Guru Ram Das 24 September 1534 – 1 September 1581), sometimes spelled as Guru Ramdas, was the fourth of the ten Sikh Gurus. He was born as Bhai Jetha to a family in Lahore. Orphaned at the age of seven, he was raised by his maternal grandmother in a village.
 | |
| Personal life | |
| Born | Jetha Mal Sodhi 24 September 1534 |
| Died | 1 September 1581 (aged 46) Goindwal, Lahore Subah, Mughal Empire |
| Spouse | Bibi Bhani (m. 1553) |
| Children | 3, including Prithi Chand and Guru Arjan |
| Parent | Hari Das (father) |
| Known for | Founder of Amritsar city |
| Other names | Fourth Master Fourth Nanak |
| Religious life | |
| Religion | Sikhism |
| Religious career | |
| Period in office | 1574–1581 |
| Predecessor | Guru Amar Das |
| Successor | Guru Arjan |
At the age of 12, Bhai Jetha and his grandmother moved to Goindval, where they met Guru Amar Das, the third Guru of Sikhism. Bhai Jetha accepted Guru Amar Das as his mentor, served him selflessly, and eventually married Guru Amar Das's daughter. When Guru Amar Das needed to choose a successor, he passed over his own sons and selected Bhai Jetha for his exemplary service, devotion, and obedience.
Renamed Guru Ram Das (meaning "slave of God"), Bhai Jetha became the fourth Guru of Sikhism in 1574. He faced opposition from the sons of Guru Amar Das, prompting him to establish his headquarters at Guru-ka-Chak, a location designated by Guru Amar Das. Guru Ram Das later founded the town of Ramdaspur, which was renamed Amritsar, the holiest city in Sikhism.
Guru Ram Das is credited with expanding the Manji system, which involved appointing clergy and collecting donations to support the Sikh movement both theologically and economically. Unlike the first three Gurus, he appointed his own son, Guru Arjan, as his successor. Guru Ram Das served as Guru until his death in 1581.
Early Life and Family Background of Guru Ram Das
Guru Ram Das, born Bhai Jetha on 24 September 1534, was from a religious family in Lahore, belonging to the Sodhi clan of the Khatri caste. His father, Hari Das, and his mother, Mata Anup Devi, were both devout and respected members of their community. His paternal grandfather, Thakur Das, was a well-known shopkeeper in the Chuna Mandi area of Lahore. Guru Ram Das was the eldest child in the family and was named "Jetha" accordingly. He had a brother, Hardyal, and a sister, Ram Dasi. Tragically, both of his parents passed away when he was only seven years old, leading him to be raised by his maternal grandmother.
Life as an Orphan in Basarke
After the death of his parents, Bhai Jetha was taken by his grandmother to the village of Basarke, where he lived for about five years. Basarke was coincidentally the ancestral village of Guru Amar Das. Despite his difficult circumstances, Jetha helped his grandmother by selling boiled grams, chickpeas, and wheat in the local market to support the family. His charitable nature was evident as he often shared his provisions with holy men, which would lead to reprimands from his grandmother.
It was during this time that Guru Amar Das, while visiting Basarke, took note of Jetha's kind nature, his deep spirituality, and his devotion to caring for his grandmother. Amar Das was drawn to Jetha's selflessness and character, which led him to meet with the young boy several times. Eventually, when Guru Amar Das prepared to leave for Khadur to visit Guru Angad, Jetha decided to join him on this journey.
Staying in Khadur and Goindwal
In 1546, Jetha arrived at Khadur, where he began attending the sangat (religious congregation) led by Guru Angad. Jetha quickly developed a strong affinity for both Guru Angad and Guru Amar Das. During his time in Khadur, Jetha worked by selling boiled corn (baklian) to support himself while also participating in the langar (community kitchen).
In 1552, when Guru Amar Das settled in Goindwal, Jetha accompanied him. At Goindwal, Jetha continued to serve in the langar, ensuring the utensils were cleaned and providing drinking water to those attending the sangat. He also assisted with construction work, including digging to help build a water tank. His devotion to service grew as he spent more time with Guru Amar Das, accompanying him on religious pilgrimages and learning under his patronage. During this period, Jetha also received education in North Indian musical traditions under the guidance of Guru Amar Das.
Representing the Sikhs at the Mughal Court
Before becoming Guru, Bhai Jetha represented Guru Amar Das at the Mughal court in Lahore. The local Brahmins, along with other residents around Goindwal, lodged a complaint against the Sikhs for their practices, particularly their operation of a free community kitchen (langar) and their rejection of caste hierarchies and traditional beliefs. The Brahmins objected to the Sikh teachings, which emphasized equality among all people.
