sikhpride

When the news of the martyrdom of Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji reached his son Hargobind who was 11 years old at that time, he as the successor Guru brought a radical change in the policy which transformed the Saint Sikhs into Saint soldiers. He started training of Sikhs in use of arems and built a platform just in front of Sri Harmandir Sahib for meeting the Sikhs and taking important decisions. He wore two swords one of spiritual power (Piri) and otherof Military Power (Miri). He started the tradition of singing ballads of brave people at the new platform called Akal Bunga (now known as Sri Akal Takht Sahib). The singing of these ballads (Vaars) was meant to infuse the martial spirit among the Sikhs. When Jahangir came to know about such a transformation in the Sikhs, he got the Guru imprisoned at Gwalior Fort. However, on the advice of some saintly people Jahangir realised the futility of his action and ordered the release of the Guru. The Guru agreed for the release on the condition that 52 prisoners, (Kings of small states) be also released along with him. This condition was agreed by the Emperor and the Guru along with 52 persons were released. This action of the Guru made him popular as a ‘Bandi Chhor Guru’. During the reign of Shah Jahan, the Guru had to fight five Battles with the Mughal chieftains. Though the battles were started by the Mughals, the Guru fought and won all these battles.