Guru Ram Das Ji

Born in 1534 in Lahore as Bhai Jetha, he was orphaned young and grew up with his maternal grandmother. He joined the service of Guru Amar Das Ji at Goindwal, demonstrating such profound devotion and humility that he was chosen as the next Guru and renamed Ram Das (“Servant of God”). Guru Ram Das Ji started the excavation of the holy pool, the Amrit Sarovar (“Pool of Nectar”), from which the city derives its current name. He invited 52 different tradesmen and merchants to settle in the new township, strategically making it a thriving commercial and religious center, distinct from other existing religious sites. The Laavan hymns are central to the Sikh marriage ceremony, the Anand Karaj, outlining the four stages of union between the soul and God, and simultaneously between the husband and wife. His poetic works emphasize humility, selfless service, and the importance of repeating the Divine Name. This organized structure financially supported the new citys construction, specifically the holy tank, and helped decentralize the missionary work, allowing the Sikh faith to grow rapidly and systematically outside of Goindwal and Amritsar. Before passing away in 1581, Guru Ram Das Ji ensured the continuation of the spiritual light, solidifying the Sodhi lineage for the Guruship. The city he founded was further developed by his son, who completed the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) at the center of the Amrit Sarovar.