The Parkash Gurpurab of Sri Guru Amar Das Sahib Ji commemorates the birth (Prakash) of the third Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Amar Das Sahib Ji, and is observed with deep devotion, reverence, and joy by Sikhs worldwide.
Parkash Gurpurab of Sri Guru Amar Das Sahib Ji
In the history of the Sikh faith, the Parkash Gurpurab of Sri Guru Amar Das Sahib Ji is celebrated with great devotion, respect, and enthusiasm. Sri Guru Amar Das Sahib Ji was the third Guru of the Sikhs. He was born (received Prakash) in the home of Baba Tej Bhan Ji and Mata Bakht Kaur Ji. His birthplace is Basarke Gillan, District Amritsar. The day of his Prakash (birth) brings to the Sangat a message of spiritual awakening and humility at the Guru's feet.
Historical Background
Sri Guru Amar Das Sahib Ji was born on 5 May 1479 (according to the Bikrami calendar, 9 Vaisakh 1536 Bikrami) in Basarke Gillan, near Amritsar. From his early years, he displayed a deeply spiritual temperament and a strong inclination toward devotion and service. He was married to Mata Mansa Devi Ji, and they were blessed with two sons, Baba Mohan Ji and Baba Mohri Ji, and two daughters, Bibi Dani Ji and Bibi Bhani Ji. Bibi Bhani Ji was later married to Sri Guru Ram Das Sahib Ji, the fourth Sikh Guru.
Before coming to the path of Sikhism, Sri Guru Amar Das Sahib Ji was a devout Vaishnav. His life was transformed when he heard the divine hymns of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, sung by Bibi Amro Ji, the daughter of Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji. This encounter ignited a deep spiritual longing in him, and he immediately set out to meet Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji at Khadur Sahib. Despite being much older in age, Sri Guru Amar Das Sahib Ji served Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji with extraordinary humility and dedication for twelve years. He would rise before dawn, fetch water from the Beas River, and perform selfless service (seva) without any expectation of reward.
Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji was so pleased with his devotion and selfless service that he installed Sri Guru Amar Das Sahib Ji as the third Guru of the Sikhs in 1552. As Guru, Sri Guru Amar Das Sahib Ji worked tirelessly to strengthen and organize the Sikh community. He established the Manji system, appointing devout Sikhs as preachers to spread the teachings of the Gurus across different regions. He also initiated the practice of Pangat and Sangat, emphasizing that all people, regardless of caste, creed, or social status, should sit together and share meals in the Guru's Langar before partaking in spiritual discourse.
Sri Guru Amar Das Sahib Ji was a strong advocate for the dignity of women. He condemned the practices of Sati (self-immolation of widows) and Purdah (veiling of women) and encouraged women to participate fully in religious and social life. He composed 869 hymns, which are included in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji under the title Anand Sahib, among others. His compositions emphasize the importance of Naam Simran (remembrance of God's name), humility, and selfless service.
The Parkash Gurpurab of Sri Guru Amar Das Sahib Ji is celebrated with great fervor. Devotees gather in Gurdwaras for Akhand Path (continuous reading of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji), Kirtan (devotional singing), and Katha (discourses on the Guru's life and teachings). Langar is served to all, and processions (Nagar Kirtan) are sometimes organized. The day serves as a reminder of the Guru's message of equality, humility, and service to humanity. It inspires Sikhs to follow in his footsteps and to live a life of devotion and compassion.