Guru Gobind Singh Ji jivani, the tenth Sikh Guru, was born in 1666 in Patna Sahib, India. Renowned as a warrior, poet, and spiritual leader, he transformed Sikhism with his visionary leadership. In 1699, he founded the Khalsa, a collective of dedicated Sikhs, emphasizing equality, courage, and selfless service. Guru Gobind Singh Ji faced numerous challenges, including battles against oppressive rulers, yet his commitment to justice, truth, and faith remained unwavering. He authored significant works, including the Dasam Granth, and instilled the importance of Naam (divine remembrance) and Seva (service) in his followers. His legacy continues to inspire millions worldwide. Let’s explore the Guru Gobind Singh ji jivani in detail.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji Jivani
Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of Sikhism, holds a significant place in the Sikh community. His birth anniversary is celebrated as an important occasion. As per the Hindu calendar, Guru Gobind Singh Ji was born on the Saptami Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Paush, during Samvat 1723.
Born on December 22, 1666, and passing on October 7, 1708, Guru Gobind Singh, also known as Gobind Das or Gobind Rai, was not only a spiritual leader but also a warrior, poet, and philosopher. Following the execution of his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur, by Aurangzeb, Guru Gobind Singh ascended as the leader of the Sikhs at just nine years old, becoming the final human Sikh Guru. During his life, he endured the tragic loss of his four sons—two in battle and two executed by Mughal governor Wazir Khan.
Guru Gobind Singh’s legacy includes the establishment of the Khalsa, the Sikh warrior community, in 1699, and the introduction of the 5Ks, five symbolic articles of faith worn by Khalsa Sikhs. He is credited with composing the Dasam Granth, which remains integral to Sikh prayers and Khalsa traditions. Additionally, he finalized and declared the Guru Granth Sahib as the central scripture and eternal Guru of Sikhism.
Guru Gobind Singh Original Name: Gobind Rai
Guru Gobind Singh Date of Birth: January 5, 1666
Death Date: October 7, 1708
Place of Death: Hazur Sahib, Nanded, India
Age at the Time of Death: 42
Early Life & Full Family of Guru Gobind Singh Ji
Gobind Singh was the only son of the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur and Mata Gujri. He was born on 22 December 1666 in Patna, Bihar, while his father was touring Bengal and Assam. His birth name was Gobind Das/Rai, and a temple called Takht Sri Patna Harimander Sahib marks the site of the house where he was born and spent the first four years of his life. In 1670, his family returned to Punjab, and in March 1672 he moved to Chak Nanaki in the Himalayan foothills of northern India, called the Shivalik Range, where he was schooled.
His father Guru Tegh Bahadur was petitioned by Kashmiri Pandits in 1675 for protection from fanatical persecution by Iftikar Khan, the Mughal governor of Kashmir under the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Tegh Bahadur met with Aurangzeb to discuss a peaceful solution, but was cautioned by his advisors that his life might be in danger. The young Gobind Rai—who was known as Gobind Singh after 1699—advised his father that there was no one more worthy than him to lead and make sacrifices.
His father attempted, but was publicly arrested in Delhi on 11 November 1675 for refusing to convert to Islam under orders of Aurangzeb and the ongoing conflicts between Sikhism and the Islamic Empire. Before he died Guru Tegh Bahadur wrote a letter to Guru Gobind Rai (the letter was called Mahalla Daswain and is part of the Guru Granth Sahib) as a final test to find the next Guru, in memory of his father’s martyrdom. Later he was made the tenth Sikh Guru on Vaisakhi on 29 March 1676.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s education continued even after he became the 10th Guru, in reading and writing as well as martial arts such as horse riding and archery. Guru learned Persian in one year and began training in martial arts at the age of 6. In 1684, he wrote Chandi Di War in the Punjabi language—a mythological war between good and evil, where goodness stands against injustice and tyranny, as described in the ancient Sanskrit text Markandeya Purana. He lived in Paonta on the banks of river Yamuna till 1685.
