The Sixth Guru, he changed the face of Sikhism with the introduction of the Temporal power

1. Guru Hargobind Ji
Dr.Monica Sharma

3. Hostility towards the Guru
 His uncle, Priti Mal, who was brother of Guru Arjan continued his intrigues against Guru
Hargobind. Prithi Mal had unsuccessfully tried to kill Guru Hargobind, when the guru was a
child, by unleashing a deadly snake upon him. Prithi Mal continued to complain against him
to Emperor Jahangir.
 Chandu Shah who had been foremost in complaining to Jahangir against Guru Arjan Sahib
Ji transferred his hostilities toward Guru Hargobind.
 Shiekh Ahmad Sirhandi too was hostile towards the Sikh Gurus and incited the Emperor.
 Jahangir was fearful that Guru Hargobind might seek revenge for his father's arrest, torture
and death

4.  Up to the time of Guru Arjan Dev ji , the Sikh religion had been
passive.
 But at the time of the succession ceremony Guru Hargobind , he is
believed to have defiantly borne two swords, symbolizing his twin
authority
 as temporal (miri) and
 spiritual (piri) head of the community.
 He also devoted much time to military training and the martial arts,
becoming an expert swordsman, wrestler, and rider.
 Despite opposition, he built up his army and fortified his cities

5. Miri,Piri
 Miri: It comes from Persian word “miri”, which in turn comes from the Arabic word “Amir”. The word
"Amir" (which is pronounced as "a-MEER") means commander, governor, lord, prince, ruler,
chieftain, etc. and signifies the temporal power or material power. The concept of Miri signifies
worldly, materialist, and political power. The concept is linked to the traditional power enjoyed by
kings and rulers where the might of the military results in the power and ability to rule or influence
the people.
 Piri: This also comes from the Persian word “pir” which means saint, holy man, spiritual guide,
head of a religious order, and stands for the spiritual authority.
The concept of "Piri" is linked to the power enjoyed by religious leaders,. to have power or influence
over the devotees by the way of "spiritual power" or religious power.

6. Akal Takht
 Guru Hargobind constructed the Akal Takht (God's throne) in front of Harmandir in 1606. He sat on a
raised platform of twelve feet, attired in princely clothes.
 The Harmandir Sahib was the seat of his spiritual authority and the Akal Takht was the seat of his
temporal (worldly) authority.
 He added symbols of sovereignty, including the umbrella and the Kalgi.
 Guru Hargobind administered justice like a King and awarded honours and meted punishment, as well.
 The Akal Takht was the first Takht in the history of the Sikhs.
 He built a fort near Amritsar and named it Lohgarh
 The Sikhs had formed a separate and independent identity that had nothing to do with the
government agencies of the day. Thus the Sikh entity came to occupy a sort of separate state
within the Mughal Empire.

7. Confinement in Gwalior
 On the instigation of the opposers of Guruji,Jahangir called him to his court,but he
and the queen were taken by Guru Ji's charm, grace and Godliness. A friendship
and mutual respect soon followed, Guru Hargobind, would even hunt with the
Emperor on his grand Shikars. On one remarkable occasion the young Guru saved
the life of the Emperor, who he could have easily hated for the death of his father,
by jumping between a Lion and the Mughal ruler.
 Seeing their scheme to harm Guru Ji going awry and growing fearful of his
developing friendship with the Emperor, Chandu Shah used an illness of Jahangir
to have the court astrologers predict that only a Holy man praying at a shrine at
Gwalior Fort, for a lengthy time, would lead to the Emperor's recovery. Moved
equally by his personal jealousy as well as by superstition and the predictions of his
court astrologers, Jahangir ordered the Guru to be imprisoned at the Gwalior fort
(other versions have the Guru volunteering to undertake the task)

8. Bandi Chor
 Sikhs were worried that he would meet the same fate as his father the Guru himself
was never worried over his release.
 The famous muslim Pir Hazrat Mian Mir was among those who reminded Jahangir,
who had long since gotten over his illness and seemingly forgotten about the Guru's
confinement in the Fort, to release the Guru.
 The Guru's immediate release was ordered, but Guru Ji refused to leave the fort
unless the fifty-two Prince who had long languished under confinement, at the fort,
were released as well.
 Jahangir cleverly agreed that the Guru could take as many of the prince to freedom,
as could hold onto the Guru's clothing.
 Guru Ji had his darzi (tailor) prepare a coat with 52 ribands or tails and left the fort
with the fifty-two rulers trailing behind him, each holding onto a piece of the Guru's
coat.
 That is why Guru Ji is referred to as the Liberator (Bandi-chor) in history. Bandi
Chhorh Divas is celebrated in honor of the day.

9. Gurudwara Bandi Chor sahib

10. Conflict with Shah Jahan
 After Jahāngīr’s death (1627) the new Mughal emperor, Shāh Jahān,
persecuted the Sikh community in earnest.
 The Sikhs under Guru Hargobind defeated Shāh Jahān’s armies four
times, crushing the myth of Mughal invincibility.
 Guru Hargobind changed the face of Sikhism he vouched for the right
and duty of the Sikhs to defend their faith by the sword if necessary.
 Guru Hargobind appointed his grandson, Har Rai, his successor.

11. Battles led by Guru Hargobind ji
 Battle of Amritsar,1628 - The first battle of Guru Hargobind and the forces of the Mughal army.
Shah Jahan worried over the growing influence of the Sikhs and angered by the loss of a valued
Hawk seeks to teach Guru Hargobind a lesson.
 Battle Of Hargobindpur.1629 - Guru Hargobind and the creation of a town over Ruhela,
Revenge by muslims over death of Bhagvan Das.
 Battle Of Gurusar ,1631- Guru Hargobind's horses were snatched by the Mughals and
recovered by Gursikh, Bhai Bidhi Chand.
 Battle Of Kartarpur ,1634- Guru Hargobind and muslim Pathan Painde Khan turned traitor.
 Battle Of Kiratpur,1634 - Guru Hargobind and the final skirmish fought between the rulers of
Ropar.

12. legacy
 Introduced martial arts and weapons training and created a standing Military force for the
defense of the masses following his father's martyrdom.
 Built the Akal Takht in 1608 - which is now one of five Takhts (Seats of Power) of the Sikh
Religion.
 Founded the city of Kiratpur in District Rupnagar, (old name Ropar), Punjab
 Was held in the fort of Gwalior for one year, ostensibly to pray for the recovery of the ill
Emperor Jahangir (the Guru had willingly gone to the fort). When Jahangir ordered his release,
he refused to leave unless 52 imprisoned hindu Rajas were freed as well. Cleverly he earned
their freedom by turning the Emperor's own words against him. To mark this occasion, Sikhs
celebrate Bandi Chorr Divas to celebrate his release and return to Amritsar.
 First Guru to engage in warfare, fighting and winning 4 defensive battles with Mughal forces.
 The city Hargobindpur, in Majha region of Punjab, is named after him, which he won over
from Mughals after defeating them in a battle.