Guru Arjan Dev

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This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.

Compiler and editor of the Adigranth

Balbir Singh Bhasin|the speaking tree - Arjan Dev And The Guru Granth Sahib|Jul 20 2017 : The Times of India (Delhi)

Guru Arjan Dev is the fifth in the line of Sikh masters, starting from Guru Nanak Dev. The construction of Harmandir Sahib at Amritsar, the compilation of the Adi Granth, the establishment and development of new townships, the extension and consolidation of the Sikh faith and sacrifice of his own life for a righteous cause are some of his exemplary achievements. The Golden Temple at Amritsar is an immortal tribute to his superb genius.The Guru Granth Sahib, which has been accorded the unique honour of `Guru' in Sikh circles, was compiled and edited by Guru Arjan Dev and it continues to command the reverence of generations of countless disciples everywhere. The scripture is an invaluable treasure of Indian spirituality , culture, literature and language. The company that Arjan Dev enjoyed from his early days consisted, apart from near relatives, Bhai Guru Das, a nephew of Guru Amar Das. His unique personality was the result of his own genius which evolved and flowered in the suitable atmosphere around him.An in-depth study of spiritual and philosophical literature gave a fillip to his scholarly attitude.

Guru Arjan not only undertook to study spirituality, but he also examined and evaluated the message of spirituality. He led his life in the tradition of Nanak Bani and supported it with the strength of his genius. Its most outstanding example is the compilation of the Adi Granth. The establishment of townships, construction of the Harmandir, pools, baolies and wells ­ all these projects required a steady flow of money . In order to meet this requirement, another plan was mooted that proved highly successful. This was the custom of Daswandh ­ one-tenth contribution of one's income to such endeavours. This custom served to organise and unite the Sikh people.

Jahangir, who ascended the Mughal throne during the lifetime of Guru Arjan, in his `Tuzaki-i-Jahangir' ­ in reference to the Goindval settlement of the Guru ­ makes a mention of the Guru in terms of “Pir“ and “Sheikh“ and he presents him as leader of Hindus and Muslims. But Shaikh Ahmed Srihindi calls the Guru a qafir of Goindval and expresses happiness at his martyrdom.

On the other hand, people in close contact with the Guru and his followers have expressed their highest regard and respect for his genius and spirituality .Bhai Guru Das rates him as the “loftiest light“, the true creator, the transcendent knower and a being beyond the reach of human intellect and language.Bhai Guru Das had watched Arjan Dev from close quarters, and he had assisted in the compilation of the Adi Granth. In Bhai Guru Das's estimation, Guru Arjan was a great hero who did not fall short of Mahabharata's Arjuna or Buddhist philosopher Nagarjuna in terms of spiritual heights.

In short, we can say that Guru Arjan Dev was not only the compiler and editor of the Adi Granth but an apostle.He promoted social equality , because he not only included the sayings and verses of the four Gurus and his own, but gave the same respect and regard to the Bani and verses of several other saints and sevaks. In his view, all men are equal because the spiritual jyoti (light) of Almighty God shines in every heart.