ਜੋਤਿ ਓਹਾ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਸਾਇ · One Divine Light (1469 – 1708)

The Ten Sikh Gurus

The descent of divine guidance to humanity through ten Enlightened Masters, culminating in the eternal living Guruship of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਸਿਧਾਂਤ

One Divine Light in Ten Forms (Jot and Jugat)

ਗੁਰੁ ਪਉੜੀ ਬੇੜੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੁਰੁ ਤੁਲਹਾ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਉ ॥
ਗੁਰੁ ਸਰੁ ਸਾਗਰੁ ਬੋਹਿਥਾ ਗੁਰੁ ਤੀਰਥੁ ਦਰੀਆਉ ॥

Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji · Sri Raag · Ang 17

“The Guru is the Ladder, the Guru is the Boat, and the Guru is the Raft of the Lord’s Name. The Guru is the Sacred Pool, the Ocean, and the Holy River carrying the soul across the worldly sea.”

In Sikh philosophy, the ten Gurus are not separate entities or incarnations, but one continuous divine illumination (Jot) working through the same practical methodology (Jugat). Just as one flame kindles another without diminishing in brightness, the identical divine light of Guru Nanak Dev Ji passed through each successive master until it was permanently enshrined in the Word (Shabad) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

ਪਹਿਲੀ ਪਾਤਸ਼ਾਹੀ · 1st Guru

Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji

ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇਵ ਜੀ

1469 – 1539 CEPrakash: Rai Bhoi Di Talwandi (Nankana Sahib, Punjab)Joti Jot: Kartarpur Sahib (1539 CE)

The founder of the Sikh faith. Preached the oneness of the Creator (Ik Onkar), divine equality of all human beings, and the dignity of honest labor.

Major Historical & Spiritual Contributions

Traveled thousands of miles across four extensive divine journeys (Udasis) through South Asia, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
Established the holy town of Kartarpur Sahib, building an egalitarian commune rooted in community farming.
Institutionalized Guru ka Langar (free communal kitchen) and the sacred pillars of Kirat Karo (honest work), Naam Japna (mindful remembrance), and Vand Chhako (selfless sharing).
Composed 974 hymns across 19 classical Ragas, including the foundational morning liturgy Japji Sahib, Asa Ki Var, and Sidh Gosht.

ਸਚਹੁ ਓਰੈ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਉਪਰਿ ਸਚੁ ਆਚਾਰੁ ॥

“Truth is the highest virtue, but higher still is truthful living.”

Ang 62

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ਦੂਜੀ ਪਾਤਸ਼ਾਹੀ · 2nd Guru

Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji

ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਅੰਗਦ ਦੇਵ ਜੀ

1504 – 1552 CEPrakash: Matte Di Sarai (Muktsar, Punjab)Joti Jot: Khadur Sahib (1552 CE)

A paragon of absolute devotion and obedience (Bhai Lehna Ji). Standardized the Gurmukhi script and prioritized universal literacy and physical fitness.

Major Historical & Spiritual Contributions

Standardized and popularized the 35-letter Gurmukhi alphabet, democratizing literacy and giving everyday people access to sacred scriptures.
Recorded the first comprehensive biographical traditions (Janamsakhis) of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Established schools for children at Khadur Sahib, educating boys and girls equally.
Championed physical discipline by building Mal Akhara (wrestling and fitness arenas) to cultivate strong, healthy communities.

ਜਿਨੀ ਚਲਣੁ ਜਾਣਿਆ ਸੇ ਕਿਉ ਕਰਹਿ ਵਿਥਾਰ ॥

“Those who realize they must eventually depart — why would they indulge in vain attachments?”

Ang 148

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ਤੀਜੀ ਪਾਤਸ਼ਾਹੀ · 3rd Guru

Sri Guru Amar Das Ji

ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਅਮਰਦਾਸ ਜੀ

1479 – 1574 CEPrakash: Basarke Gillan (Amritsar, Punjab)Joti Jot: Goindwal Sahib (1574 CE)

A tireless champion of social equality and women’s liberation who assumed Guruship at the age of 73, institutionalizing universal communal dining.

Major Historical & Spiritual Contributions

Strictly mandated “Pehle Pangat, Pache Sangat” — requiring even visiting kings, including Mughal Emperor Akbar, to sit on the floor and dine with the poorest before granting audience.
Established the holy city of Goindwal Sahib with an 84-step community open well (Baoli Sahib) accessible to all castes.
Fiercely condemned the practice of Sati (widow burning), female infanticide, and the Purdah (facial veil) imposed on women.
Created the Manji system, appointing 22 regional dioceses (including several women) to administer and teach Gurmat across distant territories.

ਮਨ ਤੂੰ ਜੋਤਿ ਸਰੂਪੁ ਹੈ ਆਪਣਾ ਮੂਲੁ ਪਛਾਣੁ ॥

“O my mind, you are the very embodiment of Divine Light; recognize your true origin.”

