Guru Har Krishan

Guru Har Krishan (Gurmukhi: ਗੁਰੂ ਹਰਿ ਕ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਨ, pronunciation: [ɡʊruː həɾ kɾɪʃən]; 7 July 1656 – 30 March 1664[1]) was the eighth of the ten Sikh Gurus. According to Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer (National Professor of Sikh History), Guru Harkrishan was born on 20 July 1652.[2] At the age of five, he became the youngest Guru in Sikhism on 7 October 1661,[1] succeeding his father, Guru Har Rai.[3] He contracted smallpox in 1664 and died before reaching his eighth birthday. It is said that he died because he contracted smallpox while successfully curing his followers.[4]

"Hari Krishnan" redirects here. For the Indian actor, see Hari Krishnan (actor).
Guru Har Krishan
ਗੁਰੂ ਹਰਿ ਕ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਨ
Painting of the eighth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Har Krishan, seated on a platform and leaning against a bolster with a red-coloured backdrop
Personal
Born
Kishan Das Sodhi

7 July 1656[1]
Kiratpur Sahib, Lahore Subah, Mughal Empire
Died30 March 1664(1664-03-30) (aged 7)[1]
Delhi, Mughal Empire
ReligionSikhism
Parent
Other names
  • Bal Guru ("Child Guru")
  • Eighth Master
  • Eighth Nanak
  • Bala Pritam
  • Guru Hari Krishan
Signature
Religious career
Period in office1661–1664
PredecessorGuru Har Rai
SuccessorGuru Tegh Bahadur
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He is also known as Bal Guru (Child Guru),[3] and sometimes spelled in Sikh literature as Hari Krishan Sahib.[4][5] He is remembered in the Sikh tradition for saying "Baba Bakale" before he died, which Sikhs interpreted to identify his granduncle Guru Tegh Bahadur as the next successor.[3][4] Har Krishan had the shortest reign as Guru, lasting only two years, five months and 24 days.

Biography
Miniature painting of Guru Har Krishan conversing with a Hill Raja, with attendants standing by, circa early 19th century

Har Krishan was born in Kiratpur (Shivalik Hills) in northwest Indian subcontinent to Krishen Devi (Mata Sulakhni) and Guru Har Rai. His family belonged to the Sodhi clan of Khatris. His father, Guru Har Rai supported the moderate Sufi influenced Dara Shikoh instead of conservative Sunni influenced Aurangzeb as the two brothers entered into a war of succession to the Mughal Empire throne.[6] After Aurangzeb won the succession war in 1658, he summoned Guru Har Rai in 1660 to explain his support for the executed Dara Shikoh. Guru Har Rai sent his elder son Ram Rai to represent him. Aurangzeb kept the 13 year old Ram Rai as hostage, questioned Ram Rai about a verse in the Adi Granth – the holy text of Sikhs. Aurangzeb claimed that it disparaged the Muslims.[7][8] Ram Rai changed the verse to appease Aurangzeb instead of standing by the Sikh scripture, an act for which Guru Har Rai excommunicated his elder son, and nominated the younger Har Krishan to succeed as the next Guru of Sikhism.[7][9]

Lesson in humility

Sikh Gurus have been known to impart lessons in humility during their lifetimes. One such famous incident as noted by Macauliffe in Sikh Religion - Vol 4 is from the life of Guru Har Krishan. Once on the way to Delhi from Punjab, Guru Har Krishan was staying at Panjokhara, near present day Ambala. Gurudwara Panjokhra Sahib is situated at this place now. A very learned pandit by the name of Lal Chand, noting that the guru's name was similar to that of Lord Krishna, came visiting with the intent to test him on the knowledge of Bhagavad Gita by asking the meaning of a few shalokas. The guru, with the intention to cure him of his pride, said that Lal Chand did not need the guru for this task and that anyone could do that. On hearing this, Lal Chand brought a mute and ignorant water carrier named Chhajju. The guru placed his stick on Chhajju's head. Macauliffe writes "The Brahman and the water carrier accordingly began to discuss, and the water carrier gave such learned replies, that the Brahman stood in astonished silence before the Guru." He accordingly begged Har Krishan's pardon for his mistake and became the Guru's disciple.[10]

Requested meeting with Aurangzeb

Aurangzeb meanwhile rewarded Ram Rai, patronizing him with land grants in Dehra Dun region of the Himalayas. A few years after Guru Har Krishan assumed the role of Sikh leader, Aurangzeb summoned the young Guru to his court through Raja Jai Singh, with an apparent plan to replace him with his elder brother Ram Rai as the Sikh Guru.[11] However, Har Krishan contracted smallpox when he arrived in Delhi and his meeting with Aurangzeb was cancelled. Some sources state that he outright refused to meet with the Mughal emperor as he had foretold that Aurangzeb would demand he perform miracles, which are forbidden to be displayed in Sikhism.[11] On his deathbed, Har Krishan said, "Baba Bakale", and died in 1664. The Sikh religious organization interpreted those words to mean that the next Guru is to be found in Bakale village, which they identified as Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Guru of Sikhism.[6][4] This proclamation frustrated Aurangzeb, who was eager to have Ram Rai installed as the next Sikh Guru so that he could control the community.[11]

Visiting Raja Jai Singh and death
Raja Jai Singh paying homage to Guru Har Krishan, late 17th century painting.

