Guru Ram Das Ji: The Fourth Sikh Guru

Guru Ram Das Ji was born on September 24, 1534, in Chuna Mandi, Lahore (now in Pakistan). His father, Bhai Hari Das, was a simple trader, and his mother, Mata Daya Kaur, passed away when he was only seven years old. Orphaned and alone, young Bhai Jetha was raised by his maternal grandmother, who instilled in him values of honesty and compassion. At age 12, he moved to the town of Goindwal (Punjab), where Guru Amar Das Ji had established a Sikh community. Bhai Jetha was immediately captivated by the Guru's teachings. He joined the Langar as a volunteer, doing whatever was needed – sweeping floors, washing utensils, serving food, and carrying water. He never complained and never sought attention. One day, Guru Amar Das Ji observed Bhai Jetha working tirelessly and asked, "Who is this young man who serves without expectation?" When told it was Bhai Jetha, the Guru smiled and began to take special notice of him. As years passed, Bhai Jetha married Guru Amar Das Ji's daughter, Bibi Bhani. This was not a political alliance – Bibi Bhani was herself a deeply spiritual woman who later composed hymns. Together, they had three sons: Prithi Chand, Mahadev, and Arjan Dev (who would become the fifth Guru, Guru Arjan Dev Ji). When Guru Amar Das Ji grew old, his own sons demanded that he appoint them as successor. But the Guru saw their egotism and ambition. Instead, he looked at Bhai Jetha – humble, selfless, devoted – and declared him the next Guru. On September 1, 1574, Guru Ram Das Ji ascended to the Gurgaddi (Guru's throne). Some of Guru Amar Das Ji's sons were furious, but the Guru's decision was accepted by the Sikh community. Guru Ram Das Ji then moved the Sikh headquarters from Goindwal to the newly established town of Ramdaspur (Amritsar), where he began his divine mission.

This story is important for understanding Sikhism. The Gurus did not claim power through birthright. They were chosen based on spiritual merit. Guru Ram Das Ji, despite being an orphan and an in-law (not a blood son), became the Guru because he embodied Sikh values: Seva (service), Nimrata (humility), and Santokh (contentment). For visitors learning about Sikh history, this challenges the idea that religious leaders must come from priestly families or dynasties. In Sikhism, anyone – regardless of caste, background, or family – can rise to the highest spiritual level through sincere devotion and selfless service.

Guru Ram Das Ji's most famous composition is the set of four hymns known as the "Laavan" (sometimes spelled "Lavan" or "Laava"). These hymns are recited during the Anand Karaj (Sikh wedding ceremony) while the couple circles the Guru Granth Sahib four times. Each Laav describes a stage of the soul's journey toward union with God, using marriage as a metaphor. First Laav (Acceptance of Dharma): The first hymn speaks of the couple abandoning selfishness and committing to righteous living (Dharma). They promise to follow the Guru's teachings, to serve others, and to live honestly. As they circle the Guru the first time, they affirm: "We will not cheat, harm, or hoard. We will earn an honest living and share with the needy." Second Laav (Love and Devotion): The second hymn describes how the couple experiences deep love for each other – but this love is anchored in love for God. Without God as the center, human love can become possessive and conditional. With God at the center, love becomes patient, forgiving, and eternal. As they circle the second time: "We will love each other, but our highest love is for Waheguru (God). When we meet God within our hearts, we will find peace with each other." Third Laav (Detachment and Divine Focus): The third hymn speaks of becoming detached from worldly distractions – wealth, status, pleasure, ego. The couple learns to live in the world without being controlled by the world. As they circle the third time: "We will not crave money or praise above God. We will be content with what we have. Our happiness comes from within, not from possessions." Fourth Laav (Union and Bliss): The fourth and final hymn celebrates complete union. The couple has overcome ego, learned anchored love, and cultivated detachment. Now they enter the state of "Sehaj" – a natural, effortless, balanced peace. As they circle the fourth time: "We are now one soul in two bodies. Our union is complete. We have found the Anand (bliss) that this ceremony promises. Waheguru is in our hearts and in our home."

These four Laavan are not just beautiful poetry – they are a roadmap for a successful, spiritual marriage. Guru Ram Das Ji composed them in ragas (musical measures) that are sung during weddings. Even today, at every Sikh wedding, the Laavan are recited in the original Gurmukhi (Punjabi script). For non-Punjabi-speaking guests, the translations are often provided. The atmosphere during the Laavan is deeply focused and joyful. For the couple, the four circles around the Guru Granth Sahib are the most sacred moments of their lives. For visitors, witnessing the Laavan is a powerful experience – you are watching a couple publicly commit not just to each other, but to God and to the Guru's teachings. That is the gift of Guru Ram Das Ji to Sikh couples: a wedding ceremony that is simultaneously a spiritual practice.

