Tuesday is the Jyoti Jyot of Guru Arjan Dev Ji. Guru Ji is known for starting the construction of Harmandir Sahib, starting the compilation of scriptures into Adi Granth, and being the first Sikh martyr. The history is that Akbar died and his son Jahangir and grandson Prince Khusrau fought for the throne. The prince was captured but escaped and got aid from Guru Ji, which enraged Jahangir, who won the throne. Jahangir was intimidated by the power of the Sikhs, fuelled by others who encouraged him to force Guru Ji to accept Islam or face torture. Guru Ji was tortured for 6 days, sitting on a cauldron of boiling water with hot sand pouring on his head, and made to sit on a hot plate with hot sand being poured over him. Despite the conditions, Guru Ji said “Whatever you ordain appears sweet. I supplicate for the gift of name”. Mian Mir (who laid the foundation of Harmandir Sahib) tried to intervene but Guru Ji told him this was God's will. Sikhiwiki.org describes this exchange
“Guru Sahib said, ‘All is happening in accordance with the will of Waheguru. Men who stand for Truth have to suffer often. Their sufferings give strength to the cause of Truth. Go, brother. Pray for me. Pray for the success of my cause. Pray for victory to truth.’
Mian Mir asked, ‘Why are you enduring suffering at the hands of these vile sinners when I possess superpowers?’
The Guru replied, ‘I bear all this torture to set an example to the Teachers of the True Name, that they may not lose patience or rail against God in affliction. The true test of faith is in the hour of misery. Without examples to guide them, ordinary people's minds would tremble in the midst of suffering’”
Guru Ji was taken to River Ravi, with the thought this would torture them further, however they never emerged from the river and became Jyoti Jyot. This solidified the Sikhs in rising up against the Mughals. Guru Ji's message about suffering is one that is incredibly relevant to us today. Today Gurdwara Dera Sahib is at the location of Guru Ji's Shaheedi. The River Ravi no longer flows right next to this area. Guru Hargobind Sahib got a Thara Sahib (platform) built at the spot of the martyrdom, then Maharaja Ranjit Singh built a Gurdwara. Bhai Mardana Ji's 18th generation continues to do kirtan here. This Gurdwara Sahib has a profound sense of peace. Here is a video of their kirtan from when we visited:
Place of Guru Ji's Shaheedi.
(this above photo was from Ekjot Singh).
References
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