Guru Arjan Dev Martyrdom Day 2023: Significance, History and all about the Fifth Sikh Guru here

Guru Arjan Dev Diwas 2023: Guru Arjan Dev was the fifth Sikh Guru and died on June 16, 1606. Guru Arjan Dev Martyrdom Day is observed every year on Jeth Sudi 4. Take a look at the significance and history of the day in the article below.

Guru Arjan Dev Diwas: Guru Arjan Dev Martyrdom Day or Shaheedi Diwas of Guru Arjan Dev is being . It is observed on Day 24 of Jeth, the third month in the Sikh calendar. The day also marks the observance of Chabeel Day, a significant part of the Shaheedi Diwas of the fifth Sikh Guru.

Who was Guru Arjan Dev?

Guru Arjan Dev was born in 1563 in Goindwal or Tarn Taran district. His maternal grandfather was Guru Amardas who was the third Sikh Guru and his father was Guru Ramdas, the fourth Guru of Sikhs. He was the fifth Guru of Sikhs and the first martyr of the Sikh religion who was executed on the orders of Jehangir, the Mughal emperor. His major achievement includes the compilation of the first edition of Sikh scripture Adi Granth, also known as Guru Granth Sahib. Later the Adi Granth was put in Harmandir Sahib.

Guru Arjan Dev was the author of many other books like Sukhmani Sahib Bani. He wrote 2000 hymns himself and it is one of the largest hymns collections in the world. He also is known to have prepared the map of The Golden Temple himself, creating doors on all sides signifying the acceptance of all castes and religions in the Gurudwara. He was the one behind the construction of the Golden Temple in Amritsar. After his death, Guru Hargobind Singh his son succeeded him as the sixth guru of Sikhs. 

Guru Arjan Dev blessed Jehangir's rebellious son Khusrau, which enraged the Mughal king ordering his execution at once. His death was extremely painful and unimaginable. Guru Arjan Dev was made to sit on a burning plate while hot sand was poured on him. Then he was made to bathe in the river and tortured for five days in continuation before he died. In short, he was burnt alive for favouring the emperor's rebellious son. 

How did Guru Arjan Dev died?

It was in 1696 when Mughal emperor Jehangir ordered the arrest of Guru Arjan Dev in the Fort of Lahore. It is said that he was arrested due to his increasing influence on people and thus Sikhisms influence over them. 

Guru Arjan Dev blessed Jehangir's rebellious son Khusrau, which enraged the Mughal king ordering his execution at once. His death was extremely painful and unimaginable. Guru Arjan Dev was made to sit on a burning plate while hot sand was poured on him. Then he was made to bathe in the river and tortured for five days in continuation before he died. In short, he was burnt alive for favouring the emperor's rebellious son. 

How is Guru Arjan Dev Diwas observed?

On this day across the world, people organize Langars ( a Sikh tradition of community feeding), religious events and readings of Guru Granth Sahib. Also every year a batch of Sikh pilgrims visit the Gurdwara of Dehra Sahib in Lahore, Pakistan. The group is called Jatha. This year the Jatha was scheduled on June 6. 

This year marks the 417th martyrdom anniversary which is of great religious value to Sikhs worldwide. The day is a celebration of life for all religions and acceptance of everyone. It celebrates peace and harmony. It commemorates Shri Guru Arjun Dev Ji and his noble life emphasising peace and harmony in society.

So celebrating today, the life of the Fifth Sikh Guru, Jagran Josh wishes all the readers good health and prosperity.