Gurgaddi Diwas of Sri Guru Ramdas Sahib Ji

Sri Guru Ramdas Sahib Ji is the fourth Guru of the Sikh faith. He was born in 1534 CE in the village of Chuna Mandi, near Sri Amritsar Sahib. His father was Sri Hari Das Ji and his mother was Mata Daya Kaur Ji. In his childhood, he was named Jetha Ji. He was married to Bibi Bhani Ji, the daughter of Sri Guru Amardas Sahib Ji, and dedicated his life to the service of the Guru's house.

Historical Background

Sri Guru Amardas Sahib Ji, during his lifetime, established the tradition of spiritual succession based on humility, service, and devotion rather than familial lineage. Among his disciples and family members, his son-in-law, Bhai Jetha Ji, later known as Sri Guru Ramdas Sahib Ji, exemplified these virtues to the highest degree. Bhai Jetha Ji was renowned for his selfless service, profound humility, and unwavering dedication to the Guru's mission. He would rise before dawn to fetch water, clean the Guru's court, and serve the pilgrims and the needy without any expectation of reward.

Sri Guru Amardas Sahib Ji observed Bhai Jetha Ji's devotion over many years. According to Sikh historical accounts, the Guru tested his disciples and family members to identify the most deserving successor. Bhai Jetha Ji consistently demonstrated complete surrender to the Guru's will, even when faced with difficult tasks. His service was not motivated by any desire for position or recognition, but by pure love and obedience to the Guru.

In 1574 CE, before his departure from this world, Sri Guru Amardas Sahib Ji formally installed Bhai Jetha Ji as the fourth Guru of the Sikhs, bestowing upon him the name Sri Guru Ramdas Sahib Ji. This event is commemorated as Gurgaddi Diwas, the anniversary of his accession to the Guru's throne. The ceremony took place at Goindwal Sahib, where Guru Amardas Sahib Ji had established his spiritual center.

After becoming Guru, Sri Guru Ramdas Sahib Ji continued the work of his predecessors. He founded the city of Ramdaspur, which later became known as Amritsar, and began the excavation of the sacred pool that surrounds the Harmandir Sahib. He composed numerous hymns, including the famous Lavan, the wedding hymns that are still recited during Sikh marriage ceremonies. His teachings emphasized the importance of humility, service, and remembrance of God's name.

The Gurgaddi Diwas of Sri Guru Ramdas Sahib Ji is celebrated with great reverence by Sikhs around the world. On this day, devotees gather in Gurdwaras to offer prayers, recite Gurbani, and reflect on the life and teachings of the fourth Guru. The occasion serves as a reminder of the Sikh tradition of spiritual leadership based on merit, devotion, and selfless service. It inspires Sikhs to follow the path of humility and dedication exemplified by Sri Guru Ramdas Sahib Ji.