Fourth Guru

Guru Ram Das Ji

The Humble Servant — Founder of Amritsar

1534 – 1581

Early Life

From Orphaned Street Vendor to Guru

Born as Bhai Jetha on 24 September 1534 in Chuna Mandi, Lahore. Orphaned at age 7, he was raised by his maternal grandmother. As a young boy, he earned a living by selling boiled chickpeas on the streets.

He came to Goindwal and began serving in the Langar of Guru Amar Das Ji. His devotion and humility were extraordinary. Guru Amar Das Ji, recognizing his spiritual qualities, gave his younger daughter Bibi Bhani’s hand in marriage to Bhai Jetha. When choosing his successor, Guru Amar Das tested his two sons-in-law by asking them to build platforms. While Rama built his once, Bhai Jetha rebuilt his repeatedly without complaint until the Guru was satisfied.

Teachings & Contributions

Building the Heart of Sikhi

Founded the city of Ramdaspur, which would become Amritsar — the holiest city in Sikhism and home to the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib)
Began the excavation of the sacred pool (Amrit Sarovar — Pool of Nectar) that gives Amritsar its name
Composed the Laavan — the four wedding hymns that form the Sikh marriage ceremony (Anand Karaj), still used in every Sikh wedding today. These hymns describe the soul’s journey toward union with God through four stages
Established the Masand system for collecting tithes and organizing the growing Sikh community across distant regions
Composed 679 hymns in 30 raags in the Guru Granth Sahib — among the most of any Guru
Invited traders and artisans from 52 different trades to settle in Amritsar, making it a thriving commercial center

Key Events

A City for All Humanity

Building Amritsar

Guru Ram Das Ji personally supervised the digging of the sacred pool. He invited people of all castes to participate, breaking social barriers. The city was designed with the Harmandir Sahib at its center — with four entrances on each side, symbolizing openness to all four castes and all four directions.

The Laavan Revelation

The four wedding hymns composed by Guru Ram Das Ji transformed Sikh marriage from a mere social contract into a profound spiritual journey, each round around the Guru Granth Sahib representing a stage of the soul’s union with the Divine.

Establishing a Trade Center

Unlike purely spiritual centers, Guru Ram Das Ji envisioned Amritsar as a complete city. He invited 52 trades to set up shop, demonstrating that spiritual life and material prosperity go hand in hand.

Legacy

The Physical Heart of the Sikh Faith

Guru Ram Das Ji gave the Sikh faith its physical heart — Amritsar. The city and its Golden Temple remain the most important pilgrimage site for Sikhs worldwide, attracting millions of visitors of all faiths. His Laavan hymns continue to unite Sikh couples in marriage.

A Notable Verse

Words of the Fourth Guru

The Lord Himself created His own form; the Lord Himself assumed His Name. He created Nature, and contemplating it, He found bliss within.

— Guru Ram Das Ji, Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 2