Ang 441

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ਚੌਥੀ ਪਾਤਸ਼ਾਹੀ · 4th Guru

Sri Guru Ram Das Ji

ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਰਾਮਦਾਸ ਜੀ

1534 – 1581 CEPrakash: Chuna Mandi (Lahore, Punjab)Joti Jot: Goindwal Sahib (1581 CE)

The master architect of Amritsar and an embodiment of spiritual humility (Bhai Jetha Ji), who composed the sacred hymns of the Sikh wedding ceremony.

Major Historical & Spiritual Contributions

Founded the holy city of Ramdaspur (later known as Amritsar) and initiated excavation of the sacred Sarovar (Pool of Nectar).
Invited traders, craftsmen, and artisans of 52 different vocations to settle in the new township, establishing a flourishing economic hub.
Composed the Four Lavan hymns in Raag Suhi, anchoring the Sikh marriage ceremony (Anand Karaj) as a spiritual union of two souls with the Divine.
Composed 679 hymns characterized by profound emotional longing, humility, and love for God.

ਹਰਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਸਰਿ ਨਾਵੈ ਚਿਤੁ ਲਾਵੈ ॥ ਤਿਸੁ ਜਨ ਹੋਵੈ ਅਮਰੁ ਨਿਜ ਥਾਨਾ ॥

“One who bathes in the Lord’s Pool of Nectar with devout consciousness achieves the eternal abode.”

Ang 365

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ਪੰਜਵੀਂ ਪਾਤਸ਼ਾਹੀ · 5th Guru

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji

ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਅਰਜਨ ਦੇਵ ਜੀ

1563 – 1606 CEPrakash: Goindwal Sahib (Tarn Taran, Punjab)Joti Jot: Lahore (1606 CE)

The sovereign compiler of the Adi Granth and the first Sikh martyr (Shaheedan de Sartaj), who constructed Sri Harmandir Sahib with four open doors.

Major Historical & Spiritual Contributions

Designed Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) at a level lower than the surrounding land with four entrances facing North, South, East, and West to welcome all humanity.
Compiled the holy Adi Granth at Ramsar Sahib (1604 CE), incorporating verses of the Sikh Gurus and fifteen prominent Hindu and Muslim Bhagats.
Composed Sukhmani Sahib (The Song of Peace) and contributed the largest collection of hymns (2,218) in the Guru Granth Sahib.
Endured brutal torture on hot iron plates in burning summer heat under Mughal Emperor Jahangir rather than compromising spiritual truth, establishing the Sikh tradition of non-violent martyrdom.

ਤੇਰਾ ਕੀਆ ਮੀਠਾ ਲਾਗੈ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਪਦਾਰਥੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਮਾਂਗੈ ॥

“Your Will is sweet to me. Nanak begs only for the priceless treasure of Your Name.”

Ang 394

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ਛੇਵੀਂ ਪਾਤਸ਼ਾਹੀ · 6th Guru

Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji

ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਹਰਿਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜੀ

1595 – 1644 CEPrakash: Guru Ki Wadali (Amritsar, Punjab)Joti Jot: Kiratpur Sahib (1644 CE)

The warrior-saint who unified temporal and spiritual authority through Miri-Piri, constructing Sri Akal Takht Sahib to protect the defenseless.

Major Historical & Spiritual Contributions

Donned two swords at his accession: Miri (temporal sovereignty and justice) and Piri (spiritual wisdom and contemplation).
Constructed Sri Akal Takht Sahib (Throne of the Timeless One) in 1606 CE directly opposite Harmandir Sahib as a seat of sovereign justice and community leadership.
Trained the Sikh community in equestrian skills, archery, and martial defence to resist imperial oppression without aggression.
Liberated 52 captive Rajput kings from the Gwalior Fort prison, earning the revered title Bandi Chhor (The Great Liberator).

ਦਲ ਭੰਜਨ ਗੁਰੁ ਸੂਰਮਾ ਵਡ ਜੋਧਾ ਬਹੁ ਪਰਉਪਕਾਰੀ ॥

“The Guru is the destroyer of oppressive armies, the fearless warrior, and the great benefactor of humanity.”

Bhai Gurdas Ji

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ਸੱਤਵੀਂ ਪਾਤਸ਼ਾਹੀ · 7th Guru

Sri Guru Har Rai Ji

ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਹਰਿ ਰਾਇ ਜੀ

1630 – 1661 CEPrakash: Kiratpur Sahib (Rupnagar, Punjab)Joti Jot: Kiratpur Sahib (1661 CE)

A master of profound spiritual sensitivity, environmental compassion, and medical healing who maintained a defensive cavalry while strictly honoring life.

Major Historical & Spiritual Contributions

Maintained a ready, disciplined standing cavalry of 2,200 horsemen for protection, yet avoided offensive warfare, resolving disputes through wisdom.
Established botanical gardens and comprehensive medical dispensaries in Kiratpur Sahib, providing free rare herbal treatments to all in need.
Cured Prince Dara Shikoh of a lethal ailment with rare herbs from his medicinal dispensary, exemplifying love toward political adversaries.
Strictly guarded the unalterable sanctity of Gurbani, disowning his own eldest son Ram Rai for altering a single verse of Gurbani to appease Emperor Aurangzeb.

