Guru Hargobind Dev Ji
(1595 – 1644)
About Guru Hargobind: Balancing Spirituality and Martial Prowess
Guru Hargobind was born in 1595 and became the sixth guru at the age of 11 after his father Guru Arjan was martyred.
As Sikhs faced rising persecution, Guru Hargobind initiated military training of his followers and constructed the fortified center of Akal Takht facing the Golden Temple. This dual role of saint and soldier became an important part of the Sikh identity.
Guru Hargobind adorned himself with two swords representing spiritual and temporal authority. When the Mughal Emperor Jahangir attempted to subdue the growing military power of the Sikhs, Guru Hargobind fought successful battles against Mughal forces. He founded the town of Kiratpur in 1627 as a stronghold and increased his military from 700 to 3000 soldiers.
He also established gurdwaras and places of worship while promoting justice and moral living. Before his death in 1644, Guru Hargobind nominated his grandson Har Rai as successor since his son Gurdita had passed away.