One of the most famous Gurdwara of Sikhs in North India, Gurdwara Bangla Sahib was at that time the residence (bangla is an Indic term for bungalow) of Raja Jai Singh of Delhi. Raja Jai Singh humbly requested the Guru to come to Delhi, so that he and the Guru’s Sikhs may behold him.[12][11]

Because of the Guru’s young age, the Raja’s wife too wanted to test his spiritual powers. Disguising herself as a maid, she sat amongst the lady attendants. However, the Guru instantly identified her and sat on her lap, proclaiming, "This is the Rani", thereby convincing her of his spiritual powers.[13][14]

It was during his stay here that a deadly disease of smallpox and cholera had spread in the city of Delhi. When people learned of Guru Har Krishan's presence there, they went to him for shelter and protection. Guru Har Krishan asked them to bathe in the well in the Bungalow to cure themselves. Supposedly, anyone who took a bath there recovered.[15]

Final moments

Kavi Santokh Singh writes about the Guru's last moments,

'Whilst addressing the congregation Sri Guru Harkrishan Ji say's there are multiple reasons for me leaving this body however it will do no good to dwell on them[16] Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s gaddi (throne) is continuous, It’s magnificence will continue to grow and never shrink. Requests will be fulfilled by whoever sits on this throne, seek the discourse of the Guru and practice it.[16] The Granth will be your Guru. Those who wish to see me can do so by doing darshan (sight) of the Granth Sahib. Whoever views the Guru Granth Sahib with devotion their sins will be removed instantly.[16]'Those who wish to speak to me, can do so by reading and listening to the Guru Granth Sahib. Those who practice what has been written in the Granth Sahib will obtain the 4 treasures of this world.[16]'Anyone who comes with an intention or worry, seek the sanctuary of the Guru Granth Sahib and their issues will be resolved instantly.29. Everything belongs to those who are truly devoted, there is nothing for fakes. This body is temporary which is why the Granth should be Guru.30. Do darshan (see) of it with your eyes, bow to it and obtain its knowledge to enlighten yourself. Hearing this from Guru Ji everyone had tears in their eyes.31.'The Sangat feeling hopelessness and despair. This darshan (vision) of Sat Guru Ji will be the last and now has become even more precious.[16]'96 minutes have passed and the sun has set, Gurbaksh and other presented their innermost desire to Guru Harkrishan Ji.9. Reciting the names of all the previous Guru’s they asked the benevolent Guru to hear their request.10. Sri Guru Har Rai Ji did not see their elder son fit to be a Guru and then excommunicated him from the community.11.(p.373)[16]'Bless the sangat with someone like you, so that Sikhi may continue to flourish. If you do not continue this lineage then it will go against what Guru Nanak Dev had established15. The Sangat will be confused as to who to follow, some will follow Dhirmal, some will follow Ram Rai.16.Others will follow people in the Sodhi lineage. The sangat will fracture without a Guru like You, like an army without a commander.17.'Guru Harkrishan Ji listened thought to themselves that a Guru cannot leave the earth like this. A Guru is like the Sun which sets at night but raising the next day.24. They called for a coconut and 5 paisay (money) to be bought to them and asked the sangat to sit down. “The next Guru will be powerful and magnificent, in front of who fake Guru’s will not exist”.25. “Millions will become His devotees, those who seek His sanctuary will be liberated. He will steadfast like the earth and benevolent like the sun.26. He will establish Sikhi and those who have lost their way will seek His sanctuary. His magnificence will radiate throughout the world. He will evolve sikhi into something new and better”.27.[16]'With folded handsand closed eyes Guru Harkrish said "Baba basay je gram bikale". The entire congregation who was present heard this.36.[16]

Historiography
Hukamnama (edict) issued by Guru Har Krishan to the Sangat (Sikh congregation) of Pakpattan requesting them to attend daily functions at the Dharamsaal and to perform Kirtan Sohila prayers and praises of God, ca.1661–1664

Authentic literature with more details about Guru Har Krishan's life and times are scarce and not well recorded.[17] Some of biographies about Guru Har Krishan, particularly about who his mother was, were written in the 18th century such as by Kesar Singh Chhibber, as well as in the 19th century, and these are highly inconsistent.[18]

  • Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, where the Guru died
    Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, where the Guru died
  • Gurudwara Panjokhra Sahib, Ambala, Haryana- Pertaining to 8th Sikh Guru Har Krishan
    Gurudwara Panjokhra Sahib, Ambala, Haryana- Pertaining to 8th Sikh Guru Har Krishan
  • History of Gurudwara Panjokhra Sahib, Haryana
    History of Gurudwara Panjokhra Sahib, Haryana
  • A fresco of Guru Har Krishan ca. 1745
    A fresco of Guru Har Krishan ca. 1745
  • Circa 1700–1750 painting of Guru Harkrishan (left) being fanned by attendant
    Circa 1700–1750 painting of Guru Harkrishan (left) being fanned by attendant
  • Guru Har Krishan miniature painting.
    Guru Har Krishan miniature painting.
  • Guru Har Krishan being worshipped by his followers.
    Guru Har Krishan being worshipped by his followers.
  • Original structure of Gurdwara Sri Sheesh Mahal Sahib, Kiratpur Sahib. This was the birthplace of the Guru.
    Original structure of Gurdwara Sri Sheesh Mahal Sahib, Kiratpur Sahib. This was the birthplace of the Guru.

See also

References
  1. Mohindar Pal Kohli (1992). Guru Tegh Bahadur: Testimony of Conscience. Sahitya Akademi. pp. 12–13. ISBN 978-81-7201-234-2.
  2. Sikh History in 10 Volumes.
  3. HS Singha (2009), The Encyclopedia of Sikhism, Hemkunt Press, ISBN 978-8170103011, pages 96–97
  4. Louis E. Fenech; W. H. McLeod (2014). Historical Dictionary of Sikhism. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. p. 148. ISBN 978-1-4422-3601-1.
  5. Pashaura Singh; Louis E. Fenech (2014). The Oxford Handbook of Sikh Studies. Oxford University Press. p. 951. ISBN 978-0-19-100412-4.
  6. Arvind-Pal Singh Mandair (2013). Sikhism: the Guide for the Perplexed. Bloomsbury Academic. pp. 50–51. ISBN 978-1-4411-0231-7.
  7. Har Rai: Sikh Guru, Encyclopædia Britannica (2015)
  8. J. S. Grewal (1998). The Sikhs of the Punjab. Cambridge University Press. pp. 67–69. ISBN 978-0-521-63764-0.
  9. William Owen Cole; Piara Singh Sambhi (1995). The Sikhs: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices. Sussex Academic Press. pp. 33–34. ISBN 978-1-898723-13-4.
  10. Macauliffe (1909). Sikh Religion – Vol4 p. 321. Oxford. pp. 321–322.
  11. Takhar, Opinderjit Opinderjit; Jakobsh, Doris R. (2023). Global Sikhs: Histories, Practices and Identities. Routledge Critical Sikh Studies. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 9781000847352. Again, the emperor summoned Guru Har Krishan to Delhi through Raja Jai Singh who hosted the young Guru in his bungalow. Anticipating that the emperor would insist that he demonstrate miraculous feats, the Guru refused to meet him in person. Meanwhile, an epidemic of smallpox was raging in the city of Delhi, and the Guru came out of Raja Jai Singh's bungalow to tend the sick. During the service of healing the sick Guru Har Krishan was himself afflicted with the disease of smallpox, which ravaged his body. He made the pronouncement of designating his successor as "Baba Bakale", meaning that the next Guru would be found in the town of Bakala. He was specifically referring to his great-uncle, Tegh Bahadur (youngest son of Guru Hargobind), who lived at the town of Bakala at that time. His sagacious decision once again frustrated Aurangzeb's attempts to bring the mainstream Sikh community under control. Guru Har Krishan passed away on March 30, 1664.
  12. Macauliffe (1909). Sikh Religion – Vol4 p. 320. Oxford. p. 320.
  13. Macauliffe (1909). Sikh Religion – Vol4 p. 324. Oxford. p. 324.
  14. "Guru Harkrishen And Gurdwara Bangla Sahib".
  15. Macauliffe (1909). Sikh Religion – Vol4 p. 323. Oxford. p. 323.
  16. Singh, Santokh (2009). Mr (PDF) (in Punjabi) (1 ed.). Lassen Street, Northridge, CA 91343 USA: Baljinder Singh 16914 Lassen Street, Northridge, CA 91343 USA. pp. 368–377.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link)
  17. Pashaura Singh; Louis E. Fenech (2014). The Oxford Handbook of Sikh Studies. Oxford University Press. p. 41. ISBN 978-0-19-969930-8.
  18. Surjit Singh Gandhi (2007). History of Sikh Gurus Retold: 1606–1708 C.E. Atlantic Publishers. pp. 590–591 with note 2. ISBN 978-81-269-0858-5.
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