In response to these complaints, Guru Amar Das sent Jetha as his representative to meet with the Mughal emperor, Akbar. When Jetha presented the Sikh view that all of humanity is equal in the eyes of the divine, it is said that Akbar was impressed by this argument. Akbar, known for his religious tolerance, dismissed the complaints made against the Sikhs and allowed them to continue their practices freely.
Marriage
In 1553, Bhai Jetha married Bibi Bhani, the younger daughter of Guru Amar Das. The match was personally selected by Mata Mansa Devi, Guru Amar Das' wife, who considered Jetha the best match for their daughter due to his devout and pious nature. Bhai Jetha and Bibi Bhani had three sons: Prithi Chand (1554–1623), Mahadev (1559–1656), and Guru Arjan (1563–1606). Despite his commitment to his spiritual duties, Jetha's immediate family often expressed dissatisfaction with his involvement in his in-laws' work and spiritual life.
Test to Become a Worthy Successor
Guru Amar Das devised a test to determine which of his two sons-in-law, Ramo or Jetha, would be the most suitable successor. He instructed them to build a platform worthy of a Sikh Guru. Ramo constructed four platforms, but none met Guru Amar Das' approval, leading Ramo to give up. In contrast, Jetha built seven platforms, each falling short of the Guru's expectations. However, rather than giving up like Ramo, Jetha humbly submitted himself to the Guru, promising to continue trying until he built a platform that pleased him. This unwavering dedication and humility in the face of failure led Guru Amar Das to choose Jetha as his successor. He was given the name Guru Ram Das, marking the beginning of his leadership of the Sikh community.
Guruship
Guru Ram Das formally assumed the title of Guru on 30 August 1574, following his selection by Guru Amar Das. He served as the fourth Sikh Guru for seven years, from 1574 to 1581. His leadership marked several important milestones in Sikhism, including rekindling ties with Sri Chand, the son of Guru Nanak, after a period of strained relations with the Udasi sect. During a visit by Sri Chand to Amritsar, Guru Ram Das humbly performed an act of service by wiping Sri Chand's feet with his beard, demonstrating his spiritual humility and devotion. This act led Sri Chand to acknowledge Guru Ram Das as a worthy successor to his father’s spiritual seat.
During his tenure, Guru Ram Das was joined by Bhai Gurdas, a well-educated relative of Guru Amar Das, who helped advance the Sikh cause. Guru Ram Das was also visited by Sikhs from Lahore, who petitioned him to visit his birthplace. He did so and was warmly received, gaining more followers in the process.
Founding of Amritsar and Construction of Harmandir Sahib
Guru Ram Das is credited with founding the city of Amritsar, a central location in Sikh tradition. According to Sikh records, Guru Ram Das was tasked by Guru Amar Das to find a suitable location for a new town with a central man-made pool. This land, known as Guru Da Chakk, was either purchased or selected by Guru Ram Das in 1574, following his appointment. Despite opposition from the sons of Guru Amar Das, Guru Ram Das began constructing the town, named "Ramdaspur." He completed a holy pool at the center, inviting merchants and artisans to settle in the area.
Over time, the town grew and became Amritsar. The pool expanded into a temple complex, and the foundation for what would later become the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) was laid. Guru Arjan, Guru Ram Das’ son, oversaw the construction of the Harmandir Sahib and the installation of the Sikh scripture, the Adi Granth, in 1604.
Guru Ram Das also initiated the construction of two sarovars (holy water tanks) in Guru-Da-Chak: the Ramdas Sarovar and Amritsar Sarovar, further solidifying the city as a spiritual center. The development of the city and its religious significance continued during the leadership of Guru Arjan, transforming it into the holiest site in Sikhism.
Literary Works
Guru Ram Das was a prolific composer, contributing 638 hymns to the Guru Granth Sahib, which constitute about 10% of its total hymns. His compositions were crafted in 30 ragas of Indian classical music, reflecting a deep spiritual devotion. His hymns cover a wide range of themes, from the practice of daily meditation and devotion to God's name to the dangers of ego and pride.
Notable excerpts from his hymns include:
On meditation and purity:
"One who calls himself to be a disciple of the Guru should rise before dawn and meditate on the Lord's Name... He truly washes away the sins of his soul." (GGS 305)
On the joy of God's name:
"The Name of God fills my heart with joy. My great fortune is to meditate on God's name... but only a rare soul walks in the light of the Guru's wisdom." (GGS 94)
On pride and humility:
"O man! The poison of pride is killing you, blinding you to God. Your body, the colour of gold, has been scarred and discoloured by selfishness." (GGS 776)
His hymns continue to be sung daily at the Harmandir Sahib, the Golden Temple, embodying his spiritual teachings.