ਦਇਆ ਕਪਾਹ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਸੂਤੁ ਜਤੁ ਗੰਢੀ ਸਤੁ ਵਟੁ ॥

“Let compassion be the cotton, contentment the thread, self-restraint the knot, and truth the twist.”

Ang 471

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ਅੱਠਵੀਂ ਪਾਤਸ਼ਾਹੀ · 8th Guru

Sri Guru Har Krishan Ji

ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਹਰਿਕ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਨ ਜੀ

1656 – 1664 CEPrakash: Kiratpur Sahib (Rupnagar, Punjab)Joti Jot: Delhi (1664 CE)

The embodiment of youthful purity and healing grace (Bala Pritam), who ministered to the plague-stricken citizens of Delhi at the cost of his own life.

Major Historical & Spiritual Contributions

Assumed spiritual stewardship at the young age of five, answering profound theological questions with astonishing wisdom and maturity.
Comforted and personally treated thousands of citizens during deadly smallpox and cholera epidemics in Delhi, distributing clean healing water from the well now at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib.
Contracted the smallpox disease while serving the impoverished, joyfully accepting the divine will and departing this earth at age seven.
With his final words “Baba Bakale”, indicated that the next Guru resided in the village of Bakala, pointing the Sangat to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.

ਸ੍ਰੀ ਹਰਿਕ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਨ ਧਿਆਈਐ ਜਿਸ ਡਿਠੈ ਸਭਿ ਦੁਖਿ ਜਾਇ ॥

“Remember Sri Guru Har Krishan Ji, by whose vision all suffering and affliction is dispelled.”

Ardas

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ਨੌਵੀਂ ਪਾਤਸ਼ਾਹੀ · 9th Guru

Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji

ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਤੇਗ ਬਹਾਦਰ ਜੀ

1621 – 1675 CEPrakash: Amritsar (Punjab)Joti Jot: Chandni Chowk, Delhi (1675 CE)

The Shield of Humanity (Hind Di Chadar), who made the unprecedented sacrifice of laying down his life to defend the fundamental religious freedom of another community.

Major Historical & Spiritual Contributions

Founded the sacred city of Anandpur Sahib (Chakk Nanaki) in 1665 CE at the foothills of the Shivalik hills.
Traveled extensively across Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, Bengal, and Assam, establishing community wells, preaching against fear, and uniting diverse cultures.
When Kashmiri Hindu scholars sought protection against Emperor Aurangzeb’s forced conversions, Guru Sahib stood as their defender, declaring that forced conversions violate divine law.
Publicly beheaded at Chandni Chowk, Delhi (Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib) alongside his disciples Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji, and Bhai Dayala Ji, cementing the inviolable right to freedom of conscience.

ਭੈ ਕਾਹੂ ਕਉ ਦੇਤ ਨਹਿ ਨਹਿ ਭੈ ਮਾਨਤ ਆਨ ॥ ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਸੁਨਿ ਰੇ ਮਨਾ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਤਾਹਿ ਬਖਾਨਿ ॥

“Do not cause fear in anyone, nor submit to fear from any other. Says Nanak, hear O mind: recognize that person alone as spiritually wise.”

Ang 1427

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ਦਸਵੀਂ ਪਾਤਸ਼ਾਹੀ · 10th Guru

Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji

ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ

1666 – 1708 CEPrakash: Patna Sahib (Bihar)Joti Jot: Nanded, Maharashtra (1708 CE)

The master poet, warrior, philosopher, and creator of the Khalsa Panth (Kalgidhar Patshah), who bestowed eternal sovereign Guruship upon Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

Major Historical & Spiritual Contributions

Created the Khalsa on Vaisakhi 1699 at Anandpur Sahib through the Amrit ceremony, establishing the Saint-Soldier (Sant-Sipahi) ideal and bestowing the Five Ks (Panj Kakars) and titles of Singh (Lion) and Kaur (Princess).
Kneeled before the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones) to receive Amrit himself, establishing complete egalitarian democracy: “Waho Waho Gobind Singh Aape Gur Chela”.
Sacrificed his entire family for truth and righteousness: his elderly mother Mata Gujri Ji, his elder sons Baba Ajit Singh and Baba Jujhar Singh at Chamkaur, and his younger sons Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh who were bricked alive at Sirhind.
Penned the historic Persian epistle Zafarnama (Epistle of Victory) to Emperor Aurangzeb, articulating the moral ethics of just defence: “When all other means have failed, it is righteous to draw the sword.”
Bestowed perpetual Guruship upon Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji at Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib in 1708 CE, terminating the lineage of personal physical masters.

ਮਾਨਸ ਕੀ ਜਾਤ ਸਬੈ ਏਕੈ ਪਹਿਚਾਨਬੋ ॥

“Recognize the entire human race as one single undivided family.”

Akal Ustat

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ਸਦਾ-ਸਦਾ ਸਥਿਰੁ · The Eternal Guruship (1708 – Eternity)

Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Tenth Patshah Guru Gobind Singh Ji permanently bestowed Guruship upon the Shabad Guru at Nanded Sahib in 1708 CE. The living Guru of the Sikhs is ever-present in the 1,430 Angs of universal divine revelation.

Explore Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji The Five Takht Sahibs