Full Family of Guru Gobind Singh Ji
Parents
- Father: Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji
- Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (1621–1675) was the ninth Guru of Sikhism, renowned for his spiritual teachings and selfless sacrifice.
- He was martyred in Delhi by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb for opposing forced religious conversions and defending the rights of Hindus and other oppressed communities.
- His martyrdom deeply influenced Guru Gobind Singh Ji and shaped his mission to resist tyranny and uphold justice.
- Mother: Mata Gujri Ji
- Mata Gujri Ji (1624–1705) was a woman of immense faith, strength, and resilience.
- She raised Guru Gobind Singh Ji during his early years, nurturing his spiritual and moral development.
- Mata Gujri Ji was martyred in December 1705 in Sirhind after being imprisoned by the Mughal forces. She remained steadfast in her faith, even as her grandsons, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh, were executed.
Wives
Guru Gobind Singh Ji had three wives, who supported him in his spiritual mission and personal life:
- Mata Jito: At the age of 10, he married Mata Jito on 21 June 1677 at Basantgarh, 10 km north of Anandpur. The couple had three sons:
Jujhar Singh (1691),
Zorawar Singh (1696)
Fateh Singh (1699). - Mata Sundari: At the age of 17, he married Mata Sundari on 4 April 1684 at Anandapur. The couple had one son, Ajit Singh (1687).
- Mata Sahib Devan: At the age of 33, he married Mata Sahib Devan on 15 April 1700 at Anandpur. He had no children, but had an influential role in Sikhism. Guru Gobind Singh declared her as the mother of the Khalsa. Guru initially rejected her marriage proposal, as he was already married and had four sons. The Sangat and Guru’s family agreed to the marriage.
But Guru Gobind Singh made it clear that his relationship with Mata Sahib Diwan would be spiritual and not physical. Guru Gobind Singh’s life example and leadership have been of historical importance for the Sikhs. He institutionalized the Khalsa, which played an important role in protecting the Sikhs long after his death, such as during the nine invasions of Punjab and Afghanistan between 1747 and 1769 during the holy war led by Ahmad Shah Abdali.
Children
Guru Gobind Singh Ji had four sons, collectively known as the Sahibzadas, all of whom displayed extraordinary courage and sacrificed their lives for the Sikh faith:
- Sahibzada Ajit Singh (1687–1705)
- The eldest son, known for his bravery and leadership in battle.
- He fought valiantly in several battles, including the defense of Anandpur Sahib.
- He attained martyrdom at the age of 18 in the Battle of Chamkaur while fighting against Mughal forces.
- Sahibzada Jujhar Singh (1691–1705)
- The second son, who followed in the footsteps of his elder brother.
- He joined Sahibzada Ajit Singh in the Battle of Chamkaur, where he was martyred at the age of 14.
- Sahibzada Zorawar Singh (1696–1705)
- The third son, remembered for his unwavering faith and courage.
- He was captured along with his younger brother by Mughal forces in Sirhind.
- Both brothers were offered wealth and power to convert to Islam, but they refused and were executed at the ages of nine and six, respectively.
- Sahibzada Fateh Singh (1699–1705)
- The youngest son, renowned for his exceptional bravery and steadfastness in Sikh principles.
- He shared the same fate as Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and was executed alongside him.
Grandparents
- Paternal Grandfather: Guru Hargobind Ji
- The sixth Sikh Guru, known for introducing the concept of Miri and Piri (temporal and spiritual leadership).
- He emphasized the need for Sikhs to defend their faith and stand against oppression.
- Paternal Grandmother: Mata Nanaki Ji
- She was a pious woman who contributed significantly to the spiritual upbringing of her family.
Uncle
- Baba Kirpal Chand
- Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s elder brother, Baba Kirpal Chand, was an influential figure in the family.
- He acted as a mentor and protector to Guru Gobind Singh Ji during his early years.
