Sikh Art by Bhagat Singh Bedi – www.sikhiart.com

Estimated Lesson Length: 50 Minutes

This lesson will share information about Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru.

Guru Ram Das is the fourth Sikh Guru. He was born in Lahore, Pakistan. His father’s name was Hardas Ji Sodhi and his mother was Mata Daya Kaur Ji. He married the daughter of Guru Amar Das, Bibi Bhani Ji.

Like the preceding Sikh Gurus, Guru Ram Das had mystical visions and wrote songs explaining the nature of the Divine and the human experience. Among his compositions is the Lavaan – the Sikh wedding ceremony – which he composed on his own wedding day to Bibi Bhani. He also wrote four songs known as the Engagement Shabads as well as many other compositions.

Guru Ram Das founded the city of Amritsar and began the process of building the Harimandir Sahib (Golden Temple) which is the most sacred temple for Sikhs around the world. He undertook the excavation of the tank of water which surrounds the Temple. The water is legendary for its healing powers. He created the Harimandir Sahib so that it would have four doors – one on each side of the building – meaning that is was open to people of every caste, background, language and religion.

Guru Ram Das also encouraged people to start small businesses. He helped establish Amritsar as the religious center for the Sikhs.

~ Sikh Dharma International (https://www.sikhdharma.org/sikh-history/ten-sikh-gurus/)