Guru Arjan Dev Ji
ਗੁਰੂ ਅਰਜਨ ਦੇਵ ਜੀ
Born: 15 April 1563 • Joyti Jot: 30 May 1606 martyrdom at Lahore
| Father’s Name: | Guru Ram Das Ji |
| Mother’s Name: | Bibi Bhani Ji |
| Spouse Name: | Mata Ganga Ji |
| Children’s Name: | Hargobind Sahib Ji |
| Cities Founded: | Developed Amritsar, built Golden Temple |
| Baani(s): | 2,218 hymns including Sukhmani Sahib |
| Contemporary Rulers: | Akbar, Jahangir |
| Message: | Compiled Guru Granth Sahib, martyrdom for faith |
| Special Contribution: | Compiled Guru Granth Sahib, built Harmandir Sahib, first Sikh martyr |
| Journeys: | India, invited Mian Mir for Golden Temple foundation |
| Joyti Jot: | 30 May 1606 martyrdom at Lahore |
Quick Facts
Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji (1563–1606) was the fifth of the ten Sikh Gurus. His period of Guruship was crucial for transforming Sikhism from a spiritual movement into a fully organized religion with its own central scripture and physical center. His life culminated in his martyrdom, a defining moment in Sikh history.
Biography & Contributions
Born in Goindwal, Guru Arjan Dev Ji succeeded his father, Guru Ram Das Ji, after proving his immense dedication and humility. He consolidated the Sikh faith, moving its headquarters to Amritsar and establishing it as the official center of Sikh spiritual and temporal life. This was his most monumental contribution. Completed in 1604, the Adi Granth (the precursor to the Guru Granth Sahib) included over 2,000 of his own hymns, alongside compositions from Hindu and Muslim saints (like Kabir and Sheikh Farid), making it an inclusive, universal text. He personally dictated the entire volume to Bhai Gurdas Ji. He oversaw the completion of the holy pool and the temple itself, strategically having the foundation stone laid by Muslim Sufi saint Mian Mir of Lahore. The temples design featured four doors opening in all directions, symbolizing that the Sikh shrine was open to all people, irrespective of caste, creed, or social status. His own vast poetic contribution to the scripture is renowned, with Sukhmani Sahib being one of the most famous compositions. It is a source of comfort and mental peace for millions of Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike. Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s martyrdom on the orders of Emperor Jahangir (due to political jealousy and religious intolerance) was a watershed moment. He was subjected to severe torture, including being made to sit on a scorching hot plate while hot sand was poured over him. His sacrifice, accepted with serene composure, transformed the Sikh community into a people willing to fight for their faith and human rights.