10) AKALI NIHANG GURU GOBIND SINGH SAHIB JI
ਨਾਸਿਰੋ ਮਨਸੂਰ ਗੁਰੁ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ
naasiro manasoor gur gobi(n)dh si(n)gh
Guru Gobind Singh: Protector of the poor and destitute:
ਈਜ਼ਦਿ ਮਨਜ਼ੂਰ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ ॥ ੧੦੫ ॥
e’eezadh manazoor guroo gobi(n)dh si(n)gh || 105 ||
In the protection of Akaal Purakh, and accepted in the court of Waheguru (105)
(Bhai Nand Laal Ji Vaaran)
The tenth manifestation of Sri Akaal Purakh is Guru Gobind Singh ji. Born on 22 December 1666 in Patna Sahib to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and Mata Gujri Ji. A skilled warrior, poet and philosopher, learnt in the various scriptures of different faiths and simultaneously a supreme devotee of Sri Akaal Purakh.
Guru Ji was given Guruship at the age of nine. Guru Ji received high tier education in martial arts and philosophy. In 1684, Guru Ji penned the Chandi Di Vaar composition (the battle between Chandi and the raakash – a metaphorical annihilation of the vices and ego). Guru Ji had three wives, namely Mata Sundari, Mata Jito and Mata Sahib Deva Ji.
Guru Ji was influential in the transformation of the mindset of the Sikh majority. Since the Sikhs were used to calling themselves slaves (Daas) and lacked the confidence to engage in martial warfare, Guru Ji had planned out such an event in history that would change the narrative of the Sikhs completely (for further reading, read Pracheen Panth Parkash Volume 1). On Vaisakhi 1699, Guru Ji had requested the congregation to visit Anandpur. Guru Ji had asked for five heads from the congregation (one after the other) and five Sikhs had come out, namely Bhai Daya Raam, Bhai Dharam Daas, Bhai Himmat Rai, Bhai Mohkam Chand and Bhai Sahib Chand. All five Sikhs were brought to a tent with the Guru and came back in warrior attire. They were administred Khande Di Pahul (Amrit – prepared with water, sugar, a khanda and various compositions from the Guru Granth Sahib Ji) and initiated into the Akali Nihang Khalsa order. After being administered Khande Di Pahul, they were appointed as the Panj Pyare and renamed to Bhai Daya Singh Ji, Bhai Dharam Singh Ji, Bhai Himmat Singh Ji, Bhai Mohkam Singh Ji and Bhai Sahib Singh Ji. They were given a status equivalent to the Guru. Hence, after being initiated, the Guru himself kneel’d down and requested for Pahul at the hands of the Panj Pyare. Guru Gobind Rai was renamed to Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
Guru Ji had finalised the Guru Granth Sahib Ji by including the hymns of his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji and including his own Salok. Guru Ji had also composed the Sri Dasam Guru Granth Sahib, containing many hymns in various languages. Guru Gobind Singh Ji had a strong stance against the Mughals and the Hill Rajeh. He had fought 13 battles against tyrannical and oppressive forces.
He was father to the Chaar Sahibzade, namely Sahibzada Baba Ajit Singh Ji, Sahibzada Baba Jujhar Singh Ji, Sahibzada Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Mahakaal Baba Fateh Singh Ji. All four sons had attained Shaheedi (martyrdom) for their general, the Guru. Despite losing his whole family, Guru Ji remained in chardikala (high spirits) and stated that he still had thousands of sons (the Khalsa) who were Tyaar Bur Tyaar and ready to destroy evil.
After the defeat of Aurangzeb in 1707, Wazir Khan had sent two Afghans to follow Guru Ji’s Fauj and assassinate the Guru whilst he was resting in his tent. Guru Ji was stabbed by one of the Afghans. Guru Ji, who always remained Tyaar Bur Tyaar had fought back and defeated the assassin. The other assassin was put to death by the Fauj. Guru Gobind Singh Ji did Akaal Chalana a few days later, with the Gurgaddi going to both the Sri Guru Khalsa Panth and the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (Adi Granth, Dasam Granth and Sarbloh Granth).