Guru Arjan Dev Ji — The Fifth Guru

Early Life

Born into the House of the Guru

Born on 15 April 1563 in Goindwal, the youngest son of Guru Ram Das Ji and Mata Bhani Ji. From childhood, he was immersed in spiritual wisdom and divine love.

When Guru Ram Das Ji passed the Guruship to Arjan Dev Ji (the youngest son), his elder brother Prithi Chand became hostile and attempted to undermine his authority. Despite this opposition, Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s gentle yet resolute leadership united the Sikh community and took the faith to new heights.

Teachings & Contributions

Scripture, Architecture, and Compassion

Compiled the Adi Granth (the first edition of the Guru Granth Sahib), collecting the hymns of the first four Gurus along with those of Hindu Bhagats and Muslim saints — a revolutionary act of interfaith inclusion
Completed the construction of the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar, with its foundation stone laid by the Muslim Sufi saint Mian Mir — symbolizing interfaith harmony
Designed the Harmandir Sahib to be built lower than the surrounding ground level, so devotees must step down to enter — a lesson in humility. Four doors on all four sides welcome people from every direction and every background
Composed 2,218 hymns — the most of any contributor to the Guru Granth Sahib, including the Sukhmani Sahib (Psalm of Peace)
Founded the city of Tarn Taran and established a leper colony there, personally tending to the sick
Built the city of Kartarpur (in Jalandhar) and Sri Hargobindpur

Key Events

From Sacred Scripture to Supreme Sacrifice

Compilation of the Adi Granth (1604)

Guru Arjan Dev Ji dictated the entire scripture to Bhai Gurdas Ji over several years in Ramsar, Amritsar. The Adi Granth was installed in the Harmandir Sahib on 16 August 1604, with Baba Buddha Ji appointed as the first Granthi (reader).

The Martyrdom (1606)

When Mughal Emperor Jahangir came to power, he ordered Guru Arjan Dev Ji to remove certain hymns from the Adi Granth and convert to Islam. The Guru refused. He was arrested and subjected to horrific torture — made to sit on a burning hot plate while boiling sand was poured over his body. He endured five days of torture without crying out, remaining in a state of deep meditation and acceptance of God’s will (Hukam). He became the first Sikh martyr.

His Last Words

Before his martyrdom, Guru Arjan Dev Ji sent a message to his son (the future Guru Hargobind): “Let him sit fully armed on his throne and maintain an army to the best of his ability.” This message would transform the nature of Sikh leadership forever.

Legacy

A Turning Point in Sikh History

Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s compilation of the Adi Granth gave Sikhs their holy scripture — a unique interfaith scripture that includes the words of Hindu and Muslim saints alongside those of the Sikh Gurus. His martyrdom was a turning point in Sikh history, transforming the community and leading to the militarization of the faith under the Sixth Guru.

A Notable Verse

Words of the Fifth Guru

I do not keep any fasts, nor do I observe the month of Ramadan. I serve only the One who will protect me in the end.

— Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 1136