Guru Gobind Singh
- Tenth Guru of the Sikhs: Guru Gobind Singh (1666–1708) was the 10th and last human Guru of the Sikhs.
- Early Life: Born as Gobind Rai on December 22, 1666, in Patna, Bihar, he was the son of the ninth Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur. He became the spiritual and temporal leader of the Sikhs on November 11, 1675, at the age of nine, following the martyrdom of his father at the hands of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
- Renowned Figure: Guru Gobind Singh is remembered as a warrior, poet, and prophet, and as a defender of faith, equality, and justice.
- Key Contributions:
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- Formation of the Khalsa: In 1699, he founded the Sikh warrior community called Khalsa.
- Introduction of the Five Ks: He introduced the five articles of faith that Khalsa Sikhs wear at all times:
- Kesh: Uncut hair
- Kangha: Wooden comb
- Kara: Iron or steel bracelet
- Kirpan: Sword
- Kacchera: Short breeches
- Battles Fought: Throughout his life, Guru Gobind Singh engaged in 21 battles against the Mughal Empire and its allies, defending the faith and his people. Notable battles include:
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- Battle of Bhangani
- Battle of Nadaun
- Battle of Anandpur
- Battle of Chamkaur
- Battle of Muktsar
- Battle of Khidrana
- Literary Works: Guru Gobind Singh authored numerous works, including:
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- Jaap Sahib
- Tav-Prasad Savaiye
- Benti Chaupai
- He is also credited with the Dasam Granth (“Tenth Volume”). His writings included martial poetry, spiritual compositions, and codifications of Sikh law.
- Legacy: He proclaimed that he was the last of the personal Gurus. From that point, the Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh Holy Book) was to be the eternal Guru of the Sikhs.
- Death: Guru Gobind Singh was assassinated in 1708 at the age of 41. His birth anniversary is celebrated as Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti, and his death anniversary as Guru Gaddi Diwas.
