Guru Har Krishan
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Guru Har Krishan | |
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ਗੁਰੂ ਹਰਿ ਕ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਨ | |
Lahore Subah, Mughal Empire | |
Died | 30 March 1664[1] Delhi, Mughal Empire | (aged 7)
Cause of death | Smallpox |
Religion | Sikhism |
Parents |
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Other names |
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Signature | |
Religious career | |
Period in office | 1661–1664 |
Predecessor | Guru Har Rai |
Successor | Guru Tegh Bahadur |
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Sikhism |
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Guru Har Krishan (
He is also known as Bal Guru (Child Guru),[3] and sometimes spelled in Sikh literature as Hari Krishan Sahib.[4][5] He is remembered in the Sikh tradition for saying "Baba Bakale" before he died, which Sikhs interpreted to identify his granduncle Guru Tegh Bahadur as the next successor.[3][4] Har Krishan had the shortest reign as Guru, lasting only two years, five months and 24 days.
Biography
Har Krishan was born in Kiratpur Sahib (
Lesson in humility
Requested meeting with Aurangzeb
Visiting Raja Jai Singh and death
One of the most famous Gurdwara of Sikhs in North India, Gurdwara Bangla Sahib was at that time the residence (bangla is an Indic term for bungalow) of Raja Jai Singh of Delhi. Raja Jai Singh humbly requested the Guru to come to Delhi, so that he and the Guru’s Sikhs may behold him.[12][11]
Because of the Guru’s young age, the Raja’s wife too wanted to test his spiritual powers. Disguising herself as a maid, she sat amongst the lady attendants. However, the Guru instantly identified her and sat on her lap, proclaiming, "This is the Rani", thereby convincing her of his spiritual powers.[13][14]
It was during his stay here that a deadly disease of smallpox and cholera had spread in the city of Delhi. When people learned of Guru Har Krishan's presence there, they went to him for shelter and protection. Guru Har Krishan asked them to bathe in the well in the Bungalow to cure themselves. Supposedly, anyone who took a bath there recovered.[15]
Final moments
Kavi Santokh Singh writes about the Guru's last moments,
'Whilst addressing the congregation Sri Guru Harkrishan Ji say's there are multiple reasons for me leaving this body however it will do no good to dwell on them[16] Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s gaddi (throne) is continuous, It’s magnificence will continue to grow and never shrink. Requests will be fulfilled by whoever sits on this throne, seek the discourse of the Guru and practice it.[16] The Granth will be your Guru. Those who wish to see me can do so by doing darshan (sight) of the Granth Sahib. Whoever views the Guru Granth Sahib with devotion their sins will be removed instantly.[16]'Those who wish to speak to me, can do so by reading and listening to the Guru Granth Sahib. Those who practice what has been written in the Granth Sahib will obtain the 4 treasures of this world.[16]'Anyone who comes with an intention or worry, seek the sanctuary of the Guru Granth Sahib and their issues will be resolved instantly.29. Everything belongs to those who are truly devoted, there is nothing for fakes. This body is temporary which is why the Granth should be Guru.30. Do darshan (see) of it with your eyes, bow to it and obtain its knowledge to enlighten yourself. Hearing this from Guru Ji everyone had tears in their eyes.31.'The Sangat feeling hopelessness and despair. This darshan (vision) of Sat Guru Ji will be the last and now has become even more precious.[16]'96 minutes have passed and the sun has set, Gurbaksh and other presented their innermost desire to Guru Harkrishan Ji.9. Reciting the names of all the previous Guru’s they asked the benevolent Guru to hear their request.10. Sri Guru Har Rai Ji did not see their elder son fit to be a Guru and then excommunicated him from the community.11.