India is a nation known for its glorious past and rich culture. It has been the “land of gurus” for centuries and always attracts people seeking divinity. Moreover, from time to time, gurus incarnated and played a significant role in the spiritual upliftment of people. Like a school teacher guides a person for their career, a spiritual guru tells one the real purpose of life and helps connect to reality. Here, we are talking about the spiritual guru, Guru Har Krishan, the 8th of 10 Sikh Gurus, and his preachings. In this article, we will enunciate the life history and preachings of “Guru Har Krishan” Ji.
*Early life of Guru Har Krishan Ji*
Guru Har Krishan, the eighth Sikh Guru, was born on July 16, 1656, at Kiratpur Sahib (Uttar Pradesh). He received the divine light at the age of just 5 years from the 7th Sikh Guru, named Har Rai, on October 7, 1661. Because of this, the Sikh Guru is also known by the name “Bal Guru”.
The birth of the spiritual Guru took place in the pious womb of Mother Sulakhani Ji and a father named Guru Har Rai. Also, he had an elder brother named Ram Rai.
Guru Har Krishan Sahib was the Sikh Community’s youngest Guru, served for only 2 years and 5 months.
Despite his young age, Guru Har Krishan used to make his disciples happy with his explanations from the Holy Scripture, Guru Granth Sahib.
*The most devout son*
One day, some disciples of Guru Har Rai ji asked about the most devout son of the two. Guruji said his disciples to poke a needle the next day on the chairs of both the kids when they would be meditating. The eldest son Ram Rai was sitting on a wooden chair and needle could not make a difference when it was poked through. But the needle went through the chair of Guru Harkrishan ji very softly. The followers went back to Guru Har Rai ji who said that the devotion of Harkrishan had softened not only his soul but the chair too on which he was meditating. Guru Har Rai ji then gave a sign to his disciples that one day would come when Harkrishan would be causing the people’s heart to soften at his one sight only.
*Spiritual Preachings of Guruji*
Guru Harkrishan Ji was blessed with the vast knowledge of spirituality through his father, Guru Har Rai Ji (7th Guru of Sikh Religion). His teachings always inspire the coming generations to walk firmly on the path of spirituality.
*Oneness of God*: He always stressed upon the oneness of God and advised his followers to reel off God’s name to get salvation. He focused on meditation.
*Have a tender heart:* Guruji always insisted on serving the needy selflessly. He taught his followers to be kind to everyone. Kindness is a virtue that can please God.
*Keep patience in your life*: Patience is an attribute that increases your endurance power to make things happen in a correct manner without being irritated. He taught his followers to have patience in life and accept the doings of God without any ifs or buts. This trait can make one nearer to God.
*Charity:* Guruji emphasized the selfless service of mankind. He focused on helping the needy by making donations out of hard-earned money and taught people to share happiness with others to multiply it.
*The Delhi Journey of Guru Har Krishan Ji*
Emperor Aurangzeb was not happy with the growing popularity of Guru Har Krishan. Additionally, Ram Rai, the elder brother of Guru Har Krishan, also opposed the appointment of his younger brother as the 8th Guru. Before his death, Guru Har Rai cautioned his younger son to never meet with Aurangzeb. In order to reportedly resolve their family quarrel, Aurangzeb summoned Guru Har Krishan to Delhi. However, the intention of Aurangzeb was actually different; the king intended to make his elder brother Ram Rai as the Sikhs’ next guru. Then, Emperor Aurangzeb deputed a high court official named Raja Jai Singh to escort Guru Har Krishan Ji to Delhi. Guruji, along with his mother and a group of devotees, started his journey to meet the Emperor in Delhi. Here, we are sharing two incidents of his Delhi journey.
*An explanation of a holy verse by a deaf named Chajju Ram*
- On the way of their journey, numerous disciples who were anxious to hear Guru Ji got the chance to hear and meet their guru. Guruji with his disciples halted for the night at Panjokhra, near Ambala, Haryana. At this place, Guru Ji met with a man named Lal Chand, who wanted to test the wisdom and spiritual powers of Guru Ji. He began by asking the meaning of a few shalokas from the holy book, the Bhagwad Gita. Guru wanted to cure him of his pride by replying that anyone could do this. On getting this reply, Lal Chand brought a deaf and dump man named Chajju. Guru placed one stick on the head of Chajju, and Lal Chand began to discuss. Lal Chand was astonished by the reply and grace of Guru Ji.
When Guru Ji reached Delhi, Raja Jai Singh requested Guru Ji to stay in his bungalow. Now, the place is known by the name “Gurudwara Bangla Sahib”. Raja Jai Singh offered Guruji two trays: one loaded with ornaments, clothes and toys and the other of holy man’s cloak and cowl. Raja had the intentions of meeting Guruji next time and see him perform a miracle. Guru Har Krishan already knew about the intentions of the Mughal Emperor and said that king would not be able to see him again and no one should attempt to disturb God’s laws by performing a mirage.
- *Small pox outbreak in Delhi*
At the time, when Guru Har Krishan was in Delhi, a severe epidemic of small pox and cholera was ravaging the city. Guru Ji served the people selflessly at that time, irrespective of their caste and creed. Guru Sahib healed numerous people by singing the hymns of Gurbani. The Muslim population was highly impressed with the humanitarian deeds of Guru Ji and named him “Bala Pir”. While serving the needy, Guru Sahib himself suffered from high fever, which was an early symptom of small pox.
*An Epitome of Humanity:* It is true that everyone has to abide by the nature of law and has to leave this mortal world. On March 30, 1664, the Guru Sahib decided to appoint his successor and waved his hand three times in the air and said “Baba Bakala” before passing away. Guru Har Krishan Sahib bestowed mercy on all people equally. Remembering Guru Sahib on his death anniversary, we should abide by his precious teachings.
