While currently reading the Vaaran Bhai Gurdas, I thought it was important to learn about the background of Bhai Gurdas Ji.
Bhai Gurdas was born in Goindwal in 1551, and was the nephew Guru Amardas Ji. At the age of 3 his mother died, and his father died at 12, after which he was adopted by Guru Amardas Ji. He was talented in languages and gained knowledge from the sangat of scholars.
Guru Ramdas Ji assigned him as a Sikh missionary in Agra. This was the capital of the Mughal empire during Akbar’s reign and was therefore a key posting. Bhai Gurdas excavated the sarovar at Harmandir Sahib.
Under the direction of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Bhai Gurdas was the scribe of the Adi Granth. Guru Ji asked him to include his own vars and kabits but Bhai Gurdas was so humble he did not. The above is a picture representing Bhai Gurdas Ji's work in transcribing the Adi Granth. He led the Sikhs to Gwalior fort to try to free Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji when he was imprisoned. He was named the first Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht.
Bhai Gurdas travelled and spread the word of Sikhi, including going to Sri Lanka, Rajasthan, Chamba hills, Jammu, Varanasi, Agra, and Lucknow. He wrote the Vaaran Bhai Gurdas. These explain the principles of Sikhi and are called the “key” to the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. He also wrote 556 poems. After he passed, his antim sanskar was performed by Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji.
Bhai Gurdas Ji was never married. He spent his whole life serving the Sikh panth.
References
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