Guru Gobind Singh Ji
ਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ
Born: 22 December 1666 • Joyti Jot: 7 October 1708 at Nanded
| Father’s Name: | Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji |
| Mother’s Name: | Mata Gujri Ji |
| Spouse Name: | Mata Jito Ji, Mata Sundari Ji, Mata Sahib Kaur Ji |
| Children’s Name: | Ajit Singh, Jujhar Singh, Zorawar Singh, Fateh Singh (all martyred) |
| Cities Founded: | Developed Anandpur Sahib, Paonta Sahib |
| Baani(s): | Jaap Sahib, Chaupai Sahib, Zafarnama in Dasam Granth |
| Contemporary Rulers: | Aurangzeb, Bahadur Shah I |
| Message: | Created Khalsa, equality, warrior-saint ideal |
| Special Contribution: | Created Khalsa 1699, Amrit ceremony, 5 Ks, gave Guruship to Guru Granth Sahib |
| Journeys: | Anandpur, Paonta, battles in Punjab, Nanded |
| Joyti Jot: | 7 October 1708 at Nanded |
Quick Facts
Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji (1666–1708) was the tenth and final human Guru of the Sikhs. Succeeding his martyred father, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, he transformed the Sikh community into the Khalsa—a disciplined, dedicated, and militant order—to defend justice and religious freedom. His life was a blend of profound spiritual leadership, military genius, and prolific literary creation.
Biography & Contributions
Born Gobind Rai in Patna, Bihar, in 1666, he was installed as the Guru at the young age of nine following his fathers martyrdom in 1675. He immediately dedicated himself to military training and spiritual preparation, recognizing the existential threat posed by Mughal tyranny.This was his most defining contribution. He baptized the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones) and administered the Amrit (nectar of immortality), demanding absolute commitment and courage. He initiated all Sikhs to wear the Five Ks (Kesh, Kangha, Kara, Kirpan, Kachera) as symbols of spiritual and physical discipline. Guru Gobind Singh Ji gave the Khalsa a unique, unified identity. He changed his name from Gobind Rai to Gobind Singh and directed all Sikh men to use the surname Singh (“Lion”) and women to use Kaur (“Princess”), emphasizing equality and courage. He was a scholar and patron of the arts, maintaining a court of 52 poets. His writings are separate from the Guru Granth Sahib and are celebrated for their literary depth, spiritual fervour, and bold declarations of the necessity of righteous war when all peaceful means fail (Zafar Nama). After losing his mother and all four sons (the Chaar Sahibzade) to the Mughal conflict, he designated the holy scripture as the guiding spiritual authority for the Sikhs forever. He passed away in Nanded, Maharashtra, in 1708, cementing the principle: “Guru Granth—Guru Panth” (The Scripture and the Community).