| 1619 |
Guru Hargobind was released along with 52 rajas from the Gwalior fort. Naik Hari Ram, Daroga, son of Naik Harbans Lal, Chandsbansi Jadav, Barhtian Kanawat, did deep mala (lighting small lamps all over the house) in honour of release of "bandi chhor" Guru Hargobind from imprisonment, on the date of Diwali. The term "bandi chhor", deliverer from prison, was first used for Guru Hargobind immediately after the release of 52 Rajput princes by Naik Hari Ram, Daroga of Gawalior fort, who had the first hand knowledge of the goings on leading to their release.
==> Guru HAR GOBIND PATSHAH (1595-1644) was born on Hadh 21 sunmat 1652 (June 14, 1595) to father Sri Guru Arjan Dev Patshah and mother Matta Ganga Ji, in village Vadhali. He received his religious education from Baba Budha Ji. Guru Sahib married three time:
1. Damodari Ji, daughter of Dalha resident Narayan Das on Bhadho 12 sunmat 1661;
2. Nanaki Ji, daughter of Bakala resident Hari Chand on Vaisakh 8 sunmat 1670;
3. Mahadevi Ji, daughter of Mandiyala resident Daya Ram on Sawan 11 sunmat 1672.
Guru Sahib had five sons (Baba Gurditta Ji, Suraj Mal, Aani Rai, Atal Rai, and Guru Teg Bahadhur Ji) and one daughter (Bhiro). On Jaeth 29 sunmat 1663 (May 25 1606), while ascended to Guru Gadhi, Guru Har Gobind Patshah changed the previous tradition of wearing "Saeli toppi" (cap) and replaced it with wearing "Kalgi". At the same time, he started the tradition of wearing two swords of "Miri Piri". Observing the prevalent conditions of the nation at that time, Guru Sahib started teaching self-protection skills along with the religious preaching.
Guru Sahib,
* in sunmat 1665, constructed the Takhat "Akal Bungha", in front of Sri Harmindar Sahib,
* in sunmat 1669, established Sri Guru Arjan Dev Sahib’s Dehra in Lahore,
* from sunmat 1670-71 flourished the forest region of Daroli, etc. by residing there,
* in sunmat 1624, helped Mohan and Kalae in establishing Maehraj in Malwa,
* in sunmat 1624, constructed the Kolsar sarowar in Amritsar,
* in 1685, constructed "Bibaek Sar" for Bibaekae Sikhs.
When the Akbar’s policy of assimilation changed to Jahagir’s propaganda against the Sikhs, resulting in the martyrdom of Sri Guru Arjan Dev Patshah, Guru Har Gobind Patshah urged his followers to pick up weapons for their self-protection. He preached self-protection along with his religious message. Upon hearing this, Jahagir arrested and jailed Guru Sahib in Gawalior fort. However, instead of losing popularity, as expected by Jahagir, this action immensely increased the popularity and following of Guru Sahib. Many renowned muslims issued a call for Guru Sahib’s release. As a result, Jahagir not only released Guru Sahib but actively sought to establish some level of friendship. However, when Shahjahan came to power in sunmat 1685, the government policy went strongly against the Sikhs. As a result, Guru Sahib fought the following four wars with the Mughal forces:
- Amritsar war with General Sukhlis Khan in sunmat 1685.
- Sri Gobindpur war with the ruler of Jallandar in sunmat 1687.
- War of Gurusar near Maehraj with General KamarBaeg in sunmat 1688. After this war, Guru Sahib blessed Phul with sovereign rule that subsequently emerged as the Patiala rule.
- Kartarpur war with Kalae Khan, Pandhae Khan, etc. in 1691. Subsequent to this war, Guru Sahib moved his resident to Kiratpur. However, Guru Sahib continued with his active propagation of Sikh faith. He traveled to Kashmir, PiliBheet, Baar, and Malwa and enlightened thousands on to the correct path. As a result many muslims came under the fold of Sikhs. He also encouraged Udasis to travel throughout the world to propagate Guru Nanak’s message.
Guru Sahib left this materialistic world for heavenly abode on Chaet 7 sunmat 1701 (March 3, 1644) after serving as the sixth Guru of GurSikhism for a total of 37 years, 10 months, and 7 days. Guru Sahib’s entire journey through this planet amounted to 48 years, 8 months, and 15 days. Guru Har Rai Patshah ascended to Guru Gadhi after Guru Har Gobind.
"Arjan Har Gobind Nu Simaro Sri Har Rai" (Chandhi 3)
-Ref. Mahan Kosh (pp. 265)
|
