Guru Hargobind

Guru Hargobind (1595-1644)

Guru Hargobind, born on June 19, 1595, and died on March 3, 1644, was the sixth of the ten Sikh Gurus. Known for militarizing the Sikh community, he instituted the concept of Miri and Piri, symbolizing temporal and spiritual authority.

Guru Hargobind, born on June 19, 1595, in Guru Ki Wadali, Punjab, was the son of Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Sikh Guru. After his father's martyrdom in 1606, Guru Hargobind assumed the role of Guru at the age of eleven.

He is known for transforming the Sikh community into a military force to defend against Mughal oppression. Guru Hargobind introduced the concept of Miri and Piri, representing temporal and spiritual authority, and wore two swords symbolizing this duality. Under his leadership, the construction of the Akal Takht in Amritsar was completed, serving as the seat of Sikh political and military power.

Guru Hargobind also established diplomatic relations with other rulers and participated in several battles against Mughal forces to protect the faith and rights of his community. His leadership marked a period of consolidation and strengthening of the Sikh community both spiritually and militarily.

He passed away on March 3, 1644, in Kiratpur Sahib, where he spent his last years. Guru Hargobind remains a revered figure for his courage and leadership in Sikh history.