Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti – LEADER IN NEWS
NEWS: Observed annually on January 6 to commemorate
the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru.
WHAT’S IN
THE NEWS?
Marks the 358th birth
anniversary of the Guru (in 2025), according to the Drik Panchang calendar
(Paush Shukla Saptami).
Significance:
- Celebrates Guru Gobind Singh's leadership in developing Sikh
identity and promoting principles like equality, justice, and community
service.
- Considered one of the most important festivals for the Sikh
community.
Early Life
of Guru Gobind Singh
- Named as Guru:
- Guru Gobind Singh became the 10th Sikh Guru at the age of 9
after the martyrdom of his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur, who was executed by
Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb for refusing to convert to Islam.
- Birthplace:
- Born in Patna Sahib (modern-day Bihar).
Key
Contributions and Teachings
- Founding of the Khalsa:
- Established the Sikh warrior community, Khalsa, on Baisakhi in
1699 to combat oppression and promote justice.
- Instituted the Five K’s, the five articles of faith for
Sikhs:
- Kesh: Uncut hair.
- Kangha: A wooden comb.
- Kara: An iron or steel bracelet worn on the wrist.
- Kirpan: A sword.
- Kacchera: Short breeches.
- Spiritual Contributions:
- Contributed hymns and prayers, known as Shabads, to
Sikhism's holy scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib.
- These are sung and recited during Sikh gatherings (Sangats).
- Final Guru of the Sikhs:
- Declared the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru of
Sikhs before his death in 1708, ending the lineage of human Gurus.
Institution
of Panj Piare
- Formation:
- Guru Gobind Singh established the Panj Piare (Five
Beloved Ones) on Baisakhi in 1699.
- Called for five volunteers willing to sacrifice their lives for
their faith, who were then baptized and honored as the Panj Piare.
- Diversity of Panj Piare:
- The Panj Piare came from different castes and regions of India:
- Bhai Daya Singh (Lahore, Punjab)
- Bhai Dharam Singh (Hastinapur, Uttar
Pradesh)
- Bhai Himmat Singh (Jagannath, Odisha)
- Bhai Mohkam Singh (Gujarat)
- Bhai Sahib Singh (Bidar, Karnataka).
- Amrit Ceremony:
- Guru Gobind Singh prepared Amrit (sweet water) and
baptized the Panj Piare, renaming them with the suffix "Singh."
- He later received baptism from the Panj Piare himself,
symbolizing their authority and equality within the Sikh community.
- Role in Sikhism:
- The unanimous decisions of Panj Piare are binding for all Sikhs,
including the Akal Takht Jathedar (supreme authority of Sikhism).
- They embody the authority and spirit of the Guru.
Veer Bal
Diwas
- Observance:
- Celebrated annually on December 26 to honor the bravery and
sacrifice of Guru Gobind Singh’s youngest sons, Sahibzadas Zorawar Singh
and Fateh Singh.
- Declared as a national day of remembrance in 2022 by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi.
- Historical Background:
- During the siege of Anandpur Sahib Fort (1705), Guru Gobind
Singh and his family were forced to flee.
- Zorawar Singh (9 years old) and Fateh Singh (7 years old) were
captured by Mughal forces and pressured to convert to Islam.
- Martyrdom:
- The young Sahibzadas refused to abandon their faith and were
sentenced to death by being bricked alive on December 26, 1705.
- Legacy:
- Symbolize bravery, resilience, and unwavering loyalty to
Sikhism, inspiring generations to uphold the principles of their faith.
Leadership
and Legacy
- Social and Religious Reforms:
- Promoted values of equality, justice, and community service.
- Rejected caste discrimination and worked to unite people of
diverse backgrounds.
- Strategic Leadership:
- Led the Sikh community during tumultuous times, ensuring the
survival and growth of Sikh identity under Mughal oppression.
- Lasting Influence:
- Guru Gobind Singh's contributions, including the Khalsa and the
declaration of the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru, continue to
define Sikhism today.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/upsc-current-affairs/upsc-essentials/knowledge-nugget-of-the-day-guru-gobind-singh-9762279/