Foundation of Khalsa Panth
In 1699, during the annual Vaisakhi festival, Guru Gobind Singh summoned Sikhs to assemble at Anandpur. According to Sikh tradition, he called for a volunteer from the gathering. When one stepped forward, the Guru took him into a tent and later emerged alone with a bloodied sword. This process repeated four more times, each time with the Guru returning alone and carrying a bloodied sword. After the fifth volunteer entered the tent, Guru Gobind Singh returned with all five volunteers unharmed. These five became known as the Panj Pyare, the first Khalsa in Sikh history.
The Guru then prepared Amrit (nectar) by mixing water and sugar in an iron bowl and stirring it with a double-edged sword while reciting hymns from the Adi Granth. He administered this sacred nectar to the Panj Pyare, marking their initiation into the Khalsa. Guru Gobind Singh gave them the title “Singh” (lion) to symbolize their newfound courage and unity.
Guru Gobind Singh 5 Pyare
The five Sikh men who were the first to receive the Khalsa baptism and were given the surname of Singh are:
- Bhai Daya Singh
- Bhai Dharam Singh
- Bhai Himmat Singh
- Bhai Mohkam Singh
- Bhai Sahib Singh
The Five Ks (Panj Kakar)
- The Khalsa members were instructed to observe five articles of faith, collectively known as the Five Ks:
- Kesh: Uncut hair, symbolizing spirituality and respect for God’s creation.
- Kangha: A wooden comb, representing cleanliness and order.
- Kara: A steel bracelet, signifying unity with God and moral discipline.
- Kachera: Cotton undergarments, promoting self-control and chastity.
- Kirpan: A ceremonial sword, embodying the duty to protect and uphold justice.
After baptizing the Panj Pyare, the Guru himself was baptized by them, making him the sixth member of the Khalsa and changing his name from Guru Gobind Rai to Guru Gobind Singh. This ceremony, known as Khande Ka Pahul, established a warrior community and replaced the earlier Charan Pahul ritual, where initiates drank water sanctified by the touch of the Guru’s or Masand’s toe.
Sikh Granth Sahib
The credit for Dasham Granth goes to Guru Gobind Singh. Among other things it covers the warrior-saint mythology of ancient India. Piara Singh Padam in his Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji De Darbari Ratan has highlighted that Guru Gobind Singh respected the pen as much as he respected the sword.
Guru Gobind Singh is credited in the Sikh tradition with finalizing the Kartarpur Pothi of the Guru Granth Sahib—the primary scripture of Sikhism. The final version accepted the external hymns not in other versions, and included the compositions of his father Guru Tegh Bahadur. Guru Gobind Singh also declared this text to be the eternal Guru for the Sikhs.
Guru Gobind Singh is also credited with the Dasham Granth. It is a controversial religious text that is considered second scripture by some Sikhs, and of disputed authority by other Sikhs. The standard version of the text consists of 1,428 pages with 17,293 verses in 18 sections. The Dasham Granth includes hymns, mythological stories from Hindu texts, celebration of the woman as goddess Durga, erotic fables, an autobiography, secular stories from the Puranas and Mahabharata, letters to the Mughal Emperor, among others. In the form of a reverent discussion of warriors and theology.
According to the Bansavalinama written in 1755 by Kesar Singh Chhibber, the Sikhs requested that Guru Gobind Singh merge the Dasam Granth with the Guru Granth Sahib. Guru Gobind Singh responded to the request, saying, “This is the Adi Guru Granth; Original book. That one (Dasam Granth) is only to divert my attention. Keep this in mind and keep the two separate.”
The Dasam Granth has an important role in the daily life of initiated and dedicated Khalsa Sikhs. Parts of its compositions such as Jaap Sahib, Tav-Prasad Sawai and Benti Chaupai are sacred religious verses used in daily prayers (Nitnem) and initiation of Khalsa Sikhs.
Wars Fought By Guru Gobind Singh Ji
The period following the execution of Guru Teg Bahadur — Guru Gobind Singh’s father, was a period where the Mughal Empire under Aurangzeb was a hostile enemy of the Sikh people. The Sikhs resisted under the leadership of Gobind Singh and Muslim-Sikh conflicts were at their peak during this period. Both the Mughal administration and Aurangzeb’s army had an active interest in Guru Gobind Singh. Aurangzeb issued orders to eliminate Guru Gobind Singh and his family.
