What does the Guru Granth Sahib say about cutting hair?

The Sikh Rehat Maryada (Article XVI) lists dishonoring the hair (Kesh) as one of the four cardinal transgressions (Kurehats). Uncut hair is considered a gift from Waheguru and a mark of complete surrender to the Guru's will.

How do Sikhs view assisted dying?

Sikh teaching holds that life is a gift from Waheguru and its duration is in God's hands. The Guru Granth Sahib teaches acceptance of Hukam (God's will) and cautions against interfering with the natural course of life.

What is the Sikh view on same-sex relationships?

The Guru Granth Sahib does not explicitly address same-sex relationships. Sikh ethics emphasise love, equality, and living according to Hukam. This is a topic on which Sikh scholars hold differing views.

What is the Daily Hukamnama?

The Daily Hukamnama is the divine order or command issued each day from Sri Harmandir Sahib (the Golden Temple) in Amritsar. It is a shabad (hymn) from the Guru Granth Sahib read at the start of each day as guidance for the Sikh community.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji — Sikh History | The Guru's Light

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.

My dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound reverence and love that I share with you the story of Sahib-e-Kamaal, the Master of Perfection, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj. His life, though spanning a mere 42 years, is an epic of spiritual enlightenment, martial prowess, and unparalleled sacrifice that forever shaped the destiny of the Sikh Panth and indeed, the world.

Born Gobind Rai in the sacred city of Patna Sahib, Bihar, around 1666 CE, he was the only son of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the Ninth Master, and Mata Gujri Ji. Even in his tender years, the divine light within him shone brightly. He spent his early childhood in Patna, nurtured by the devotion of his mother and grandmother, Mata Nanki Ji, and guided by his father's spiritual wisdom. The stories of his childhood, filled with playful yet profound acts, speak of a leader in the making, a protector of the innocent.

The Call to Leadership and Sacrifice

The most pivotal moment of his early life, and indeed, of Sikh history, came when he was just nine years old. The tyrannical Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb was enforcing a brutal policy of religious conversion, particularly targeting the Kashmiri Pandits. They sought Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's help. Young Gobind Rai, witnessing his father's deep contemplation, famously remarked that no one could be more worthy of sacrifice than Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji to protect dharma. This profound statement led to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's martyrdom in Delhi, a supreme act of selfless sacrifice for the freedom of conscience. Thus, at the tender age of nine, Gobind Rai was anointed the Tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

Years of Preparation: Spiritual and Martial Training

The young Guru spent his formative years in Anandpur Sahib, a city founded by his father. Here, he immersed himself in deep meditation, scriptural study, and rigorous martial training. He mastered many languages, including Sanskrit, Persian, and Punjabi, and became a prolific poet and scholar. He penned inspiring compositions, such as the Jaap Sahib and Akal Ustat, which are gems of spiritual poetry, exalting the One Timeless Being. He also encouraged the study of various sciences and arts, fostering a vibrant intellectual and cultural environment. During this period, he also engaged in defensive battles against the hill rajas who felt threatened by the growing power and egalitarian message of the Sikhs. The Battle of Bhangani, fought in 1688 CE, was one such significant engagement, where the Guru's forces emerged victorious.

The Birth of the Khalsa: A Divine Revelation

The most transformative event in Guru Gobind Singh Ji's life, and for the Sikh faith, occurred on Vaisakhi day in 1699 CE at Anandpur Sahib. He convened a large congregation and, with a drawn sword, demanded a head for the sake of Dharma. One by one, five brave Sikhs, later known as the Panj Pyare (the Five Beloved Ones), offered their heads. The Guru then initiated them into the Khalsa (the Pure Ones) by administering Amrit (nectar of immortality), stirred with a double-edged sword while reciting sacred prayers. He then knelt before them and requested them to initiate him in the same manner, thus establishing the principle of equality between the Guru and the Khalsa. This act abolished the distinction between the Guru and the disciple, and instilled a spirit of fearless devotion and self-sacrifice.

The Khalsa was enjoined to wear the Five Ks: Kesh (uncut hair), Kangha (wooden comb), Kara (iron bracelet), Kachera (undershorts), and Kirpan (ceremonial sword). These articles are not mere symbols but represent a commitment to spiritual discipline, ethical conduct, and readiness to defend righteousness. The Khalsa was to be a saint-soldier, embodying both bhakti (devotion) and shakti (power), always standing for justice and equality.

"When all other means have failed, it is righteous to draw the sword." (Zafarnama, Verse 22)

This powerful declaration from the Zafarnama, his letter to Aurangzeb, encapsulates the essence of the Khalsa's mission: to fight against oppression as a last resort, for the protection of the innocent and the establishment of justice.

Unwavering Resolve Amidst Adversity

The creation of the Khalsa intensified the conflict with the Mughal Empire and the hill rajas. Guru Gobind Singh Ji faced relentless persecution, enduring numerous battles. The siege of Anandpur Sahib, the heroic sacrifices of his two elder sons, Baba Ajit Singh Ji and Baba Jujhar Singh Ji, at Chamkaur, and the martyrdom of his two younger sons, Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, along with Mata Gujri Ji, at Sirhind, are heart-wrenching chapters that highlight the unparalleled sacrifices made for the Sikh faith. Despite these immense personal losses, the Guru remained steadfast in his resolve, never wavering in his faith in Akal Purakh (the Timeless Being).

"He who meditates on the Lord, the Destroyer of fear, shall never be afraid." (Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 57, Raag Sri Raag)

This profound belief sustained him through the darkest of times, demonstrating the power of Naam Simran (remembrance of the Divine Name).

The Succession of the Guru Granth Sahib

In 1708 CE, at Nanded, Guru Gobind Singh Ji made his final and most significant pronouncement regarding the Guruship. He declared that there would be no more living Gurus. Instead, the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the sacred scripture compiled and authenticated by the Gurus themselves, would be the eternal and living Guru for all Sikhs.

"The Word is the Guru, and the Guru is the Word. The Word is the embodiment of all Ambrosial Nectar." (Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 982, Raag Ramkali)

By bestowing the Guruship upon the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, he ensured that the divine wisdom and guidance would remain accessible to all Sikhs for eternity, preventing any human succession and safeguarding the purity of the teachings. This act solidified the spiritual and doctrinal foundation of Sikhism, making the Guru Granth Sahib Ji the central authority for all Sikhs.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji's life was a beacon of courage, sacrifice, and spiritual sovereignty. He not only created a martial race of saint-soldiers but also instilled in them the highest ideals of righteousness, equality, and selfless service. His legacy continues to inspire millions to live a life of dignity, integrity, and unwavering faith.