Shri Guru Arjan Dev Ji Shaheedi Diwas – Significance, Life History & More

Sakshi Goyal posted on Wednesday, Apr 24th, 2024

Shri Guru Arjan Devi Ji, the fifth guru of Sikhs was the image of godly devotion, universal love, and selfless service. One of the greatest Sikh gurus, he compiled the Shri  Guru Granth Sahib and even laid the foundation Stone of Harmandir Sahib – The Golden Temple. 

No doubt his whole life is no less than an inspirational book that motivates and guides the present generation to move on the path of love and devotion. Let’s have a look at the life story of Shri Guru Arjan Dev Ji and enrich our souls with his moral teachings.

Everything About Shri Guru Arjan Dev Ji 

Born in 1563, in Goindwal, Guru Arjan Dev Ji was the successor and son of Gur Ramdas Ji, the fourth of the 10 Sikh Gurus. He was the first martyr of the Sikh religion who was executed on the orders of a Mughal emperor named Jahangir.

Life History Guru Arjan Dev Ji  – 

Guru Arjan Dev Ji history in Punjabi culture holds great significance for several reasons. Guru Arjan Dev Ji was the fifth Guru of Sikhism and played an important role in shaping Sikh traditions and Punjabi culture as a whole. 

Various Punjabi tribes like the Jatt, Rajput, Khatri, and even Muslim Pir became followers of Shri Guru Arjan Dev Ji as they were impressed with his valuable life lessons and messages of peace and harmony. 

Hence, Sikhism was gaining popularity which was a concern for the Mughal leaders. 

As a result, envy took birth in the minds and hearts of strict and fundamentalist Muslims who then started being aggressive towards the Guru. This led to his arrest by Emperor Jahangir in the Fort of Lahore. Shri Guru Arjan Dev Ji was not only imprisoned but excessively tortured. He was made to sit on a red-hot big iron plate and hot sand was poured on his body. 

To commemorate his sacrifices and mark his legacy, Guru Arjan Dev Ji Shaheedi Diwas is observed every year. 

Dhan Guru Arjan Dev Ji Shaheedi Diwas 2024

This year, the shaheedi diwas of Guru Arjan Dev Ji will be observed on June 16th, that is, Sunday. On Guru Arjan Dev Ji Shaheedi Diwas, people arrange langars, various religious events are held and a reading of Shri Guru Granth Sahib is done. 

Also, every year, a batch of Sikh pilgrims known as Jatha visit Pakistan to seek blessings at the Gurudwara of Dehra Sahib, Lahore. The day of Shaheedi is all about peace, harmony, brotherhood, moral teachings, courage to sacrifice, and acceptance. 

Shri Guru Arjan Dev Ji Bani – Contributions Of The Guru

Shri Guru Arjan Dev Ji wrote Sukhmani Sahib which is a set of 192 hymns. Also known as the “Hymn Of Peace”, this bani of Guru Arjan Dev Ji presents teachings of Sikhism and helps build a fresh perspective. 

Here are some cantos from Guru Arjan Dev Ji bani in Guru Granth Sahib for better understanding:  

• ਸਤਿਗੁਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਨਿਧਾਨੁ ਦ੍ਰਿੜਾਇਆ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਸਗਲ ਬਿਨਾਸੀ ॥
  Sathigur Naam Nidhhaan Dhrirraaeiaa Chinthaa Sagal Binaasee ||
  The True Guru has implanted the treasure of the Naam within me, and all my anxieties have been dispelled.
             ਸੋਰਠਿ (ਮਃ ੫) (੨੫) ੨:੧ – ਗੁਰੂ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ : ਅੰਗ ੬੧੫ ਪੰ. ੧੯

• ਕਰਿ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਅਪੁਨੋ ਕਰਿ ਲੀਨਾ ਮਨਿ ਵਸਿਆ ਅਬਿਨਾਸੀ ॥੨॥
              Kar Kirapaa Apuno Kar Leenaa Man Vasiaa Abinaasee ||2||
  By His Mercy, He has made me His own, and the imperishable Lord has come to dwell within my mind. ||2||
  ਸੋਰਠਿ (ਮਃ ੫) (੨੫) ੨:੨ – ਗੁਰੂ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ : ਅੰਗ ੬੧੬ ਪੰ. ੧

• ਤਾ ਕਉ ਬਿਘਨੁ ਨ ਕੋਊ ਲਾਗੈ ਜੋ ਸਤਿਗੁਰਿ ਅਪੁਨੈ ਰਾਖੇ ॥
            Thaa Ko Bighan N Kooo Laagai Jo Sathigur Apunai Raakhae ||
  No misfortune afflicts one who is protected by the True Guru.
  ਸੋਰਠਿ (ਮਃ ੫) (੨੫) ੩:੧ – ਗੁਰੂ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ : ਅੰਗ ੬੧੬ ਪੰ. ੧

Along with Guru Arjan Dev Ji Shabad, the present generation is guided by the feelings of brotherhood, peace, and harmony that are preached and followed extensively in Harmandir Sahib. Popularly known as the Golden Temple, the foundation stone of Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar was laid by Guru Arjan Dev Ji. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Guru Arjan Dev Ji tatti tavi?

A: The burning iron plate on which Guru Arjan Dev ji was forced to sit while red hot sand was poured on their body is known as tatti tavi. 

Q: When was Shri Guru Arjan Dev Ji born?

 A: Shri Guru Arjan Dev Ji was born on 15 April 1563.

Q: How many gurus are there in Sikhism?

 A: There are a total of 10 gurus in Sikhism. 

Q: How to reach Golden Temple from Australia?

A: Golden Temple is located in Amritsar, India. To reach there take your flight to Delhi from Australia. After reaching the airport, you can book a flight to Amritsar and reach Golden Temple via cabs and autos.

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