Sikh History & Our Gurus

Explore the lineage of the Ten Sikh Gurus and the eternal Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

1. Guru Nanak Dev Ji

1469 CE - 1539 CE

The founder of the Sikh faith, born in Talwandi. He traveled extensively, preaching equality for all regardless of caste, creed, or sex, and taught that 'There is no Hindu and no Musalman'.

2. Guru Angad Dev Ji

1504 CE - 1552 CE

Introduced the Gurmukhi script to record the Gurus' teachings. He also solidified the concept of Langar (Free Kitchen) to break all caste barriers.

3. Guru Amardas Ji

1479 CE - 1574 CE

Constructed the Baoli at Goindwal and advocated for radical social changes, including denouncing the Purdah system, untouchability, and inter-caste taboos.

4. Guru Ram Das Ji

1534 CE - 1581 CE

Laid the foundations for the holiest Sikh shrine, the Harimandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar, establishing a central rallying point for the community.

5. Guru Arjan Dev Ji

1563 CE - 1606 CE

Completed the Harimandir Sahib and consolidated the Adi Granth. He became the first Sikh martyr after being tortured by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir.

6. Guru Har Gobind Ji

1595 CE - 1644 CE

Introduced the concept of Miri and Piri (two swords representing secular and spiritual life) and forged a Sikh army to protect against religious persecution.

7. Guru Har Rai Ji

1630 CE - 1661 CE

Led during a more peaceful era, focusing on the spiritual consolidation of previous teachings while maintaining the Sikh military readiness.

8. Guru Har Krishan Ji

1656 CE - 1664 CE

Endowed with the Guruship at the tender age of five. He displayed great wisdom in Delhi before his untimely passing at age eight.

9. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji

1621 CE - 1675 CE

Embodied both martial talent and meditative spirituality. He was martyred by Emperor Aurengzeb for defending the religious freedom of others.

10. Guru Gobind Singh Ji

1666 CE - 1708 CE

Formed the Khalsa Panth in 1699. He introduced the baptism of Amrit and the strict code of the Five K's: Kes, Kanga, Kirpan, Kara, and Kachhera.

11. Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Eternal Guru

Finalized in 1705, containing 1430 pages of hymns from the Gurus, Muslim Sufis, and Hindu theologians. It serves as the eternal spiritual guide for all Sikhs today.