Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji
ਗੁਰੂ ਹਰਿਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜੀ
Born: 19 June 1595 • Joyti Jot: 28 February 1644 at Kiratpur
| Father’s Name: | Guru Arjan Dev Ji |
| Mother’s Name: | Mata Ganga Ji |
| Spouse Name: | Mata Damodari Ji, Mata Nanaki Ji, Mata Mahadevi Ji |
| Children’s Name: | Gurditta, Suraj Mal, Ani Rai, Atal Rai, Tegh Bahadur Ji, Bibi Viro Ji |
| Cities Founded: | Kiratpur Sahib |
| Baani(s): | No hymns (focused on temporal matters) |
| Contemporary Rulers: | Jahangir, Shah Jahan |
| Message: | Miri-Piri: spiritual and temporal authority |
| Special Contribution: | Introduced Miri-Piri, built Akal Takht, militarized Sikhs, Bandi Chhor |
| Journeys: | Kashmir, Nanakmatta, Himalayan regions |
| Joyti Jot: | 28 February 1644 at Kiratpur |
Quick Facts
Sri Guru Hargobind Ji (1595–1644) was the sixth of the ten Sikh Gurus. Following the martyrdom of his father, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, he fundamentally transformed the character of the Sikh community by introducing the concept of Miri and Piri, becoming a Saint-Soldier—a spiritual leader who also championed armed defense. His Guruship (1606–1644) spanned nearly 38 years.
Biography & Contributions
Guru Hargobind Ji was installed as the Guru at the age of 11, shortly after the martyrdom of his father. He understood that simple spiritual devotion was no longer enough for the survival of the community. He was advised by his father to establish a tradition of armed self-defense against tyranny. This represented a radical shift in Sikh philosophy, where spiritual devotion was harmonized with political and military awareness. He declared that the Gurus Sangat (congregation) was now also his “Fauj” (army). He encouraged Sikhs to keep horses and take up arms for self-defense and the protection of the innocent. Completed in 1609, the Akal Takht was the seat of temporal and political power where justice was dispensed and military strategy was discussed. The physical proximity and contrasting functions of the Harmandir Sahib (spiritual) and Akal Takht (temporal) visually represented the integration of Miri and Piri. The Mughal Emperor, initially seeing the Guru as a political threat, imprisoned him. Upon his release, Guru Hargobind Ji insisted that the 52 imprisoned kings who had clung to his cloak be released as well. This event, celebrated as Bandi Chhor Divas (coinciding with Diwali), cemented his role as a defender of human rights and justice for all. The need for self-defense became real, and Guru Hargobind Jis military actions marked the first armed resistance by the Sikhs against the Mughal Empire. He maintained the spiritual code even while fighting, laying the groundwork for the future establishment of the Khalsa.