Guru Arjan Dev Ji: The Fifth Sikh Guru

Guru Arjan Dev Ji's greatest gift to Sikhism is the Adi Granth (meaning "First Book") – the original compilation of Sikh holy scriptures. Before Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the hymns of the Gurus were preserved orally or in scattered manuscripts written by different followers. There was a real risk that false hymns would be added or that authentic ones would be lost. Guru Arjan Dev Ji recognized the need for an authorized, standardized collection. In 1604, he began the monumental task of compiling all authentic hymns. He collected the writings of: the first four Gurus (Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Guru Angad Dev Ji, Guru Amar Das Ji, and Guru Ram Das Ji); his own compositions (2,218 hymns – more than any other Guru except Guru Nanak Dev Ji); and the writings of 15 Bhagats (saint-poets) from Hindu and Muslim traditions – including Kabir, Ravidas, Namdev, Trilochan, and Sheikh Farid. This inclusion of non-Sikh saints was revolutionary. Guru Arjan Dev Ji was saying: "Truth is not exclusive to Sikhism. Wherever there is love for God, wherever there is wisdom, wherever there is devotion – we honor that." The hymns were not simply copied. Guru Arjan Dev Ji arranged them into 31 musical ragas (melodic measures), with each raga having a specific mood and time of day for singing. He also created a structure: the Guru Granth Sahib begins with the Mool Mantar (the foundational creed), then the Japji Sahib (morning prayer), followed by the hymns of the Gurus and Bhagats arranged by raga. In August 1604, the completed Adi Granth was installed at the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple). Guru Arjan Dev Ji personally placed the scripture on a raised platform, bowed before it, and declared: "This is the Guru of the Sikhs." He appointed Baba Buddha Ji as the first Granthi (reader). For seven years (until his death), Guru Arjan Dev Ji would sit before the Adi Granth daily, singing hymns and teaching.

Later, Guru Gobind Singh Ji (the tenth Guru) added the hymns of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (the ninth Guru) to the Adi Granth and declared it the eternal, living Guru – the Guru Granth Sahib. But it was Guru Arjan Dev Ji who did the foundational work. Without him, the Sikh scriptures might have been a scattered collection of disconnected poems. Instead, they are a unified, musical, spiritually powerful text that guides millions. For visitors to Amritsar, you can see a copy of the Adi Granth at the Golden Temple's museum. You can also attend a daily reading (Akhand Path) where the Guru Granth Sahib is recited continuously for 48 hours – a tradition that began with Guru Arjan Dev Ji's love for the divine word.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji completed the construction of the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar, a project started by his father, Guru Ram Das Ji. The site already had the sacred pool (Amrit Sarovar). Now, the Guru built the central temple in the middle of the pool, connected by a marble causeway. But what made the Golden Temple revolutionary was its architecture and its access. Unlike Hindu temples (which typically had one small door, facing east, and were only open to certain castes) or Muslim mosques (which had one entrance and were for men only), the Golden Temple had four doors – one on each side – symbolizing that people from all four directions, all four castes, all religions, and both genders are welcome. The Guru also placed the temple on a lower level than the surrounding ground, forcing entrants to bow as they walk down the steps – a symbol of humility. There were no idols, no statues, no paintings of gods or goddesses. The only object of reverence would be the Guru Granth Sahib, placed on a raised platform (Takht) under a canopy. Guru Arjan Dev Ji also ensured that the Langar (free kitchen) continued to serve meals to all visitors regardless of caste or religion. He famously said: "My temple is open to all. The low-caste and the high-caste, the Hindu and the Muslim, the rich and the poor – all are equal here. This is the house of God." The construction was completed in 1604, and the Adi Granth was installed with great celebration. Pilgrims began flowing to Amritsar from across India. The city, founded by Guru Ram Das Ji, became the spiritual capital of Sikhism – a position it still holds today.

For international visitors, the Golden Temple is breathtaking. The gold leaf covering the upper floors gleams in the sunlight, and at night, the reflection in the Amrit Sarovar is magical. But the deeper beauty is the atmosphere: thousands of pilgrims sitting in peaceful devotion, volunteers sweeping floors and serving food with smiles, no hierarchy, no VIP sections, no separation of men and women. Guru Arjan Dev Ji's vision of openness is still alive. Whether you are a Sikh, a Hindu, a Christian, a Muslim, a Buddhist, or an atheist – you are welcome. The only requirements are covering your head, removing your shoes, and leaving alcohol/tobacco outside. That inclusivity was radical in 1604, and it remains radical today. As you walk across the marble causeway to the central temple, you are following the path that Guru Arjan Dev Ji walked centuries ago. Let that humbling feeling be part of your visit.

The martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji in 1606 is a watershed moment in Sikh history. It transformed the Sikh community from a peaceful, devotional movement into a faith willing to take up arms for religious freedom. The background: In 1605, the Mughal Emperor Akbar (known for religious tolerance) died. His son, Jahangir, was less tolerant. He saw the growing popularity of Sikhism as a threat to his authority. Additionally, Prince Khusrau (Jahangir's rebellious son) had sought refuge with Guru Arjan Dev Ji while fleeing from the emperor's forces. The Guru, following Sikh principles of helping anyone in need, gave him food and shelter. Jahangir was furious. In his autobiography, Jahangir wrote: "I ordered that Arjan be tortured to death. He was a Hindu who had filled the hearts of many with his superstitions." The Guru was arrested and brought to Lahore (now in Pakistan). The torture was unspeakable. He was made to sit on a burning hot iron plate while boiling hot sand was poured over his naked body. He was thrown into a dungeon without water. For five days, he endured unimaginable agony. Yet he did not convert to Islam. He did not perform a miracle to save himself (though he could have, Sikhs believe). He did not curse the emperor. Instead, he recited hymns: "Sweet is Your will, O God. Even if you give me pain, I accept it with joy." On May 30, 1606, he was taken to the Ravi River to bathe. He walked into the water – and never returned. Sikhs believe he merged into the divine light (jyoti jyot samaye). The emperor's soldiers searched for his body but found nothing. When Guru Arjan Dev Ji's son, Guru Hargobind Ji (the sixth Guru), heard of his father's murder, he did something unprecedented. He donned two swords: one for spiritual authority (Piri) and one for temporal/military authority (Miri). He built the Akal Takht (the Throne of the Timeless One) directly opposite the Golden Temple. He instructed Sikhs to carry weapons and to fight for justice. This was the birth of the "Saint-Soldier" tradition.

For visitors, the site of his martyrdom is Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore, Pakistan (near the Ravi River). It is a peaceful, white-domed Gurdwara. However, due to political tensions between India and Pakistan, many Sikhs cannot visit. Instead, they remember his sacrifice on May 30 (or early June) in Gurdwaras worldwide. The hymn he recited as he was tortured – "Tera Kiya Meetha Laage" (Your will, O God, is sweet to me) – is sung on that day. His martyrdom teaches that faith is not about comfort; it is about truth. Guru Arjan Dev Ji could have saved his life by converting or apologizing. He chose death instead. That courage is why he is called "Shaheed" (martyr) and why Sikhs today are unafraid to stand up against oppression – whether in the face of the Mughals, the British, or modern hate groups. His blood watered the seeds of Khalsa.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji composed 2,218 hymns – more than any other Guru except Guru Nanak Dev Ji. His writings fill the Guru Granth Sahib, particularly in the ragas like Raga Suhi, Raga Bilaval, and Raga Kalyan. His signature style is sweetness and humility. He often refers to himself as "Nanak" – continuing the tradition of using the first Guru's name as a pen name, symbolizing the continuity of the divine light. Key teachings from his hymns: God is Always With You: Guru Arjan Dev Ji repeatedly assures readers that God is not far away in a distant heaven – God is present in the heart of every being. He writes: "He is within you, yet apart from you. Seek Him, and He will be found." Do Not Fear Anyone Except God: Despite his own torture, the Guru taught that Sikhs should fear no human – only God. He says: "Do not fear anyone. Fear only the Almighty. The Almighty is the Destroyer of fear." The Power of the Guru's Word (Shabad): The Guru taught that reciting the divine hymns (Naam) purifies the mind and protects the soul. He says: "The Word of the Guru is the true treasure. By singing it, you attain peace." Charity and Service (Seva): Like the previous Gurus, he emphasized that faith without action is empty. He writes: "The hands that serve are holy. The feet that walk to the Guru's house are sacred." Equality of All Humans: He had no patience for caste discrimination. He says: "Do not ask about caste. There is only one caste – the caste of humanity. The person who recognizes God's light in all beings is the true holy one." Forgiveness and Compassion: Despite being tortured by the emperor, he did not preach revenge. He taught that God will judge the oppressor. His role was to remain faithful, not to curse. He writes: "Forgiveness is the ornament of the brave. The coward cannot forgive."

One of his most famous compositions is the "Sukhmani Sahib" (Psalm of Peace) – a long, meditative hymn consisting of 24 stanzas. It is recited daily by many Sikhs for mental peace, healing, and spiritual comfort. The Sukhmani Sahib begins: "The Sukhmani (peace of mind) is the Name of God. Listening to the Name brings peace to the heart." This hymn is especially popular because Guru Arjan Dev Ji wrote it during a period of personal difficulty – showing that peace is possible even in the midst of suffering. For non-Sikhs exploring Sikh spirituality, Guru Arjan Dev Ji's hymns are accessible and comforting. They do not require belief in complex theology – only a willingness to trust in a loving, merciful God. As he wrote: "O God, You are the Giver of peace. You are the Destroyer of fear. You are the Friend of the friendless. What else do I need?"

Here are brief answers to common questions about Guru Arjan Dev Ji.