru Hargobind became the next Guru.
One of Guru Arjan's most significant contributions was the creation of the Adi Granth, the first compiled edition of Sikh scriptures. On its first recitation, Guru Arjan famously stated:
“Listen you all to my directive. And believe it as ever true. Accept the Granth as equal with the Guru. And think no distinctions between the two.”
This declaration established the Adi Granth as a spiritual guide in Sikhism, giving it the status of a living Guru.
Execution
Guru Arjan's execution is a significant and controversial event in Sikh history, as it marked a turning point in the relationship between the Sikh community and the Mughal Empire.
Mughal Accounts
Most Mughal historians regard Guru Arjan's execution as a political event. They suggest that the Sikhs had become a powerful social group, and the Gurus were increasingly involved in the political conflicts of Punjab. Some theories propose that the execution was politically motivated, triggered by Guru Arjan’s support for Khusrau, the son of Emperor Jahangir, who had rebelled against his father. According to this theory, Guru Arjan's blessing to Khusrau angered Jahangir, leading to his execution. Jahangir’s autobiography, Tuzk-e-Jahangiri (Jahangirnama), however, implies that he did not understand the significance of the Sikh Gurus and even referred to Guru Arjan as a "Hindu" who had misled people with his teachings. This reflects a sharp contrast to Jahangir's otherwise tolerant attitude toward other religions like Hinduism and Christianity.
Sikh Tradition
In contrast, Sikh tradition views Guru Arjan's execution as part of the Mughal Empire's ongoing persecution of the Sikhs. Sikh sources suggest that the Mughal rulers were alarmed by the growing influence of the Sikh Panth, and Emperor Jahangir saw Arjan's increasing popularity as a threat. According to Jahangirnama, Arjan’s refusal to become a Muslim and his support for Khusrau led Jahangir to perceive the Guru as a political adversary.
Guru Arjan was imprisoned in Lahore Fort in 1606 CE. While there are contradictory accounts of the exact nature of his death, traditional Sikh sources describe him as being tortured and executed. According to these accounts, Jahangir demanded that Guru Arjan pay a fine of 200,000 rupees and remove certain hymns from the Sikh scripture. Guru Arjan’s refusal to comply led to his execution. Some Muslim accounts, including those of the 19th-century historian Latif, portray Arjan as a dictatorial figure who had forsaken the ascetic lifestyle. However, other accounts, such as those from Dabistan-i Mazahib and Jesuit missionary Jerome Xavier, confirm that the Guru was tortured for refusing to renounce his faith.
Alternative Accounts and Theories
There are various alternative stories about the events surrounding Guru Arjan’s death. Some suggest that a Hindu minister named Chandu Shah played a role in the execution, either by instigating it due to personal vendettas or by intervening to prevent the Guru from suffering at the hands of the Mughals. Chandu Shah's involvement is debated, with some versions claiming that he paid a large sum to Jahangir to spare Arjan’s life, while others say he emotionally tormented the Guru after his release.
Legacy and Impact
Guru Arjan’s martyrdom had a profound impact on the Sikh community. Before his execution, Arjan instructed his son and successor, Guru Hargobind, to take up arms in defense of the Sikh faith and to resist tyranny. This marked the beginning of a militarized phase in Sikhism, where Sikhs would adopt a more assertive stance against persecution.
The execution of Guru Arjan is remembered in Sikh tradition as a symbol of courage and sacrifice. Scholars like Michael Barnes emphasize that Guru Arjan’s willingness to suffer for his convictions strengthened the moral resolve of the Sikh community, shaping the Sikh Panth’s commitment to righteousness and resistance to oppression.
Legacy of Guru Arjan
Amritsar
Guru Arjan’s contributions to Sikhism and his legacy are most notably represented in the city of Amritsar, a major religious and cultural center for Sikhs. His father, Guru Ram Das, established the town of Ramdaspur and the Ramdas Sarovar (the pool). Guru Arjan continued his father’s work by expanding the infrastructure of the town. Under his leadership, the town grew into a significant religious hub, culminating in the construction of the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), which became the central place of worship for Sikhs. The installation of the Adi Granth (Sikh scripture) at the Harmandir Sahib in 1604 solidified Amritsar’s importance, making it the holiest pilgrimage site in Sikhism.
