Guru Nanak Sahib (1469–1539)

Birth Date: April 15, 1469

Place of Birth: Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib, Pakistan)

Guru Nanak Sahib was the founder of Sikhism. He taught that there is only one God who is formless, eternal, and the Creator of all. He emphasized three main principles:

He preached against superstition, ritualism, and the caste system, promoting the equality of all human beings regardless of religion, gender, or social status.

Guru Angad Sahib (1504–1552)

Birth Date: March 31, 1504

Place of Birth: Matte-di-Sarai, Punjab

Guru Angad Sahib formalized the Gurmukhi script, which became the script for the Punjabi language and the writing of Sikh scriptures. He stressed physical health and discipline and encouraged education and cleanliness. Through his humility and service, he taught the importance of selfless devotion and following the Guru’s path.

Guru Amar Das Sahib (1479–1574)

Birth Date: May 5, 1479

Place of Birth: Basarke, Punjab

Guru Amar Das Sahib promoted social equality by challenging caste-based discrimination. He institutionalized Langar (the free community kitchen), requiring everyone—rich or poor—to sit together and eat as equals. He also encouraged the spiritual equality of women, condemning practices like sati (widow burning) and purdah (veiling).

Guru Ram Das Sahib (1534–1581)

Birth Date: September 24, 1534

Place of Birth: Lahore, Punjab

Guru Ram Das Sahib founded the city of Amritsar, which later became the spiritual center of Sikhism. He emphasized humility, devotion, and community service. He composed many devotional hymns and continued to promote the institution of Langar and the daily practice of prayer and singing God’s praises.

Guru Arjan Sahib (1563–1606)

Birth Date: April 15, 1563

Place of Birth: Goindwal, Punjab

Guru Arjan Sahib compiled the Adi Granth, the first version of the Guru Granth Sahib, collecting hymns of the Sikh Gurus and other saints. He built the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) as a place of worship open to all.

Guru Arjan Sahib was the first Sikh martyr, executed for his faith, symbolizing the spirit of sacrifice and resistance to injustice.

Guru Hargobind sahib (1595–1644)

Birth Date: June 19, 1595

Place of Birth: Wadali, Punjab

Guru Hargobind Sahib introduced the concept of Miri-Piri—the integration of spiritual and temporal (worldly) authority. He wore two swords representing these two responsibilities. He encouraged Sikhs to be saint-soldiers: spiritually grounded but ready to stand up for justice and protect the oppressed.

Guru Har Rai Sahib (1630–1661)

Birth Date: January 16, 1630

Place of Birth: Kartarpur, Punjab

Guru Har Rai Sahib was known for his gentle nature and compassion. He continued to uphold the ideals of Guru Hargobind Sahib, promoting both inner spirituality and preparedness. He established free medical clinics and herbal gardens to care for the sick. His teachings emphasized kindness, peace, and humility.

Guru Harkrishan Sahib (1656–1664)

Birth Date: July 7, 1656

Place of Birth: Kiratpur, Punjab

Guru Har Krishan Sahib became Guru at the age of five and is remembered for his deep wisdom and healing presence. During a smallpox epidemic in Delhi, he selflessly cared for the sick, eventually succumbing to the illness himself. He embodied the Sikh principle of seva—selfless service to others.

Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib (1621–1675)

Birth Date: April 1, 1621

Place of Birth: Amritsar, Punjab

Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib championed the right to religious freedom for all, not just for Sikhs. He stood up against forced conversions and oppression, eventually sacrificing his life in defense of the Hindu community. His teachings emphasized detachment from material things, meditation on God’s name, and standing up for righteousness and justice.

Guru Gobind Singh Sahib (1666–1708)

Birth Date: December 22, 1666

Place of Birth: Patna, Bihar

Guru Gobind Singh Sahib founded the Khalsa in 1699—a community of committed Sikhs who live by high spiritual and moral standards. He gave the Khalsa a unique identity, including the five articles of faith (Kesh, Kangha, Kara, Kachhera, Kirpan), and the collective surname “Singh” for men and “Kaur” for women to promote equality. He also declared the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru of the Sikhs.

The Eternal Guru – Guru Granth Sahib

After Guru Gobind Singh, the Sikh scripture, Guru Granth Sahib, was declared the eternal Guru. It contains the hymns and teachings of the Sikh Gurus and other spiritually enlightened saints from diverse backgrounds. Sikhs consider it the living Word of God and the central guide in all matters of life.

Conclusion

The Sikh Gurus taught a path of devotion, equality, service, and courage. Their lives and teachings continue to inspire millions around the world to live with compassion, integrity, and faith in one universal God.

Visitors to the Gurdwara are encouraged to reflect on these values and participate in the spirit of unity and selfless service that defines Sikhism.