Guru Gobind Singh believed in a Dharma Yudh (war in defense of righteousness), something that is fought as a last resort, neither out of a desire for revenge nor for greed nor for any destructive goal. For Guru Gobind Singh, one must be prepared to die to stop oppression, end oppression and protect one’s own religious values. With these objectives in mind he led fourteen wars, but never captured or harmed anyone’s place of worship.
Total Wars Fought By Guru Gobind Singh Ji
Shree Guru Gobind Singh ji fought 13 battles against the Mughal Empire and the kings of the Shivalik Hills.
1 The Battle of Bhangani (1688), which narrates Chapter 8 of Gobind Singh’s Bichitra play, when Fateh Shah, along with the mercenary commanders Hayat Khan and Najabat Khan, attacked his army aimlessly. The Guru was aided by the forces of Kripal (his maternal uncle) and a Brahmin named Daya Ram, both of whom he praises as heroes in his text. A cousin of the Guru named Sango Shah, cousin of Guru Hargobind’s daughter, was killed in the battle.
2 Battle of Nadaun (1691), against the Islamic forces of Mian Khan and his son Alif Khan, who were defeated by the allied forces of Shree Guru Gobind Singh, Bhim Chand and other Hindu kings of the Himalayan foothills. The non-Muslims associated with the Guru refused to pay homage to the Islamic authorities based in Jammu.
In 1693, Aurangzeb was fighting the Hindu Marathas in the Deccan region of India, and he issued orders preventing Guru Gobind Singh and the Sikhs from gathering at Anandpur in large numbers.
3 Battle of Guler (1696), against Rustam Khan, son of the first Muslim commander Dilawar Khan, near the Sutlej River, where the Guru, along with the Hindu Raja of Guler, repulsed the Muslim army. The commander sent his general Hussain Khan against the forces of the Guru and Guler Empire, a battle was fought near Pathankot, and Hussain Khan was defeated and killed by the combined forces.
4 Battle of Anandpur (1700), against the Mughal army of Aurangzeb, who sent 10,000 soldiers under the command of Penda Khan and Dina Beg. In a direct battle between Guru Gobind Singh and Penda Khan, the latter was killed. His death caused the Mughal army to flee the battlefield.
5 Battle of Anandpur (1701), the hill kings of northern Punjab regrouped after the defeat at Anandpur the previous year and resumed their campaign against the Sikh Guru Gobind Singh, besieging Anandpur, north-east of Ludhiana. Joined forces with Gujar tribals. The Gurjar leader Jagatullah was killed on the first day and the Rajas were repulsed after a brilliant defense led by the Guru’s son Ajit Singh.
6 Battle of Nirmohgarh (1702), led by Wazir Khan, against Aurangzeb’s army reinforced by the hill kings of the Shivalik Hills on the banks of Nirmohgarh. The battle continued for two days, with heavy losses on both sides, and Wazir Khan’s army was driven out of the battlefield.
7 Battle of Basoli (1702), against the Mughal army; In the name of the kingdom of Basoli whose king Dharampul had supported the Guru in the war. The Mughal army was supported by the rival kingdom of Kahlur led by Raja Ajmer Chand. The fighting ended when both sides reached a strategic peace.
8 First Battle of Chamkaur (1702), the Mughal army was routed.
9 First Battle of Anandpur (1704), Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb sent a new army into northern Punjab under General Sayyid Khan, who was later replaced by Ramzan Khan. In very heavy fighting around the Sikh stronghold at Anandpur, north-east of Ludhiana, Ramzan was mortally wounded and his force again retreated.
10 Second Battle of Anandapur According to scholars, this battle was triggered by the spread of armed Sikhs into Anandapur, the increasing numbers creating shortage of supplies. This led the Sikhs to raid local villages for supplies, food and fodder, which dramatically frustrated the local hill kings who formed alliances and attacked Shri Guru Gobind Singh’s legacy. The Mughal commander was mortally wounded by the Sikh soldiers, and the army retreated.
