Guru Har Krishan (Gurmukhi: ਗੁਰੂ ਹਰਿ ਕ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਨ, pronunciation: [ɡʊruː həɾ kɾɪʃən]; 7 July 1656 – 30 March 1664), also known as Bal Guru (Child Guru) or Hari Krishan Sahib, was the eighth of the ten Sikh Gurus. At just five years old, he succeeded his father, Guru Har Rai, becoming the youngest Guru in Sikh history. Guru Har Krishan contracted smallpox in 1664 and passed away before reaching his eighth birthday. It is believed that he contracted the disease while caring for his followers.
 | |
| Personal life | |
| Born | Kishan Das Sodhi 7 July 1656 |
| Died | 30 March 1664 (aged 7) Delhi, Mughal Empire |
| Cause of death | Smallpox |
| Parents |
|
| Other names |
|
| Religious life | |
| Religion | Sikhism |
| Religious career | |
| Period in office | 1661–1664 |
| Predecessor | Guru Har Rai |
| Successor | Guru Tegh Bahadur |
Before his death, Guru Har Krishan is remembered for saying "Baba Bakale," a statement interpreted by Sikhs as a sign that his granduncle, Guru Tegh Bahadur, was to be the next Guru. Guru Har Krishan's reign was the shortest among all Sikh Gurus, lasting only two years, five months, and 24 days.
Early Life and Ascension to the Guru Seat
Guru Har Krishan was born in the village of Kiratpur in the Shivalik Hills, which is located in the northern Indian region. He was the second son of Guru Har Rai and Mata Krishen Devi (also known as Mata Sulakhni). From a young age, Har Krishan showed signs of spiritual depth, and by the age of five, after the passing of his father, Guru Har Rai, he was chosen to become the eighth Guru of the Sikhs. His ascension to the Guruship was a momentous event, as he became the youngest Guru in Sikh history, with an extremely short tenure of just two years, five months, and 24 days.
His succession was a result of Guru Har Rai’s decision to appoint him over his elder brother, Ram Rai. The latter's controversial actions, such as changing the meanings of sacred Sikh texts under pressure from Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, led Guru Har Rai to disown him and elevate Har Krishan to the Guru seat. Guru Har Krishan's appointment was marked by his deep understanding of spirituality and his compassion for all beings.
Contributions to Sikhism
Though his reign as Guru was short, Guru Har Krishan's impact on Sikhism was profound. He is remembered for his wisdom, humility, and compassion. Guru Har Krishan's message emphasized the importance of living a life of truth and devotion, practicing humility, and serving others. He became known for his simplicity, wisdom beyond his years, and his ability to provide spiritual guidance despite his young age.
His time as Guru coincided with a period of heightened tension under the Mughal Empire, particularly under Aurangzeb's rule. Despite his youth, Guru Har Krishan remained a central figure for Sikhs, providing leadership, guidance, and a sense of unity during difficult times. His teachings focused on the importance of devotion to God, service to humanity, and the rejection of superficial rituals.
Requested Meeting with Aurangzeb
When Guru Har Krishan assumed leadership, Aurangzeb sought to replace him with his elder son Ram Rai. Raja Jai Singh was sent to summon the young Guru to the Mughal court. However, upon arriving in Delhi, Guru Har Krishan contracted smallpox, and the meeting was canceled. Some sources suggest that Guru Har Krishan refused to meet Aurangzeb because he predicted the emperor would ask him to perform miracles, which is forbidden in Sikhism. Guru Har Krishan's last words, "Baba Bakale," were interpreted by Sikhs as an announcement of Guru Tegh Bahadur as the next Guru. Guru Har Krishan passed away in 1664 at the young age of seven.
The "Baba Bakale" Proclamation
Guru Har Krishan’s final words, "Baba Bakale," are among the most significant events of his life. As he lay on his deathbed, Guru Har Krishan proclaimed that the next Guru would be found in the village of Bakale, which was interpreted by the Sikh community as an indication that the ninth Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, would be the next spiritual leader. This proclamation played a crucial role in ensuring the continuation of the Guru lineage and the unification of the Sikh community under Guru Tegh Bahadur’s leadership.
Final Moments
Kavi Santokh Singh describes Guru Har Krishan's last moments, where the Guru spoke about his departure, instructing the congregation to turn to the Guru Granth Sahib for guidance. He assured the Sikhs that they would find spiritual solace through the teachings in the scripture. His words reflected the continuity of the Guru's light through the Granth and not through any individual Guru. Before passing, Guru Har Krishan mentioned that the next Guru would be powerful, magnificent, and would strengthen Sikhism. His final words, "Baba Bakale," signaled the rise of Guru Tegh Bahadur as the next Guru.
The Guru's Death and Legacy
Guru Har Krishan passed away on 30 March 1664, just before his eighth birthday, having contracted smallpox. His death, while tragic, also served as a pivotal moment for the Sikh faith, as it led to the identification of Guru Tegh Bahadur as the next Guru, as per his instructions. Guru Har Krishan’s young age and untimely death created a sense of deep loss among the Sikh community, but his wisdom and spiritual contributions left a lasting impression on Sikhism.
Guru Har Krishan is often remembered as a symbol of purity, compassion, and spiritual enlightenment. His short life and reign are seen as a reminder of the impermanence of life, the importance of living with devotion and humility, and the centrality of the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru. Even after his death, his legacy continued to inspire generations of Sikhs who sought to emulate his virtues of selflessness, compassion, and faith in God.
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib
In Delhi, Gurdwara Bangla Sahib stands as one of the most important Sikh shrines dedicated to Guru Har Krishan. It is believed that Guru Har Krishan stayed at the residence of Raja Jai Singh, where he helped cure smallpox patients by providing them with healing water. The gurdwara also serves as a place where Sikhs gather to celebrate the life and teachings of Guru Har Krishan, reminding them of his legacy and the healing power of faith.
Influence in Sikhism
Guru Har Krishan’s role in Sikhism is crucial in the context of his short but impactful tenure. He is remembered for his role in upholding the sanctity of the Guru's seat, which passed on to his successor Guru Tegh Bahadur as per his proclamation. Guru Har Krishan is also revered for his deep spiritual wisdom and for serving as a model of humility and devotion to God. Despite his young age, Guru Har Krishan demonstrated qualities that resonate deeply within Sikh tradition—his compassion, simplicity, and commitment to truth continue to inspire Sikhs around the world.
His story highlights the importance of devotion and service to humanity, demonstrating that spiritual leadership does not require age or power, but the strength of character and devotion to the Guru's teachings. Guru Har Krishan’s life is a testament to the Sikh value that all human beings, regardless of age or background, are capable of living a life of profound spiritual wisdom and service to others.
References
- Embracing the principles of Guru Har Krishan (no date) Guru Harkishan Public School Hanumangarh. Available at: https://ghkps.com/embracing-the-principles-of-guru-har-krishan.html (Accessed: 15 January 2025).
- Guru Har Krishan (no date a) Guru Har Krishan - SikhiWiki, free Sikh encyclopedia. Available at: https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Guru_Har_Krishan (Accessed: 15 January 2025).
- Guru Har Krishan (no date b) Guru Har Krishan - SikhiWiki, free Sikh encyclopedia. Available at: https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Guru_Har_Krishan (Accessed: 15 January 2025).
- Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji (no date) HistoricalGurudwaras.com, a Journey to Historical Gurudwara Sahibs. Available at: https://www.historicalgurudwaras.com/GuruRelated.aspx?id=8 (Accessed: 15 January 2025).
- Guru Har Rai (2025) Encyclopædia Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Guru-Har-Rai (Accessed: 15 January 2025).
