🔸Family Life of Guru Amar Das Ji

Guru Amar Das Ji led a humble and exemplary family life rooted in spiritual discipline, love, and service. He was married to Mata Mansa Devi Ji, a noble and devout woman who stood by his side throughout his spiritual journey. Together, they had four children—two sons, Bhai Mohan Ji and Bhai Mohri Ji, and two daughters, Bibi Dani Ji and Bibi Bhani Ji.

Though his sons were intelligent and capable, Guru Amar Das Ji saw exceptional humility, devotion, and selfless service in his son-in-law, Bhai Jetha Ji, the husband of his daughter Bibi Bhani Ji. Bhai Jetha Ji later became the Fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das Ji, which again reflected Guru Amar Das Ji’s unwavering commitment to merit and spirituality rather than bloodline when choosing a successor. Bibi Bhani Ji played a vital role in Sikh history. She not only supported her father with deep devotion but also raised her children with the same spiritual values. Her son, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, went on to become the Fifth Guru of Sikhism, showing how Guru Amar Das Ji’s legacy continued through a lineage rooted in virtue, humility, and dedication to the Guru’s path.

🔸The Divine Turning Point.

Bhai Amar Das Ji’s spiritual transformation came quite unexpectedly at the age of 61. One early morning, he overheard Bibi Amro Ji (daughter of Guru Angad Dev Ji and wife of his nephew), reciting the divine hymns of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The words stirred something profound within him. He was so moved by the Gurbani that he immediately requested Bibi Amro Ji to introduce him to her father, Guru Angad Dev Ji, the second Guru of the Sikhs. Upon meeting Guru Angad Dev Ji at Khadur Sahib, Bhai Amar Das Ji found the spiritual light he had been seeking for decades. Without hesitation, he offered himself in complete devotion and service to the Guru.

🔸Years of Selfless Service

Bhai Amar Das Ji lived in Khadur Sahib for 11 years, dedicating himself entirely to seva (selfless service) and spiritual learning. Despite his old age, he carried water daily from the Beas River for Guru Angad Dev Ji’s morning bath and served the community tirelessly, sweeping the paths and assisting in langar. His humility, patience, obedience, and unshakable devotion earned him the deep respect of Guru Angad Dev Ji and the Sikh community.

🔸Gurgaddi – Becoming the Third Guru

In 1552, recognizing Bhai Amar Das Ji’s spiritual greatness and absolute devotion, Guru Angad Dev Ji appointed him as his successor, bestowing upon him the Gurgaddi (spiritual throne) and the title of Guru Amar Das Ji, the Third Guru of Sikhism, at the age of 73. This decision once again demonstrated that Guruship in Sikhism is based on spiritual merit—not lineage or age.

🔸Contributions to Sikhism

Guru Amar Das Ji’s tenure as Guru was transformative. Despite being advanced in age, his leadership was dynamic and far-reaching. He played a crucial role in institutionalizing Sikhism and expanding its reach.

1. Establishment of Manji System: He divided the Sikh community into 22 Manjis (seats), each led by a devout Sikh preacher. This ensured the organized spread of Sikh teachings and promoted women and men equally as religious leaders—an extremely progressive move for the time.

2. Social Reforms: Guru Amar Das Ji strongly condemned caste-based discrimination, superstitions, and idolatry. He abolished the Sati system (burning of widows), discouraged purdah (veil for women), and uplifted the status of women in society. He encouraged remarriage of widows, a taboo at the time.

3. Guru Ka Langar (Community Kitchen): Though started by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and promoted by Guru Angad Dev Ji, it was Guru Amar Das Ji who institutionalized langar. He made it mandatory for everyone—regardless of caste or status—to first eat in langar (Pangat) before meeting him (Sangat-Pangat concept). Even Emperor Akbar had to sit in the langar before having an audience with him!

4. Construction of Goindwal Sahib: Guru Amar Das Ji established the town of Goindwal Sahib as a Sikh religious center. He also initiated the construction of a Baoli Sahib (step-well) with 84 steps, where pilgrims could meditate while climbing the steps. It remains an important Sikh pilgrimage site today.

5. Literary Contributions: Guru Amar Das Ji composed more than 900 hymns, which were later included in the Guru Granth Sahib. His bani (divine compositions) emphasizes Naam Simran (remembrance of God), equality, and living a truthful life.

🔸Final Years and Legacy

Guru Amar Das Ji left the mortal world on September 1, 1574, at the age of 95, after appointing his son-in-law, Guru Ram Das Ji, as his successor. His choice reflected his belief in merit, humility, and spiritual maturity—not heredity.

🔸Teachings and Philosophy

Guru Amar Das Ji’s teachings reflected a profound emphasis on:

• Equality of all humans, regardless of caste or gender
• Seva (selfless service) as the highest form of devotion
• Naam Simran as the path to liberation
• Living a householder’s life with detachment and truth
• Sangat and Pangat as practical ways to experience spiritual oneness

He taught that true devotion lies in humility, not in rituals or appearances. His life was a perfect example of transformation through devotion and service to humanity.

🔸Conclusion

Guru Amar Das Ji was a revolutionary saint, a social reformer, and a divinely inspired leader. His leadership laid the administrative and social framework of Sikhism, which continued to flourish after him. His fearless stance against injustice and inequality, and his devotion to truth, humility, and service, make him an eternal guide for all humanity. His life is a testament that age is no barrier to spiritual greatness, and that humble service can lead one to divine wisdom.