In May 1704, Aurangzeb sent a large army with two generals, Wazir Khan and Zabardast Khan, to destroy the Sikh resistance. The approach adopted by the Islamic army in this battle was to conduct a long siege against Anandapur from May to December, with repeated fighting as well as cutting off all food and other supplies coming and going. During the siege of Anandpur in 1704 some Sikh men deserted the Guru and fled to their homes where their women shamed them and they rejoined the Guru’s army and died fighting with him in 1705.
Ultimately, the Guru, his family and followers accepted an offer of safe passage from Anandpur by Aurangzeb. However, as they left Anandpur in two batches, they were attacked, and one batch including Mata Gujri and the Guru’s two sons — Zorawar Singh, age 8, and Fateh Singh, age 5 — were taken prisoner by the Mughal army. . Both his children were killed by being buried alive in a wall. Grandmother Gujri also died there.
11 Battle of Sarsa (1704), against the Mughal army led by General Wazir Khan; In early December the Muslim commander had conveyed Aurangzeb’s promise of safe passage to Shree Guru Gobind Singh and his family. However, when the Guru accepted the offer and left, Wazir Khan took the captives, killed them and pursued the Guru. The retreating troops accompanying them were repeatedly attacked from the rear, with the Sikhs suffering heavy losses, especially while crossing the Sarsa River.
12 The Battle of Chamkaur (1704), is considered one of the most important battles in Sikh history. It was against the Mughal army led by Nahar Khan; The Muslim commander was killed, while on the Sikh side, the Guru’s remaining two elder sons—Ajit Singh and Jujhar Singh, along with other Sikh soldiers—were killed in the battle.
13 Battle of Muktsar (1705), in the arid region of Khidrana-ki-Dhab, the Guru’s army was again attacked by the Mughal army, hunted by General Wazir Khan. The Mughals were again blocked, but with many losses of Sikh lives—notably the famous Chalis Mukte (literally, “forty free”), and this was the last battle under the leadership of Shree Guru Gobind Singh. The battle site of Khidrana was renamed by Ranjit Singh about 100 years later as Mukta-sar (literally “lake of liberation”) after the ancient Indian tradition of “mukt” (salvation), in honor of those who fought for the liberation. Gave his life for.
Also Read: 100+ Inspiring Guru Gobind Singh Ji Gurpurab Quotes & Wishes
Post-War Years
After the Second Battle of Anandapur in 1704, the Guru and his remaining soldiers moved and lived in various places, including hiding in places such as the Machhiwada forest in southern Punjab. Some of the various places in North, West and Central India where the Guru lived after 1705 include Hehar with Kirpal Das (uncle), Manuke, Mehdiyana, Chakkar, Takhtupura, and Madhe and Dina (Malwa (Punjab) region). . He stayed with relatives or trusted Sikhs, such as the three grandsons of Rai Jodh, a devotee of Guru Har Gobind.
Who Composed The Zafarnama?
The Zafarnama, meaning “The Epistle of Victory,” is a historical letter written by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Guru of Sikhism. Composed in 1705, the letter is addressed to the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and holds immense significance in Sikh history as a powerful expression of resilience, faith, and moral integrity.
Composition of the Zafarnama
- Context and Background
- In 1705, after enduring a series of battles and betrayals, Guru Gobind Singh Ji and his followers faced immense hardship.
- Following the Battle of Chamkaur, where the Guru lost his two elder sons (Sahibzada Ajit Singh and Sahibzada Jujhar Singh) and numerous devoted Sikhs, the Guru retreated to Machhiwara.
- Despite being promised safe passage by Aurangzeb’s officials, the Mughal forces repeatedly betrayed Guru Gobind Singh Ji, attacking him and his followers.
- The Zafarnama was composed to confront Aurangzeb about his actions and remind him of the principles of justice and morality he had forsaken.
