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Guru Arjan Dev Ji
Guru 5 of 10 · 1563–1606 · Compiler of the Guru Granth Sahib
"I do not keep fasts, nor do I observe the month of Ramadan. I serve only the One who will protect me in the end."
— Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Raag Bhairau
Quick facts
Born
15 April 1563, Goindval, Punjab
Guruship
1581 – 1606
Key contribution
Compiled Guru Granth Sahib
Built
Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple)
Predecessor
Guru Ram Das Ji
Successor
Guru Hargobind Ji
Passed away
Martyred: 30 May 1606, Lahore
Principles
1. God transcends all religionsder to God's will
2. Truth found in many traditions
3. Surrender to God's will in all circumstances
Early life & Background
Guru Arjan Dev Ji was born on 15 April 1563 in Goindval, Punjab, the youngest son of Guru Ram Das Ji. At eighteen, he became the fifth Sikh Guru — and proved to be one of the most consequential figures in Sikh history. His twin achievements — compiling the Guru Granth Sahib and completing the Golden Temple — transformed Sikhism into a well-organised, widely respected faith.
His Guruship lasted 25 years, during which the Sikh community grew enormously in size, organisation and spiritual depth.
The Guru Granth Sahib
In 1604, Guru Arjan Dev Ji completed the compilation of the Adi Granth — the original Sikh scripture. He gathered the hymns of the first four Gurus, added over 2,000 of his own compositions, and included the writings of 36 saints from Hindu and Muslim traditions. He then installed the scripture in the newly completed Harmandir Sahib — the Golden Temple — declaring it the living presence of God.
Notably, he designed the Golden Temple with four doors open on all four sides — symbolising that it welcomed people of all castes, religions and backgrounds. It remains to this day the most visited place in the world.
Martyrdom & legacy
In 1606, Mughal Emperor Jahangir ordered the arrest of Guru Arjan Dev Ji. Authorities subjected him to severe torture — forcing him to sit on a burning hot plate while burning sand poured over him — yet he refused to renounce his faith or alter the scripture. He accepted his suffering with complete serenity and faced martyrdom on 30 May 1606, becoming the first Sikh martyr.
His martyrdom galvanised the Sikh community. As a direct result, his son Guru Hargobind Ji introduced the military dimension of Sikhism. Furthermore, Guru Arjan Dev Ji composed more hymns than any other Guru — over 2,000 — making his voice the strongest presence in the Guru Granth Sahib.
Teachings & core message
Guru Arjan Dev Ji taught the universal nature of God — that the Divine transcends all religions, castes, and boundaries. His compilation of the Guru Granth Sahib included the writings of Hindu and Muslim saints alongside the Sikh Gurus, reflecting his belief that God’s truth appears in many traditions
