Guru Gobind Singh

Who He Was

Guru Gobind Singh (Punjabi pronunciation: [gʊɾuː goːbɪn̪d̪ᵊ sɪ́ŋgᵊ]; born Gobind Das; 22 December 1666 – 7 October 1708) was the tenth and last human Sikh Guru. He was a warrior, poet, and philosopher. In 1675, at the age of nine, he was formally made the leader of the Sikhs after his father Guru Tegh Bahadur—the ninth Sikh Guru—was executed by the emperor Aurangzeb. His four biological sons died during his lifetime—two in battle and two executed by the Mughal administrator Wazir Khan. Among his notable contributions to Sikhism are founding the Sikh warrior community called Khalsa in 1699 and introducing the Five Ks, the five articles of faith that Khalsa Sikhs wear at all times. Guru Gobind Singh is credited with the Dasam Granth whose hymns are a sacred part of Sikh prayers and Khalsa rituals. He is also credited as the one who finalized and enshrined the Guru Granth Sahib as Sikhism's primary holy religious scripture and the eternal Guru. He also established the concept of Guru Panth as his spiritual successor, however this manner of guruship is seldom evoked today. Guru Gobind Singh is remembered as being the founder of Paonta Sahib (in 1685) and Damdama Sahib (in 1705). Recognized in: Sikhism.

The tenth and final human Sikh Guru, who founded the Khalsa and proclaimed the Gurū Granth Sāhib the eternal Guru.

Birth and Early Life

Traditional and historical sources place Guru Gobind Singh in the era of 1666–1708 CE. Where such dates are traditional, mythic, or disputed rather than historically established, they should be read as the tradition's own reckoning rather than confirmed chronology.

His Calling / Mission

The scriptures and traditions of Sikhism describe the calling and mission of Guru Gobind Singh; the key passages are listed under Sacred Texts and Scripture below.

Religion and Teachings

Guru Gobind Singh is honored within Sikhism. The tenth and final human Sikh Guru, who founded the Khalsa and proclaimed the Gurū Granth Sāhib the eternal Guru. His teaching and significance are set out in the sacred texts that record his life.

Sacred Texts and Scripture

Scriptural references: the Dasam Granth; the Gurū Granth Sāhib

Major Accomplishments and Events

The account of Guru Gobind Singh's life, works, and significance is preserved in the scriptures cited above and in the living tradition of Sikhism.

Death and Legacy

Guru Gobind Singh is remembered across Sikhism as one of the foundational figures of faith, and continues to be honored in scripture, devotion, and scholarship. Source: Wikipedia