Guru Arjun Dev facts for kids
Guru Arjan Dev (born 15 April 1563 – died 30 May 1606) was the fifth of the ten Sikh Gurus. He was a very important leader for the Sikhs. He became Guru on 1 September 1581, following in the footsteps of his father, Guru Ram Das. Guru Arjan Dev is remembered for his great sacrifices and for helping to build important places for the Sikh faith.
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Early Life and Family
Guru Arjan Dev was born in Goindval, Punjab, India. His father was Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru. His mother was Mata Bhani. From a young age, Guru Arjan Dev showed deep wisdom and devotion. He learned a lot from his father and spent much time studying religious texts.
Becoming the Fifth Guru
After his father, Guru Ram Das, passed away, Guru Arjan Dev was chosen to become the next Guru. This was a very important role. He took on the responsibility of guiding the Sikh community. He worked hard to spread the teachings of Sikhism and to help people live good lives.
Building the Golden Temple
One of Guru Arjan Dev's most famous achievements was starting the construction of the Harmandir Sahib. This holy building is now known as the Golden Temple. It is located in the city of Amritsar, India. Guru Arjan Dev wanted the temple to be a place where everyone, no matter their background, could come and worship.
He made a special choice about its design. While most temples were built on high ground, he ordered the Harmandir Sahib to be built on the lowest ground. This showed that people should be humble. He also made sure it had four doors, one in each direction. This meant that people from all four castes and religions were welcome inside. The foundation stone was laid by a Muslim saint, Mian Mir, showing the message of peace and unity.
Compiling the Holy Scripture
Guru Arjan Dev also did something very important for Sikhism. He collected and organized the teachings of the previous Gurus and other saints. He put all these writings into one holy book called the Adi Granth. This book became the central scripture of Sikhism. It contains hymns, prayers, and spiritual guidance. This was a huge task that took many years. The Adi Granth is highly respected by Sikhs and is treated as a living Guru.
Spreading Sikh Teachings
Guru Arjan Dev traveled to many places to share the message of Sikhism. He encouraged people to live honest lives, share with others, and remember God. He also helped to develop new towns and villages. He made sure that wells were dug to provide water for everyone. His work helped the Sikh community grow stronger and more organized.
His Sacrifice
Guru Arjan Dev faced challenges from the rulers of his time. He stood firm in his beliefs and continued to spread his message of peace and equality. Because of his strong faith and popularity, he was seen as a threat by some. He was arrested and faced difficult times. He remained calm and brave, showing great strength of character. He passed away on 30 May 1606, becoming a martyr for his faith. His sacrifice is a powerful example of standing up for what is right.
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