Born as Gobind Rai, Guru Gobind Singh was the tenth Sikh guru. Guru Gobind Singh had to overtake his leadership at the young age of nine. It was him who gave the warrior community a new surname – Singh.
He became the sixth Khalsa and changed his name from Gobind Rai to Guru Gobind Singh. He also founded the Khalsa Vani, which is ‘Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki fateh’ and the five Ks (Khalsa), which are the principles of life.
October 7 marks the death anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh. He left his physical body in 1708, at Abchal Nagar, Hazoor Sahib (Nanded, Maharashtra, India) on October 7.
As a philosopher, spiritual master, poet, warrior and the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh was credited with founding the Khalsa, a Sikh warrior community. At the age of nine, he was named as the leader of the Sikhs. He is also credited with the introduction of the ‘5 Ks’ (Kara, Kachera, Kirpan, Kesh and Kanga), which Sikhs are traditionally required to wear at all times and considered the five articles of faith.
He wrote many inspiring works including Tav-Prasad Savaiye, Jaap Sahib, Chaupai, Chandi Di Var, Akal Ustat, Zafarnamah and Bachittar Natak. His teachings inspired the Sikh community and others for generations. The Sikh community offers prayers at gurudwaras and remembers Guruji’s words of wisdom. Guru Gobind left his physical body in 1708, at Abchal Nagar, Hazoor Sahib (Nanded, Maharashtra, India) on October 7. While his death was followed by a long and bitter war of the Sikhs with the Mughals, his words continue to stay relevant. His sayings have been extracted from his writings.
Guru Gobind Singh was not just a Sikh Guru but also a spiritual master, poet and philosopher. His philosophy is still relevant in today’s times. Here are some of his inspiring thoughts and sayings.
And thus lay not the axe to thy empire
His Protection also in He; in need, He shows the Path
Lest the Sword on High falls upon thy neck.