Guru Arjan Dev Ji Parkash Purab: Sea of devotees throng Golden Temple on Gurpurab

Guru Arjan Dev Ji Parkash Purab: Guru Arjan Dev Ji Parkash Purab commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru and the first Sikh martyr. This auspicious occasion is celebrated with great reverence and devotion by Sikhs worldwide.

On the auspicious occasion of the Gurpurab of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, devotees flocked in large numbers to the revered Harmandir Sahib (Golden temple) in Amritsar on Tuesday. 

Starting early this morning, devotees immersed themselves in the serene waters of the holy sarovar, listening to the melodious hymns of Gurbani. After paying their respects at the sanctum sanctorum, devotees expressed their reverence for Guru Arjan Dev by bowing in humility.

Many devotees shared their sentiments, emphasizing the importance of following the path laid down by Arjan Dev.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended wishes on the auspicious occasion of the Gurpurab of Guru Arjan Dev Ji and wrote, “The life of the 5th Guru of Sikhism Shri Arjan Dev ji is a symbol of culture, education and public welfare. He not only compiled Aadi Granth but also did many works for social harmony. The martyrdom of Guru Ji, who refused to bow down to the extremist invaders, gave a new direction to Sikhism. I bow down to Guru Sahib Ji on the occasion of Prakash Purab and wish everyone a happy Prakash Purab.

The life of the 5th Guru of Sikhism Shri Arjan Dev ji is a symbol of culture, education and public welfare. He not only compiled Adi Granth, but also did many works for social harmony. The martyrdom of Guru Ji, who refused to bow down to the radical invaders, gave a new direction to Sikhism. I respectfully bow to Guru Saheb ji on Prakash Parb and wish everyone Prakash Parb” 

Shiromani Akali Dal President, Sukhbir Singh Badal also extended wishes and wrote, “Congratulations to all the people on the birth anniversary of the blessed Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji. Guru Sahib Ji completed the work of Sri Darbar Sahib, the central shrine of Sikhs and did the welfare of humanity by editing Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. May Guru Sahib ji keep a merciful hand on everyone and bless them with health.”

Guru Arjan Dev Ji - A saint and a visionary leader

Guru Arjan Dev was born in Goindwal Sahib in 1563. He was the youngest of three children; his older brothers were Prithi Chand and Mahadev. Even as Mahadev was never interested in worldly vices, his oldest brother, Prithi Chand, considered himself a strong contender for the ‘Guru Gaddi’ and rebelled after their father nominated Guru Arjan as the fifth Guru on September 16th, 1581, when he was only 18 years old.

The foundation stone for Sikhism, based upon equality and "seva" was laid down by Guru Nanak but later solidified by his three successors. To put it on a firm foundation, Guru Arjan Dev Ji set out to build Harminder Sahib (Golden Temple) in the exact location where his father had built the clay tank of "Amrit" and also established the town Amritsar around it. 

Guru Arjan Dev Ji faced persecution and torture under the Mughal Emperor Jahangir due to his refusal to compromise Sikh principles. He was martyred on May 30, 1606, after enduring severe torture. The martyrdom of Guru Sahib changed the entire character of Sikhism radically. 

Guru Arjan Dev Ji's profound legacy and the sacrifices he made for the Sikh faith. His teachings continue to inspire millions around the world to lead lives of righteousness, tolerance, and selfless service.