Sikh Missionary
Society:
Sikhism: Gurus: Guru
Har Rai
Guru Har Rai Ji
Mercy and simplicity. |
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Guru Har Rai Ji is the seventh Guru of the Sikhs. He was
the grandson of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. He was born to father Baba
Gurditta and mother Nihal Kaur. He was born on January 16, 1630 at
Kiratpur Sahib. He was married in 1697 B.S. (1640 A.D.) He had two
sons named Ram Rai and Har Krishan Ji. He acceded to Gurgaddi on March
3, 1644.
Guru Har Rai Ji followed the policy of non-violence
and popularized the Sikh ideology of self discipline and love of God. He
consolidated the organization of the Sikhs on peaceful lines. He started
dispensary for the sick and poor people. He made Sikhism strong. He was
kind hearted and fountain of love and tenderness. He believed that the
greatest sin was to hurt others. He believed in serving langar with humility
and kindness.
Once, Guru Har Rai was called to Delhi by the Emperor
Aurangzeb to yield to his cruel designs. The Guru decided not to go to
Delhi himself. He sent his elder son Ram Rai to meet with the Emperor and
interpret Adi Granth Sahib correctly if he was required to do so.
Ram Rai was asked many questions about Sikh and Muslim
religions. He did not want to annoy the Emperor. He performed miracles
to win laurels from Aurangzeb. He even changed a line from Adi Granth
“Mitti Musalman Ki” to “Mitti Be-Iman Ki” (The dust of Musalman to
the dust of treacherous; p-466) to please the Emperor. The action
of changing the sanctity of Gurbani was rejected by Guru Har Rai Ji.
Succession to
Gurgaddi
Due to un-Sikh action, Ram Rai was not found suitable
for Guruship. The emperor pressed upon the Guru to accept claim of Ram
Rai for Guruship.
Ram Rai also tried to persuade his father. The Guru disagreed
by saying, " The Guruship is like a tiger's milk which can only be contained
in a golden cup. Only he who is ready to devote his life thereto is worthy
of it. Let Ram Rai not look on my face again".
Before his eternal rest on October 6, 1661, Guru Har Rai
nominated his younger son, Har Krishan Ji as his successor .
Contemporary
Rulers of India
Shah Jahan from 1627 to 1658 A.D.
Aurangzeb from 1658 to 1707 A.D.
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