Wedding Hymn: The Laavan
Guru Ram Das is also credited with composing the Laavan, a hymn used in the Sikh wedding ceremony (Anand Karaj). The Laavan is sung during the four circumambulations around the Guru Granth Sahib, symbolizing the spiritual journey of the bride and groom. The first stanza emphasizes accepting the Guru’s word as a guide, the second highlights the presence of the Divine in all aspects of life, the third speaks of Divine Love, and the fourth symbolizes the union of the individual soul with the Infinite. This composition has become integral to Sikh weddings and has evolved over time to replace traditional Hindu wedding rituals like circumambulation around the fire.
Masand System
Guru Ram Das extended the manji system introduced by Guru Amar Das by implementing the masand system. Masands were community leaders and preachers who helped spread Sikhism in distant regions, leading congregations, organizing religious activities, and collecting donations for Sikh causes. While the masand system played a significant role in the expansion of Sikhism, it later became infamous due to corruption and misuse by some leaders, particularly during succession disputes in later years.
Selection of a Successor
Guru Ram Das had three sons, each with distinct roles and personalities:
- Prithi Chand was responsible for managing the langar (community kitchen) and overseeing the Sikh community's resources.
- Mahadev was a deeply spiritual individual, detached from worldly affairs.
- Arjan Dev, the youngest son, was deeply pious and viewed his father as a spiritual role model.
The selection of a successor was influenced by a series of events. Guru Ram Das asked Prithi Chand to represent him at a family event in Lahore, but Prithi Chand refused, citing his responsibilities. Mahadev also declined, while Arjan Dev eagerly accepted. After waiting in Lahore for a month without receiving a message from his father, Arjan Dev wrote several poetic letters inquiring about his father's wishes, ultimately sending a fourth letter directly to Guru Ram Das. This letter, and its poetic content, deeply moved Guru Ram Das, who, after discovering that Prithi Chand had been hiding previous letters, chose Arjan Dev as his successor, recognizing his piety and dedication.
Death and Succession
Guru Ram Das passed away on 1 September 1581, in Goindwal. Before his death, he nominated his younger son, Arjan Dev, as his successor. However, this decision sparked fierce opposition from his eldest son, Prithi Chand, who strongly protested the succession and claimed that the guruship was his rightful inheritance. Prithi Chand used offensive language towards his father and sought to undermine his decision. He also informed Baba Buddha, a respected figure in the Sikh community, that his father had acted inappropriately by choosing Arjan Dev as the successor.
Prithi Chand's resistance grew, and he vowed to remove Guru Arjan and take the position of Guru for himself. This led to the formation of a rival faction known as the Minas (meaning "scoundrels"). The Minas faction was opposed to Guru Arjan’s leadership and is said to have been involved in attempts to undermine the young Guru, including an alleged assassination attempt on Hargobind, Guru Arjan's son.
However, alternate texts from the Prithi Chand-led Sikh faction present a different narrative. These texts suggest that Prithi Chand was not entirely opposed to his younger brother, Guru Arjan, and instead portray him as a devoted figure, albeit with disagreements about the succession. Some accounts acknowledge Prithi Chand's role as a leader after the martyrdom of Guru Arjan and his subsequent dispute over the succession of Guru Hargobind, Guru Ram Das's grandson.
Despite the opposition, Guru Arjan Dev’s leadership prevailed, and he continued to build upon his father’s legacy.
References
- Gurpurab – Sri Guru Ramdas Ji – 9 October (no date) Dasmesh Darbar Gurdwara Sahib. Available at: https://dasmeshdarbar.ca/gurpurab-sri-guru-ramdas-ji-9-october/ (Accessed: 15 January 2025).
- Guru Ram Das (2025) Encyclopædia Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Guru-Ram-Das (Accessed: 15 January 2025).
- Guru Ram Das (no date) Guru Ram Das - SikhiWiki, free Sikh encyclopedia. Available at: https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Guru_Ram_Das (Accessed: 15 January 2025).
- Guru sahiban (no date) Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee. Available at: https://www.dsgmc.in/DharmParchar/SriGuruRamdasJi (Accessed: 15 January 2025).
- Pin by Sukhchain Singh Dhillon on a: Guru Arjan, Guru Angad Dev Ji, Guru Ram Das (2024) Pinterest. Available at: https://in.pinterest.com/pin/587156870204828959/ (Accessed: 15 January 2025).