- Language and Style
- The Zafarnama was written in Persian, the official language of the Mughal court, and is a masterpiece of poetic and rhetorical expression.
- It contains 111 verses and blends eloquence with firm rebuke, showcasing Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s literary and spiritual prowess.
Themes of the Zafarnama
- Rebuke for Betrayal
- Shree Guru Gobind Singh Ji condemns Aurangzeb for breaking his promises and betraying the trust of his subjects. He highlights the emperor’s hypocrisy in claiming to uphold Islam while engaging in deceit and injustice.
- Moral and Spiritual Authority
- The Guru asserts his moral and spiritual superiority, emphasizing that divine justice transcends earthly power. He reminds Aurangzeb that God is the ultimate judge of all actions.
- Courage and Resilience
- Despite the loss of his family and followers, the Guru declares his unwavering faith and strength. He warns Aurangzeb that his empire will crumble if it continues to violate ethical principles.
- Call for Reflection
- Guru Gobind Singh Ji appeals to Aurangzeb’s conscience, urging him to reflect on his misdeeds and seek forgiveness from God.
Notable Verses
One of the most famous verses from the Zafarnama encapsulates Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s indomitable spirit:
“Chun Kar Az Hama Heelt-e-Dar Guzasht,
Halal Ast Burdan Ba-Shamsheer Dast.”
(When all other means have failed,
It is righteous to draw the sword.)
This verse signifies the Sikh philosophy of standing against injustice when peaceful measures are exhausted.
Delivery of the Zafarnama
- The Zafarnama was carried to Aurangzeb by Daya Singh and Dharam Singh, two of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s trusted Sikhs.
- The letter reached Aurangzeb when he was in Deccan (Southern India). It reportedly left a deep impact on the emperor, who expressed remorse for his actions.
Significance of the Zafarnama
- Moral Victory
- Despite facing material losses, Guru Gobind Singh Ji asserted his spiritual and moral victory over the Mughal emperor.
- The letter symbolizes the triumph of truth and justice over tyranny and deceit.
- Legacy in Sikhism
- The Zafarnama continues to inspire Sikhs as a testament to the Guru’s courage, wisdom, and unshakable faith.
- It is a reminder of the importance of standing up against oppression, regardless of the odds.
- Impact on Aurangzeb
- Historical accounts suggest that the Zafarnama deeply affected Aurangzeb, leading him to reconsider his policies and seek redemption in his final years.
The Zafarnama remains a timeless document, showcasing the principles of Sikhism and the resolute spirit of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. It is not just a letter but a profound lesson in resilience, justice, and the ultimate power of truth.
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FAQ’s
Q1 To which Mughal ruler did Guru Gobind Singh Ji write the letter named Zafarnama?Ans: Guru Gobind Singh Ji wrote the Zafarnama to Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
Q2 How many wives did Guru Gobind Singh Ji have?
Ans: Guru Gobind Singh Ji had three wives:
- Mata Jito Ji (also referred to as Mata Ajit Kaur Ji)
- Mata Sundari Ji
- Mata Sahib Devan Ji
Q3 Who laid the foundation of the Khalsa Panth?
Ans: The foundation of the Khalsa Panth was laid by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699.
Q4 To which Mughal ruler did Guru Gobind Singh Ji write the letter named Zafarnama?Ans: Guru Gobind Singh Ji wrote the Zafarnama to Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
Q5 The Sikh Guru who wrote Zafarnama in Persian was?
Ans: The Sikh Guru who wrote the Zafarnama in Persian was Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
Also Read: Amazing 100+ Mahakavi Kalidas Ke Dohe In Hindi & English
Conclusion: In this article we have dicussed Guru Gobind Singh Ji jivani, the tenth Sikh Guru, was a spiritual leader, warrior, and poet who founded the Khalsa Panth in 1699. His life exemplified courage, sacrifice, and unwavering faith. His teachings continue to inspire Sikhs worldwide, emphasizing justice, equality, and the protection of righteousness.
