Get complete information on the teachings of Guru Gobind Singh (1675-1708)

Get complete information on the teachings of Guru Gobind Singh (1675-1708)

Guru Gobind Singh was the 10th and the last Guru. He was given thorough training in arts of peace and war by his father. When he became Guru, he found (hat his followers were divided and had not the capacity and courage to fight against the Mughals. He began to give them training in the art of warfare and even recruited Pathanas in his army. He came into conflict with the hill Rajas and fought the famous Battle of Bahangani.

Gobind Singh did not do well in the beginning but he ultimately came out victorious. He made Anandpur his headquarters. Many attempts were made to subdue him but they failed as the adviser of the Mughals, Prince Muazzam, who was in charge of the operations, admired the Guru.

In 1699, on the Baisakhi Day, Guru Gobind Singh created the Khalsa. He is stated to have sought the blessings of Durga for strength, but Sikhs do not believe in the story. He summoned a big assembly of the Sikhs at Anandpur and selected 5 persons who came to be known as Panj Piaras. They took the water of immortality. After baptizing them the Guru asked them to initiate him.

In this way, the Guru was merged into the Khalsa and the Khalsa was merged into Guru. The followers of Nanak were turned into solider-saints. The Sikhs were given a distinct dress and they were required to keep on their person five things beginning with K, viz., Kesh, Kripan, Kachha, Kangha and Kara, the Sikhs followed a policy of fighting Muslim fanaticism with Sikh fanaticism.

The hill chiefs took strong objection to the activities of Guru Gobind Singh and them all joined hands against him. The result was that in 1701 was fought the first Battle of Anandpur in which the hill chiefs were defeated and the Guru was successful. However, they appealed to Aurangzeb for help. The latter sent instructions to the Mughal Officials in the Punjab to take action against the Guru. Wazir Khan, the Governor of Sirhind, sent his forces against the Guru.

In 1703-04 was fought the Second Battle of Anandpur. The Sikhs put up a stiff resistance but ultimately, they had to surrender Anandpur. Two of the sons of the Guru were captured and bricked up at Sirhind. Another battle was fought at Chamkaur where two more sons of the Guru were killed. Another battle was fought at Khindrana or Muktsar in 1706. After this battle, the Guru, settled at Talwandi Sabo or Dam Dama.

Aurangzeb died in 1707 and was succeeded by his son, Bahadur Shah. Guru Gobind Singh had cordial relations with the New Emperor and agreed to accompany him to the Deccan. The Guru was stabbed by a Pathan in October, 1708. The last words of the Guru were: “I have entrusted you to immortal God. Ever remain under His protection and trust none besides. Wherever there are 5 Sikhs assembled, know that I am in the midst of them. Henceforth, the Guru shall be in the Khalsa and the Khalsa in the Guru. I have infused my mental and bodily spirit into the Granth Sahib and the Khalsa.”

It is interesting to reproduce the last letter addressed by Guru Gobind Singh to Aurangzeb.

This is known as Zafar Nama and read thus: “I have not a particle of confidence in thee. I was forced to engage in the combat and fought to the utmost of my ability. When an affair passed beyond the region of diplomacy, it is lawful to have recourse to the sword. If thou come to the village of Kangar, we shall have an interview.

Though salt not run the slightest danger on the way, for the whole tribe of Bairars is under me. I am a slave and servant of the King of kings and ready to obey His order with my life. If though hast any belief in God delay not in this matter. It is thy duty to know God. He never ordered thee to annoy others.

Though art seated on an Emperor’s throne; yet how strange are thy justice, thane attributes and thy regard for religion! Alas, a hundred times also for thy sovereignty! Strange, strange, is the decree Smite not any one mercilessly with thy sword, or a sword from on high shall smite thyself. O man, be not reckless, fear God. He is the Emperor of earth and heaven. He is the creator of all animals from the feeble to the strong elephant.

He is the Protector of the miserable, and destroyer of the reckless. What thou my four sons were killed? I remain behind like a coiled snake. What bravery is it to quench a few sparks of life? Thou art merely exciting a raging fire. I will not enter thy presence, nor travel on the same road with thee, but if God so will it, I will proceed against thee.

When thou looks to thane army and wealth. I look to God’s praises. Thou art proud of thane Empire, while I am proud of the Kingdom of the Immortal God, Be not heedless; this caravanserai is only for a few days. People leave it at all times. Even though thou art strong, annoy not the weak. Lay not the axe to the Kingdom.”