Guru Arjan also oversaw the creation of several key water reservoirs, such as Santokhsar and Gongsar, and founded several towns, including Tarn Taran, Kartarpur, and Hargobindpur. These towns became centers of Sikh life, contributing to the expansion and prosperity of the Sikh community, especially among the Jat peasantry.
Community Expansion
Guru Arjan's expansion efforts not only focused on physical infrastructure but also on the spiritual growth of the Sikh community. He traveled extensively across the regions of Majha and Doaba in Punjab, founding new towns and spreading Sikh teachings. His work established a solid foundation for Sikhism, making him a revered spiritual leader, and earning him the title of sacchā pādshāh (true king) from his followers. During his guruship (1581–1589), Guru Arjan’s leadership helped the Sikh community flourish, becoming a prominent and influential force in the Punjab region.
Adi Granth
One of Guru Arjan’s most significant contributions was the compilation of the Adi Granth, the foundational scripture of Sikhism. He gathered hymns from the previous Gurus, including those of Guru Nanak, Guru Angad, Guru Amar Das, and Guru Ram Das, as well as hymns from 17 Hindu bards and 2 Muslim bards (Bhagats). Guru Arjan carefully reviewed and rejected any hymns that he considered inauthentic, ensuring that only true and relevant teachings were included. The Adi Granth was completed on 30 August 1604 and was installed at the Harmandir Sahib on 1 September 1604.
Guru Arjan was a prolific poet, composing 2,218 hymns, which constitute a large portion of the Guru Granth Sahib. His hymns are known for their profound spiritual depth and linguistic sophistication, combining Braj Bhasha forms with learned Sanskrit vocabulary.
The creation of the Adi Granth was also a response to disputes within the Sikh community regarding the authenticity of hymns attributed to Guru Nanak. Guru Arjan took it upon himself to preserve the integrity of Sikh scripture and prevent the circulation of distorted or fake hymns, particularly those associated with Prithi Chand and his followers. The completed Adi Granth became the official scripture of Sikhism, and the teachings of Guru Arjan were enshrined for posterity.
Interactions with Mughal Empire
Guru Arjan’s work and the creation of the Adi Granth attracted the attention of the Mughal emperor Akbar. The emperor reportedly received a copy of the scripture, which was said to contain teachings that were considered critical of Islam. Despite the tensions, Guru Arjan reportedly sent a copy of the scripture to Akbar with a message emphasizing the core values of truth, peace, and contemplation.
Guru Arjan’s interactions with the Mughal emperor and his courtiers, including a recorded meeting in 1598, are believed to have influenced the development of Sikh manuscriptology and the martial traditions that later became integral to Sikhism.
Legacy and Sikh Unity
Guru Arjan’s work not only unified the Sikh community but also protected the integrity of Sikh teachings from competing factions. By compiling the Adi Granth and ensuring the authenticity of its hymns, he laid the groundwork for the Sikh faith as it is practiced today. His legacy as a spiritual, political, and cultural leader continues to be a guiding force for Sikhs worldwide.
References
- Guru Arjan (2025) Encyclopædia Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Guru-Arjan (Accessed: 15 January 2025).
- Guru Arjan (no date) Guru Arjan - SikhiWiki, free Sikh encyclopedia. Available at: https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Guru_Arjan (Accessed: 15 January 2025).
- Guru arjan Dev Ji – 5th sikh guru - blog post (no date) Guru Arjan Dev Ji – 5th Sikh Guru - Blog Post. Available at: https://www.basicsofsikhi.com/post/guru-arjan-dev-ji (Accessed: 15 January 2025).
- Shri Guru Arjan Dev Ji (no date) mygodpictures. Available at: https://www.mygodpictures.com/shri-guru-arjan-dev-ji-3/ (Accessed: 15 January 2025).
- Singh, C. (2020) छबील, गुरु अर्जन देव जी और मुग़ल, MyVoice. Available at: https://myvoice.opindia.com/2020/05/chhabil-guru-arjan-dev-ji-aur-mughal/ (Accessed: 15 January 2025).
