Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti 2025 - Jan 06 (Monday)

Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708 C.E.) became the 10^th Sikh Guru after his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur, had sacrificed his life to protect the freedom of worship by Hindus, who were being threatened with conversion or death by Muslim rulers. Abduction of women and pillage of goods were rampant, but the people were too timid and terrorized to resist. Amid this political situation, Guru Gobind Singh gained great stature as both Saint and soldier a leader of firm spiritual principles and intense devotion to God, and at the same time, fearless dedication to protecting all people from oppression and injustice through the practice of Kshatradharma.

In 1699, he dramatically initiated five men from the lower castes as His Five Beloveds, blessing them with great courage as well as nearness to God. They became models for the Khalsa, the Order of the Pure, which Guru Gobind Singh created to stand on the front line against injustice. The Khalsa were held to a very strict moral and spiritual discipline and under Guru Gobind Singh s courageous inspiration, helped to turn the tide against Mughal oppression in India.

In addition to his spiritual and military leadership, Guru Gobind Singh was a gifted intellectual and had many poets in his court. He was inspired to write many powerful spiritual compositions that infused a martial spirit in the people.

This included the Jaap Sahib, but He did not include them in the Sikh scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib. His writings have instead been collected in a separate volume, called the Dasam Granth. He instructed the Sikhs to regard the Guru Granth Sahib as their teacher. The Guru Granth Sahib is the perpetual guru of the Sikhs today.

Guru Gobind Singh is surrounded by several legends and stories that highlight his spiritual strength, leadership, and commitment to righteousness. Here are a few notable ones:

1. Formation of the Khalsa: One of the most significant legends is the formation of the Khalsa in 1699. Guru Gobind Singh asked for volunteers willing to sacrifice their lives for righteousness. He then initiated the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones) who were willing to give their heads (symbolically) for the Guru. This event established the Khalsa Panth and reinforced the principles of courage, equality, and devotion in Sikhism.

2. Bachittar Natak: Guru Gobind Singh's autobiography, Bachittar Natak, narrates his early life, spiritual experiences, and the reasons for his battles against tyranny. It's considered a sacred text in Sikhism, offering insights into his divine mission and the principles he upheld.

3. The Battle of Chamkaur: During this battle in 1704, Guru Gobind Singh and his small army defended themselves against a much larger Mughal force. Despite being vastly outnumbered, they fought bravely, and the Guru's sons displayed extraordinary courage. This event underscores Guru Gobind Singh's valor and determination in the face of adversity.

4. Spiritual Teachings: Guru Gobind Singh emphasized the importance of spiritual discipline, moral courage, and social justice. His writings and teachings, compiled in the Dasam Granth, continue to inspire Sikhs worldwide, encouraging them to live with integrity and serve humanity.

The celebration of Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti, also known as Prakash Utsav, varies among Sikh communities but generally includes several key observances:

1. Nagar Kirtan: This is a procession involving the Guru Granth Sahib and Sikh community members singing hymns and prayers. It usually takes place a day before Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti and moves through the streets of the town or city where Sikhs reside.

2. Akhand Path: This is a continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, which begins a few days before Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti and concludes on the day of the celebration. It involves devout Sikhs taking turns to read the scripture non-stop.

3. Kirtan and Katha: Special hymns (kirtan) are sung in praise of Guru Gobind Singh, and sermons (katha) are delivered recounting his life, teachings, and contributions.

4. Langar: Community kitchens (langar) are set up where volunteers prepare and serve free meals to all visitors, regardless of their background, reflecting the Sikh principles of equality and service.

5. Fireworks and Processions: In some places, especially in India, fireworks are set off to mark the occasion. Processions may also include martial arts displays (gatka) and other cultural performances.

6. Prayers and Ardas: Special prayers are offered to seek the Guru's blessings, followed by the ardas (a formal Sikh prayer of supplication) which concludes most Sikh ceremonies.

7. Seva (Service): Sikhs emphasize performing acts of selfless service (seva) during this time, such as helping with the langar, cleaning the Gurdwara premises, or assisting with organizing the events.

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