One of Guru Ram Das Ji's greatest legacies is the founding of the city of Amritsar – the spiritual and cultural heart of Sikhism. Before Guru Ram Das Ji, the Sikh center was Goindwal (established by Guru Amar Das Ji). But the Guru foresaw the need for a larger, more central location where Sikhs could gather, trade, and worship freely. He purchased land from the village of Tung (then a forested area with a small pond) for 700 rupees – a significant sum at the time. The land was not considered valuable by others, but the Guru saw its potential. He then began digging a large, square tank (sarovar) that would collect rainwater and create a permanent pool. The Guru personally carried baskets of earth, working alongside volunteers. This was not symbolic – he literally labored in the heat, day after day, to set an example of humility and hard work. When some Sikhs protested, saying "You are the Guru, let us do the labor," he replied: "Service is the highest form of worship. If I ask you to serve, I must serve first." As the pool took shape, the Guru invited merchants, artisans, and families to settle around it. He named the new town "Ramdaspur" (City of Ram Das). The pool was initially called "Ram Das Sarovar" – later renamed "Amrit Sarovar" (Pool of Nectar). Over time, "Amrit Sarovar" became "Amritsar" – the name of the city. The Guru also established a Gurdwara near the pool, where the Guru Granth Sahib was installed and Langar was served daily. After Guru Ram Das Ji's death in 1581, the fifth Guru – Guru Arjan Dev Ji – completed the pool and constructed the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in its center. Today, the Golden Temple complex includes the Amrit Sarovar, the Darbar Sahib (main temple), the Akal Takht (seat of Sikh authority), the Langar hall (serving 50,000-100,000 meals daily), and the Guru Granth Sahib in perpetual recitation.

For international visitors, walking around the Amrit Sarovar at sunrise is a profound experience. Pilgrims bathe in the holy water, recite prayers, and circle the pool in reverence. Many believe that a dip in the Sarovar cleanses the soul – though Guru Ram Das Ji taught that true cleansing comes from an honest heart, not just water. The pool itself is a marvel: 150 meters square, lined with marble steps, and fed by a constant water supply. At night, the Golden Temple is illuminated, and the reflection of the temple in the water creates a scene of breathtaking beauty. Visiting Amritsar is not just tourism – it is a pilgrimage to the city founded by Guru Ram Das Ji, who taught that holy places are not about brick and mortar but about the community's love for God.

Guru Ram Das Ji composed 638 hymns (about 8% of the Guru Granth Sahib). His writings are found throughout the scripture, including 53 Shabads (hymns) and the four Laavan. His teachings emphasize: Seva (Selfless Service): The Guru taught that service to others is the highest form of worship – not just occasional charity, but daily, humble, unnoticed acts. He lived this by serving in the Langar and carrying baskets of earth. In his hymns, he says: "Those who serve the Guru and the congregation are dear to God." Humility (Nimrata): Guru Ram Das Ji constantly warns against ego. He says: "The ego is a disease. The cure is to see yourself as the lowest of the low." He taught that spiritual pride – thinking "I am holy" – is worse than worldly pride. True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less. The Householder's Path (Gristhi Jeevan): Unlike monks or ascetics who renounce the world, Sikhism teaches that one can achieve union with God while raising a family, working honestly, and contributing to society. Guru Ram Das Ji was married and had three children. He did not retreat to a cave – he dug a pool, built a city, and served meals. His life demonstrates that spirituality and worldly life are not opposites. They are integrated. Love and Compassion: Many of his hymns speak of God's love as a bridegroom and the soul as the bride. This metaphor, common in Indian devotional poetry, takes on new depth in his writing. He says: "Without the Beloved (God), the soul is like a bride whose husband is in a far country – restless and longing. But when the Beloved comes into the home, there is joy, peace, and celebration." The Guru's tone is always loving, never threatening. He does not speak of hellfire or punishment. Instead, he invites: "Come, my soul, meet your Beloved. Why wait? The door is open."

For followers of Sikhism, Guru Ram Das Ji is particularly beloved for his emphasis on God's mercy. He often uses the phrase "Jio" (dear soul) – addressing each person with tenderness. His most famous hymn, "Shalok Sahib" (the "Shabad Hazare" prayer), is recited daily by many Sikhs. It says: "Waheguru, You are the Giver of peace. You are the Destroyer of fear. You are the Light that guides me." This prayer is considered a powerful shield against anxiety and despair. For non-Sikhs exploring Sikh spirituality, Guru Ram Das Ji's writings are accessible and beautiful – full of natural imagery (rivers, birds, gardens) and emotional depth. He writes not as an abstract theologian but as a lover longing for union with the Divine. That is why his hymns are sung with such emotion in Gurdwaras.

Here are brief answers to common questions about Guru Ram Das Ji.