GURU HAR RAI JI

(1645-61)

Guru Hargobind Ji’s eldest son Gurditta who had accumulated high reputation, died at a very early age. He, therefore, groomed his grandson—son of Gurditta—as his successor. When the Guru anticipated that it was time for him to depart, he invited all the nears and dears in a grand gathering at Kiratpur, offered ceremonial coconut and five paise, and ordained Har Rai as the seventh Guru in succession. The new Guru was just 14 when he was ordained Guruship. Guru Hargobind Ji was also conscious and cognizant of the fact that the Sikhs were a budding and burgeoning community, which were yet to blossom in full luster, could not afford unceasing warfare. To consolidate and rejuvenate their energies to meet the fierce and furious battles that were yet in the womb of time, they need respite. He could aptly visualize that the stewardship of Guru Har Rai Ji would be quite peaceful and tranquil.

Shah Jahan, the then Emperor, realizing that enmity with a marshal and self-respecting community would not be in his interest, he befriended them. But this friendship was short-lived, since Aurangzeb by imprisoning his father and killing his own brother had captured and firmly settled on the Mughal throne. He was aware that a new faith was fast emerging and it was distinct and different from Islam and Hinduism. The illiberal and intolerant Muslim as Aurangzeb was, he thought of converting the Guru to Islam in order to win over the innumerable followers of his faith. He made a crafty plan to summon the Guru at Delhi to ask him to perform a miracle. And if no miracle was done the Guru would either have to convert to Islam or seek punishment.

Accordingly, the king summoned Guru Ji to Delhi. The Guru and his devotees saw the wily stratagem of the king. But Ram Rai, Guru’s son, felt otherwise. He argued that hand of friendship extended by Aurangzeb should be exploited for the benefit of the community. Thus Ram Rai was sent as an emissary of the Guru to the Mughal King. Despite strict instructions not to perform any miracles being against the Sikh faith, Ram Rai carried out miracles and humoured the king in a sordid manner. Though the king bestowed a robe of honor and other favours on Ram Rai, at Kiratpur, the Guru disowned him as his son and enjoined upon him never to return to him.

Sad and disillusioned at the demeanuor and behaviour of Ram Rai, Guru Ji continued directing the road of religion well. The Sikhs grew and flourished during the peaceful supremacy of Guru Har Rai. At an early age of 30, Guru Ji suddenly left this world forever in the year 1661, having ordained his second son Harkrishan as the successor Guru.