Ten Sikh Gurus : The Foundation Of Sikhism
Sikhism stands on the foundation of the teachings of Ten Sikh Gurus, who lived over a span of more than 200 years. Each Guru brought unique contributions—spiritual, social, and cultural—while carrying forward the divine mission of truth, equality, and devotion to one God. The Guruship was passed not by power or wealth, but by devotion, humility, and the ability to guide humanity.
The Ten Sikh Gurus
The spiritual leadership of Sikhism was passed from Guru to Guru, based on devotion, humility, and wisdom—not birthright or power. From Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who introduced the message of oneness, to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who gave Sikhs the Khalsa identity and declared the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru—the legacy of the Ten Sikh Gurus reflects the timeless principles of Sanatan Dharma, adapted for their era.
1. Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469–1539)
The founder of Sikhism and first of the Ten Sikh Gurus, born in Talwandi (now in Pakistan), Guru Nanak Dev Ji preached “Ik Onkar” – there is only one God, present in all. He travelled on long journeys, known as Udasis, across India, Tibet, Arabia, and Persia to spread the message of equality, love, and honest living. He rejected caste barriers and empty rituals, focusing instead on devotion and selfless service. Before his departure, he passed the spiritual light to his devoted disciple, Bhai Lehna, naming him Guru Angad Dev Ji.
2. Guru Angad Dev Ji (1504–1552)
Originally known as Bhai Lehna, Guru Angad Dev Ji was known for his humility and unwavering devotion to Guru Nanak. He developed the Gurmukhi script, which became the standard writing system for Punjabi, making it easier for people to read the holy hymns. He encouraged education and physical fitness by starting wrestling arenas (Mal Akharas). Seeing the deep dedication of Bhai Amar Das, he blessed him as the next Guru.
3. Guru Amar Das Ji (1479–1574)
Guru Amar Das Ji became Guru at the age of 73, proving that spiritual calling has no age limit. He strongly opposed social evils like Sati (burning of widows) and Purdah (veiling of women). He established Langar as a compulsory practice before meeting the Guru, ensuring everyone—rich or poor, Hindu or Muslim—sat together as equals. His son-in-law, Bhai Jetha, became the next Guru and was named Guru Ram Das Ji.
4. Guru Ram Das Ji (1534–1581)
Guru Ram Das Ji was the founder of Amritsar, the spiritual center of Sikhism. He initiated the construction of the sacred Sarovar (holy pool) where the Golden Temple stands today. A gifted poet, he composed many hymns included in the Guru Granth Sahib, especially those recited in Sikh marriage ceremonies (Lavan). His youngest son, Arjan Mal, became the next Guru.
5. Guru Arjan Dev Ji (1563–1606)
Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth of the Ten Sikh Gurus, compiled the Adi Granth, the first version of the Sikh scripture, including the teachings of the first five Gurus and saints from different faiths. He completed the construction of the Golden Temple and placed the Adi Granth inside. Refusing to compromise his beliefs under Mughal Emperor Jahangir, he embraced martyrdom, becoming the first Sikh martyr. Before his sacrifice, he blessed his son Hargobind Sahib Ji as Guru.
6. Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji (1595–1644)
Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji transformed the Sikh community into a defensive force against oppression. He introduced the concept of Miri-Piri, wearing two swords to symbolize spiritual and worldly authority. He built the Akal Takht (Throne of the Timeless One) in Amritsar, which still serves as the highest seat of Sikh authority. After a lifetime of courage and leadership, he passed the Guruship to his grandson Har Rai Sahib Ji.
7. Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji (1630–1661)
Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji was known for his gentle nature and kindness towards all living beings. He maintained an army for defense but avoided unnecessary conflict. He also established herbal medicine clinics, continuing the Sikh tradition of caring for the sick. He appointed his younger son Har Krishan Sahib Ji as the next Guru.
8. Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji (1656–1664)
Guru Har Krishan Ji became Guru at just five years old, making him the youngest of all Sikh Gurus. Despite his age, his wisdom and compassion were remarkable. During a smallpox epidemic in Delhi, he served tirelessly, offering comfort and healing. Before passing away at the age of eight, he directed the Sikhs to Bakala, where they would find Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
9. Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji (1621–1675)
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, son of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji and father of Gobind Rai, is remembered as the Shield of India. He stood against the forced conversion of Hindus by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, sacrificing his life in Delhi’s Chandni Chowk to protect freedom of worship. His martyrdom remains one of the greatest acts of religious courage in history. He blessed his son Gobind Rai as Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
10. Guru Gobind Singh Ji (1666–1708)
Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the last of the Ten Sikh Gurus, was a warrior, poet, and spiritual leader. In 1699, he founded the Khalsa, a community of saint-soldiers committed to protecting righteousness. He gave Sikhs the Five Ks (Kesh, Kara, Kirpan, Kangha, Kachera) as a code of identity and discipline. Guru Gobind Singh Ji fought many battles against tyranny but also had deep love for literature and learning. Before his passing, he declared the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru, ending the line of human Gurus.
Conclusion
The Sikh Gurus were not separate from Sanatan Dharma—they upheld its essence of truth, courage, and devotion, presenting it in a way that broke social evils and united people. From Guru Nanak to Guru Gobind Singh, their mission was one: to protect Dharma and guide humanity towards God. Today, the Guru Granth Sahib continues that mission as the eternal Guru.
