SYLLABUS

GS-1: Indian culture; Bhakti and Sufi traditions.

Context: The 359th Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last human Guru of Sikhism, was celebrated among the sikh community.

About Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji

• Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti, also known as Prakash utsav, is observed every year based on the Nanakshahi calendar / lunar calendar, commemorating his leadership and his influence on Sikh identity and principles such as equality, justice, and community service.

• He was born to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and Mata Gujri Ji on December 22, 1666, in Patna Sahib, Bihar, and was named Gobind Rai at birth.

o Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621–1675) was the ninth of the ten human Sikh Gurus.

• He was an accomplished poet, philosopher, and spiritual leader.

o In 1699, on Baisakhi, Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa panth and established the institution of the Panj Pyare as He regarded the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones) as the first members of the Khalsa.

• His teachings influenced the thoughts and lives of many. He is known to have introduced the five 'K's, the Five Articles of Faith that the Sikhs abide by:

o Kesh: uncut hair

o Kangha: a wooden comb

o Kara: an iron or steel bracelet worn on the wrist

o Kirpan: a sword

o Kacchera: short breeches

• The Dasam Granth is a collection of poetic compositions traditionally attributed to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, comprising hymns, philosophical writings, narrative poetry, and mythological themes, written in Braj, Hindi, Persian, and Punjabi.

• During 1704–1705, Guru Gobind Singh Ji lost all four of his sons:

o Ajit Singh (17) and Jujhar Singh (14) attained martyrdom at the Battle of Chamkaur Sahib (1704).

o Zorawar Singh (9) and Fateh Singh (6) were martyred at Sirhind (1705).Veer Bal Diwas is observed annually on December 26 as a national commemoration honouring the bravery and sacrifice of Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh.

• Veer Bal Diwas is observed annually on December 26 as a national commemoration honouring the bravery and sacrifice of Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh.

• He declared the Holy Scriptures of Guru Granth Sahib as the permanent Guru of Sikhs.

• The Guru bestowed the title of "Singh" (lion) to male Sikhs and "Kaur" (princess) to female Sikhs. 

• He passed away on October 7, 1708, in Nanded, Maharashtra. His death was the result of an assassination plot following his efforts to resist Mughal tyranny and defend religious freedom.