Guru #5 of 10
Guru Arjan Dev Ji
First Sikh Martyr · Compiler of the Guru Granth Sahib
Guru Arjan Dev Ji was the fifth Sikh Guru and one of the greatest scholars in Sikh history. He completed the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) and compiled the Adi Granth — the sacred scripture of Sikhism. He became the first Sikh martyr, giving his life rather than changing a single word of God's truth.
The Story
Born on April 15, 1563, in Goindwal, Guru Arjan Dev Ji was the youngest son of Guru Ram Das Ji. From childhood, he showed extraordinary spiritual wisdom and poetic genius.
His greatest achievement was compiling the Adi Granth in 1604 — gathering hymns from the first four Sikh Gurus and adding his own compositions, as well as hymns from Hindu and Muslim saints who also spoke of one God. He wanted to preserve the sacred words perfectly so no one could change or corrupt them. He included over 2,000 hymns and had the manuscript completed at Ramsar, Amritsar.
He also completed the construction of the Harmandir Sahib — the Golden Temple — in Amritsar. Unusually, he placed the temple lower than the surrounding land, symbolizing that humility is the path to God. He invited a Muslim saint, Hazrat Mian Mir, to lay the foundation stone, showing that this house of God welcomed everyone.
The Mughal Emperor Jahangir saw the growing power and influence of Sikhism as a threat. He ordered Guru Arjan Dev Ji to be arrested and to remove Muslim and Hindu references from the Adi Granth. Guru Arjan Dev Ji refused. He was tortured for five days — made to sit on a burning hot iron plate while boiling sand was poured over him — yet he remained calm, peaceful, and in prayer throughout. He was then placed in the Ravi River, and his body was never recovered. He passed on June 30, 1606.
Martyrdom — The Ultimate Sacrifice
Guru Arjan Dev Ji was tortured and martyred by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir in 1606. He was made to sit on a burning hot plate with boiling sand poured over him for five days. Throughout his torture, he continued to pray. He became the first Sikh martyr and his sacrifice lit a fire in the Sikh community that led directly to the martial tradition established by his son, Guru Hargobind Ji.
Key Contributions
- Compiled the Adi Granth (Guru Granth Sahib Ji) in 1604
- Completed the construction of Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple)
- Wrote 2,218 hymns — the most of any Guru in the Guru Granth Sahib Ji
- Made the Golden Temple open on all four sides to welcome all people
- Became the first Sikh martyr — died for his faith rather than betray it
Core Teachings
- Truth must never be compromised, even under the greatest suffering
- God's house is open to all — no one is turned away
- Preserve sacred knowledge faithfully for future generations
- Face suffering with calm acceptance — 'Your will is sweet, O God'
Legacy
The Guru Granth Sahib Ji that Guru Arjan Dev Ji compiled remains the eternal Guru of the Sikhs to this day. The Golden Temple he built is now one of the most visited places in the world. His martyrdom transformed Sikhism, inspiring his son to take up the sword in defense of the faith.