1. Guru Nanak Punjabi School, April, 2014

2.   Guru Har Gobind Ji was born in the village Guru Ki Wadali (district Amritsar) on 9th June, 1595.  He was the only son of Guru Arjan Dev Ji and Mata Ganga Ji.  He was taught by Baba Bhudha and Bhai Gurdas Ji  He was very good in weaponry, riding, wrestling and hunting. Birthplace & Family

3.  Guruship at Age 11

4.   Guruship – Guru Har Gobind Ji succeeded his father in 1606 at the age of 11 years.  After the Martyrdom of his father, at his coronation, Guru Har Gobind Ji wore two swords:  Spiritual power – Piri  Military Power – Miri  The Sikh was henceforth known as the ‘Saint- Soldier’. Guru Har Gobind Ji

5.   Self Defense – Guru Har Gobind Ji started military training camps encouraging Sikhs to learn self defense.  He erected a wall around Amritsar city and constructed a small fort named “Lohgarh”.  Akal Takhat Sahib – also known as Akal Bunga (God’s Throne) was constructed in 1609.  Dharam Parchar Tours – the Guru Ji toured far and wide to spread the message of Sikhism. Guru Har Gobind Ji’s Contributions

6.   The Emperor Jahangir, who was responsible for the death of his father, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, was alarmed about the military preparations by the Guru Sahib against the Mughal government.  Jahangir then ordered the imprisonment of Guru Har Gobind Ji at Gwalior Fort.  The Guru Ji was detained in the fort for three years from 1609 to 1612. Imprisonment at Gwalior Fort

7.   After Mian Mir and Wazir Khan negotiated the release of the Guru Ji, Guru Har Gobind Ji insisted that the other 52 Hindu Princes be released also.  Jahangir said that the Guru could take as many princes to freedom as could hold on to the Guru Ji’s clothing.  The Guru Ji had a tailor prepare a coat with 52 tails and left the fort with all 52 princes holding a tail or a piece of the Guru Ji’s clothing.  When the Guru Ji reached Amritsar, it was on Diwali, and since that time, the festival of Diwali is also celebrated as Bandi Chhor Diwas by Sikhs everywhere. Bandi Chhor Diwas

8.  Guru Har Gobind Ji with the released Prisoners

9.   After the death of emperor Jahangir, the new Emperor worried about the converts to Sikhism from the Muslims.  He ordered an attack against the rising Sikh power under the leadership of Guru Hargobind Sahib.  The Mughal forces attacked Guru Sahib’s abode and the Guru Ji fought in five battles – and he was victorious in all of them! Battles in Self Defense and National Honor

10.  Guru Har Gobind Ji in Battle

11.   After these successful encounters Guru Sahib moved onwards Kiratpur Sahib, where he established another spiritual and preaching center of the Sikh Nation.  Here, Guru Sahib spent last ten years of his life and breathed his last breath on February 28 th, 1644.  Before his death, Guru Har Gobind Ji nominated his grandson Har Rai Sahib (The second son of Baba Gurditta Ji) as his successor (Seventh Nanak). Kiratpur Spiritual Center

12.  Kiratpur Sahib

13.   Do you have any questions about Guru Har Gobind Ji?  Do you have any Questions about any of the other Guru Ji’s we have studied? Questions