Guru Amar Das
Guru Amar Das, who was the third Guru in the Sikhism tradition has great importance in the history of Sikhism for his principles such as equality, service and devotion. Guru Amar Das Ji was born on 5th of May 1479 at Basarke, Punjab and became the Guru at the age of 73 years after the death of Guru Angad Dev in 1552. While his leadership had laid the basic structure of Sikhism there were profound social and spiritual changes, which affected the Sikh society deeply.
Early Life and Spiritual Awakening
Guru Amar Das was born in Hindu family but he spent much of his young age in following the Hindu rituals but he was not feeling spiritually satisfied. It was only when he met Guru Angad Dev that the man got a spiritual awakening which inspired him. He was very devoted to Guru Angad Dev and he served him and remained humble and thus was accepted by the Sikhs. In the end, Guru Angad Dev decided to give him the post of the next guru.
Suggested Tour: Hemkund Sahib Tour
The Teachings of Equality
The other major emphasis, which Guru Amar Das brought into focus was the equal rights of all people. It was still during the time when the Indian society had not come out from the clutches of the caste system when he encouraged the people to cross the barriers of caste and gender.
He also stressed that all people, irrespective of their status, should be able to receive the knowledge of the spirit and participate in religious practices. He supported the inter caste marriages and condemned the custom of Sati and purdah for women.
Suggested Tour: Panj Takht Sahib Tour
Establishment of Langar
Guru Amar Das took it forward and formalized the concept of the ‘langar’ which is the community kitchen where everyone, including the low castes, could eat for free. He laid down the condition that anyone who wanted to meet him, must first sit down and eat at the langar; the idea that emphasized on the concept of equality and modesty.
This tradition of serving and eating together is still evidenced in Sikhism and is still in practice in the Gurdwaras today all over the world.
Suggested Tour: Punjab Gurudwara Tour
Strengthening Sikh Institutions
But when Guru Amar Das stepped into the throne, Sikhism started to organize itself properly and systematically. He then subdivided the Sikh population into 22 areas which were led by notable and religious Sikh leaders called the Manji.
These leaders were appointed with the main task of preaching what Guru Maharaj wanted the people to embrace, mobilizing the populace in search of food and other basic necessities. Other institutions which were developed by Guru Amar Das include new Gurdwaras and pilgrimage, especially the Goindwal Sahib.
Suggested Tour: Damdama Sahib With Golden Temple
Contributions to Sikh Scripture
Guru Amar Das was one of the five beloved gurus of the Sikhs and he made a great contribution to the scriptural tradition of the Sikhs. He also created hymns that were included in the Guru Granth Sahib which is the SIKH holy book.
The hymns that he wrote are quite centered on worship, submission, dedication, and the uselessness of rites and charms. He also recommended the each day practice of kirtan as a way of enhancing one’s’ communion with the Lord.
Succession and Legacy
After the death of Guru Amar Das in the year 1574, he nominated Bhai Jetha, his son-in-law as the fifth Guru and the name given to him was Gur Ram Das. He left behind several institutions, along with the reforms that he has implemented as well as spiritual knowledge imparted by him. These principles of equality, social justice and the service to mankind are still followed by millions of Sikhs all over the world.
In contemporary Sikhism, Guru Amar Das is appreciated as a light in the darkness and an advocate of social justice having delivered his message against the background of oppression of the marginalized. His introduction of the concept of langar, fight for women’s rights and the emphasis on worship as against idolization has shaped the Sikhism as a religion.
