Guru Arjan Dev Ji was possessed of wonderful qualities of head and heart. He was sweet, humble and
a perfect blend of devotion and sacrifice. His works include the completion of Sri Harmandir Sahib
at Amritsar and the compilation of holy scripture, the Adi Granth. He got foundation stone of Shri
Harmandir Sahib laid by a Muslim Saint Hazrat Mian Mir Ji of Lahore in December 1588.
He also founded
well known towns like Sri Tarn Taran Sahib and Hargobindpur. He compiled Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji
after collecting the hymns of the first four Gurus and several other Hindu and Muslim Saints irrespective
of their background. Guru Ji himself contributed about 2218 verses to it.His most significant composition,named, Sukhmani sahib is a psalm of peace and is frequently recited by the devotees individually or in groups His dictation of the holy compilation was written by
Bhai Gurdas Ji. This Holy scriptures was installed at Sri Harimandar Sahib in August/September
1604. Baba Budha Ji was appointed the first Granthi Sahib-Expert in reading and interpreting of the
holy Sikh scriptures.
The works of the Guru attracted thousands of Hindus and Muslims who became his
followers. The growing popularity of the house of the Guru became an eye sore for the detractors of the
House of the Guru. They wanted to bring harm to the Guru and those who followed him. Even the elder
brother of the fifth Guru, Prithi Chand was so jealous that after having been deprived of the Guru Gaddi,
was bent upon destroying the peaceful order. He had become vindictive and was always on the lookout
for an opportunity to take vengeance.
All such people complained to the rulers with a view to convince
them that the new faith was a danger to Hinduism and Islam. Emperor Akbar, being a wise ruler, did
not accept these contentions and rather appreciated the Guru’s teachings. However, his son Jahangir,
became jealous of the Guru and ordered harshest punishment for him. The Guru was subjected to extreme
physical tortures. He was made to sit on red hot iron plates and burning sand was poured upon him. Mian
Mir, Guru’s Muslim friend, a saintly figure, wanted to intercede on his behalf, but the Guru forbade him
by saying that whatever was God’s will must be fulfilled. When the Guru was taken to Ravi river for a dip
in cold water, it was the height of the torture for his blistered body. However, obeying God’s will, the
Guru remained in meditation and peacefully passed away…..
