🔸Family Life of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji.

Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji shared a deeply spiritual and dignified family life rooted in grace, discipline, and divine purpose. He was married first to Mata Damodari Ji, who was his principal consort. Later, he was also married to Mata Mahadevi Ji and Mata Nanaki Ji, reflecting the tradition and circumstances of those times where the Guru’s household bore responsibilities larger than personal life — often encompassing spiritual guidance, community service, and political duties.

The Guru was blessed with six children who each, in their own way, played vital roles in Sikh history. His eldest son, Baba Gurditta Ji, was a highly revered personality who later helped establish the Udasi sect under the guidance of Baba Sri Chand Ji, the son of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. His youngest son, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, would one day rise to become the ninth Guru of the Sikhs and lay down his life for religious freedom, a moment that would forever define the spirit of sacrifice in Sikhism. Among his children was also Baba Atal Rai Ji, a divine soul whose spiritual presence was so profound that he left the world at the young age of nine. In remembrance, the iconic Baba Atal Tower was erected near the Golden Temple. The Guru’s daughter, Bibi Viro Ji, was known for her strength, wisdom, and strong commitment to Sikh values. She provided a spiritual anchor within the Guru’s family and the broader community.

Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji raised his family with the values of seva (selfless service), shakti (strength), and simran (meditative remembrance). He led by example — blending the responsibilities of a spiritual guide, a kingly protector, and a devoted father. His home was a training ground not only in love and humility but also in courage, preparing each member to walk the path of righteousness and serve the wider Sikh community with honor.

🔸Turning Point – Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji.

In 1606, a tragic turning point occurred. Guru Arjan Dev Ji was martyred in Lahore after immense torture by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, marking the first martyrdom in Sikh history. Before attaining martyrdom, Guru Arjan Dev Ji passed on the Guruship to his eleven-year-old son, Hargobind Ji, with divine guidance:

“ਉਹ ਤਲਵਾਰ ਧਾਰੇ, ਫੌਜ ਰਖੇ ਅਤੇ ਪੰਥ ਨੂੰ ਧਾਰਮਿਕ ਰੱਖਿਆ ਲਈ ਤਿਆਰ ਕਰੇ।”
“Let him wear the sword and keep an army. Let him transform the Panth into one that can protect the dharam.”

This was the beginning of a new era — the transition from Shant Ras (peaceful devotion) to Bir Ras (warrior spirit) in Sikhism.

🔸Guruship & Foundation of Miri-Piri.

On his enthronement as the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji wore not one, but two swords symbolizing:

• Miri (temporal authority)     |     Piri (spiritual authority)

This marked the beginning of the Miri-Piri tradition, where devotion (bhakti) and warrior spirit (shakti) were seen as complementary. He adopted a royal outlook, sitting on a raised throne, wearing princely robes, and maintaining a court — not out of ego, but to show the Sikhs that power must be used to protect the righteous.

🔸Akal Takht Sahib – Seat of Sikh Authority.

In 1609, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji constructed the Akal Takht Sahib (Throne of the Timeless One) right in front of Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple). This was a symbolic and practical seat of Sikh governance and justice. Here, he would address the Sikh congregation, resolve matters of the Panth, and declare decisions for the community. The Akal Takht became a symbol of courage, leadership, and unity.

🔸The Story of Bandi Chhor Divas.

Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji was once unjustly imprisoned in Gwalior Fort by Emperor Jahangir. Many respected saints, including Hazrat Mian Mir, advocated for his release. Eventually, the emperor agreed to free the Guru, but Guru Hargobind Ji insisted that 52 detained Rajput princes, also imprisoned unjustly, should be released along with him. A special cloak was stitched with 52 tassels, so each prince could hold one and be freed under the Guru’s grace. This historical release is celebrated as Bandi Chhor Divas, which coincides with Diwali, and holds deep significance in Sikh history.

🔸Battles for Justice – The Saint-Warrior

Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji did not promote violence, but he firmly believed in Dharam Yudh — a just war fought to protect the innocent. He fought several battles against the Mughals, including:

• Battle of Amritsar (1628)
• Battle of Hargobindpur (1631)
• Battle of Lahira (1634)

Despite being heavily outnumbered in many instances, Guru Sahib’s faith, leadership, and strategy led the Sikhs to victory — not to conquer, but to defend righteousness. He also built a fortified township named Lohgarh (Fortress of Steel), symbolizing Sikh resilience and readiness.

🔸Spiritual Wisdom & Leadership.

Though Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji wore royal robes and carried weapons, his soul was soaked in devotion and divine love. He continued to uphold the Gurbani, encouraged daily prayers, service to humanity, and honest living. He taught that one must not renounce the world but engage in it with dignity, standing against oppression and falsehood.

He balanced shakti (power) with bhakti (devotion) — creating the perfect example of a warrior-saint.

🔸Final Years & Eternal Light

In the later years of his life, Guru Sahib moved to Kiratpur Sahib in the Shivalik foothills, a peaceful town he founded. Here, he continued to preach, serve, and guide the Sikhs. Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji left for his heavenly abode on March 3, 1644, after nominating his grandson Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji as the seventh Guru.

🔸Conclusion

Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji’s legacy stands tall as a beacon of strength, righteousness, and balance. He introduced a new spirit in Sikhism — one that does not submit to tyranny, one that prays with hands and defends with swords when needed. He taught the world:

• Be brave, but stay humble.
• Be spiritual, but never let injustice win.
• Serve the truth, even if it means sacrifice.

“Miri te Piri de malik, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji — jina ne Sikhi nu shakti da roop ditta.”
(The master of spiritual and temporal authority, who gave strength and courage to Sikhism.)