(p.373)[16]'Bless the sangat with someone like you, so that Sikhi may continue to flourish. If you do not continue this lineage then it will go against what Guru Nanak Dev had established15. The Sangat will be confused as to who to follow, some will follow Dhirmal, some will follow Ram Rai.16.Others will follow people in the Sodhi lineage. The sangat will fracture without a Guru like You, like an army without a commander.17.'Guru Harkrishan Ji listened thought to themselves that a Guru cannot leave the earth like this. A Guru is like the Sun which sets at night but raising the next day.24. They called for a coconut and 5 paisay (money) to be bought to them and asked the sangat to sit down. “The next Guru will be powerful and magnificent, in front of who fake Guru’s will not exist”.25. “Millions will become His devotees, those who seek His sanctuary will be liberated. He will steadfast like the earth and benevolent like the sun.26. He will establish Sikhi and those who have lost their way will seek His sanctuary. His magnificence will radiate throughout the world. He will evolve sikhi into something new and better”.27.[16]'With folded handsand closed eyes Guru Harkrish said "Baba basay je gram bikale". The entire congregation who was present heard this.36.[16]
Historiography
Authentic literature with more details about Guru Har Krishan's life and times are scarce and not well recorded.[17] Some of biographies about Guru Har Krishan, particularly about who his mother was, were written in the 18th century such as by Kesar Singh Chhibber, as well as in the 19th century, and these are highly inconsistent.[18]
Gallery
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Bangla Sahib, where the Guru died
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History of Gurudwara Panjokhra Sahib, Haryana
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A fresco of Guru Har Krishan ca. 1745
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Circa 1700–1750 painting of Guru Harkrishan (left) being fanned by attendant
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Guru Har Krishan miniature painting.
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Guru Har Krishan being worshipped by his followers.
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Original structure of Gurdwara Sri Sheesh Mahal Sahib, Kiratpur Sahib. This was the birthplace of the Guru.
See also
- Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
References
- ^ ISBN 978-81-7201-234-2.
- ^ Sikh History in 10 Volumes.
- ^ ISBN 978-8170103011, pages 96–97
- ^ ISBN 978-1-4422-3601-1.
- ISBN 978-0-19-100412-4.
- ^ ISBN 978-1-4411-0231-7.
- ^ a b Har Rai: Sikh Guru, Encyclopædia Britannica (2015)
- ISBN 978-0-521-63764-0.
- ISBN 978-1-898723-13-4.
- ^ Macauliffe (1909). Sikh Religion – Vol4 p. 321. Oxford. pp. 321–322.
- ^ ISBN 9781000847352.
Again, the emperor summoned Guru Har Krishan to Delhi through Raja Jai Singh who hosted the young Guru in his bungalow. Anticipating that the emperor would insist that he demonstrate miraculous feats, the Guru refused to meet him in person. Meanwhile, an epidemic of smallpox was raging in the city of Delhi, and the Guru came out of Raja Jai Singh's bungalow to tend the sick. During the service of healing the sick Guru Har Krishan was himself afflicted with the disease of smallpox, which ravaged his body. He made the pronouncement of designating his successor as "Baba Bakale", meaning that the next Guru would be found in the town of Bakala. He was specifically referring to his great-uncle, Tegh Bahadur (youngest son of Guru Hargobind), who lived at the town of Bakala at that time. His sagacious decision once again frustrated Aurangzeb's attempts to bring the mainstream Sikh community under control. Guru Har Krishan passed away on March 30, 1664.
- ^ Macauliffe (1909). Sikh Religion – Vol4 p. 320. Oxford. p. 320.
- ^ Macauliffe (1909). Sikh Religion – Vol4 p. 324. Oxford. p. 324.
- ^ "Guru Harkrishen And Gurdwara Bangla Sahib". epaper.timesgroup.com.
- ^ Macauliffe (1909). Sikh Religion – Vol4 p. 323. Oxford. p. 323.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Singh, Santokh (2009). Mr (PDF) (in Punjabi) (1 ed.). Northridge, CA, USA: Baljinder Singh 16914 Lassen Street, Northridge, CA 91343 USA. pp. 368–377.
- ISBN 978-0-19-969930-8.
- ISBN 978-81-269-0858-5.