In Celebration of Freedom’s Martyr

In this era of modern technology, the world as we know it is becoming smaller in many ways. From the comfort of your home, you can easily learn about new cultures, new traditions practiced in distant lands, as well as learn more of the world’s history.

Whether an individual is referred to as religious figure, a staunch leader, or a renowned artist, the world has become familiar with a diverse set of icons that will be captured in history forever.
On June 16th, 2006, the world will be paying tribute to an individual that has quietly earned the ranks of a historical icon that too will live on eternally. This individual’s name is Guru Arjan Dev Ji, and June 16th, 2006 marks the 400th anniversary of his martyrdom.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji was the Fifth Guru to the religion of Sikhism. Under his leadership in the late 1500s, the Punjab region (an area now divided between India and Pakistan) went through a period of a cultural renaissance and experienced significant economic progress. Guru Arjan went on to create the city of Amritsar, a thriving economic center with a strong interfaith acceptance. Within Amritsar, Guru Arjan went on to architect the creation of Sikhism’s holiest shrine, the Harimandar Sahib, which is often referred to as the Golden Temple in the western world. Furthermore, Guru Arjan was a poet who wrote a considerable portion of Sikhism’s holy scriptures. The Guru went on to create the Adi Granth; the first official compilation of Sikhism’s religious and philosophical teachings.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji (right) compiling the Adi Granth with assistance from his devotees.

But why was he killed?

For anyone who bears the principles of truth and equality, they eventually will be challenged by opposing forces in society. As the popularity of Guru Arjan rose, the Mughal Emperor
Jahangir became fearful of the Guru’s universal message of peace for all, regardless of their faith, class, or gender.

As an act to show his oppressive beliefs, Jahangir ordered the execution of Guru Arjan Dev Ji. Jahangir went on to brutally torture the Guru to break the spirits of his followers. For several days on the orders from Jahangir, the Guru was made to sit on an open oven while sand was poured over his burning body.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji peacefully sitting on a burning open oven under the orders of Mughal Emporer Jahangir.

However, the Guru’s spirit did not break, even as it cost him his life. The willpower of society prevented people from giving up on the message of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, as the Punjab continued to stride towards creating a lifestyle based on the core concepts of Sikhism.

Interesting enough, it was Father Jerome Xavier, a Catholic Priest who was on a missionary to the Punjab at the time of Guru Arjan, who stated that the Guru is equal to the class of Pope and how society embraced him with love and contentment.

So as Guru Arjan, the first Shaheed of the Sikh faith, won the psychological war against Jahangir, the Guru never deterred from his blessed vision. That is why he will forever be known as the Martyr of Freedom.

Let us all celebrate the lives of individuals like Guru Arjan Dev Ji, who have allowed for the greater good of society to live long and flourish for generations to come.

In loving remembrance of Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, 15 April 1563 – 30 May 1606.

Reference links on Guru Arjan Dev Ji
BBC News summary
Sikhs.org summary
SikhiWiki summary