Why is Guru Gobind Singh worshiped?
Guru Gobind Singh figures in world history as a great leader of men, a versatile genius of the highest order, God-man and mystic par excellence, a redoubtable warrior and adept strategist, a fearless revolutionary, a classical Hero of Carlylian description, a powerful poet, and patron of poets, a unique religious lawgiver and champion of the downtrodden, a relentless defender of the faith and an all-sacrificing martyr for the cause of suffering and persecuted humanity. In fact, it is impossible to encompass and delineate in words all the facets of his highly charismatic and remarkable personality.
Compilation of writings attributed to Guru Gobind Singh, known as the Dasam Granth.
In these verses, the Guru tells of his origins. He describes the place Hemkunt Parbat Sapat Sring, the “lake of ice” “mountain” adorned with “seven peaks”, as the same place where King Pandu, the forefather of the five Pandava brothers of Mahabharata fame, practiced yoga. There, the Guru did intense meditation and austerities until he merged with God. Because his earthly parents had served God, God was pleased with them and gave a commandment that the Guru to be born to them. In the world, he would carry out a mission to teach the true religion and rid people of evil ways. He was reluctant to leave his state of union with the creator, but God compelled him. In this way, the Guru took birth into the world.
Guru Gobind Singh was the most remarkable God-man of his time! He took upon himself the mission to uphold the rights of the downtrodden and human dignity of Indians. His whole life was devoted to the fulfillment of this mission. He was the most highly educated Sikh Guru, having mastered six languages, Sanskrit, Prakrit, Brig Bhasha, Persian, Hindi, and Punjabi.
Guru Gobind Singh initiated the Five K’s tradition of the Khalsa, He was the founder of Khalsa.
Kesh: uncut hair.
Kangha: a wooden comb.
Kara: an iron or steel bracelet worn on the wrist.
Kirpan: a sword.
Kacchera: short breeches.
For Shree Guru Granth Sahib, the guru said “With permission from the Immortal One, I formed the Khalsa Panth and nourished it. I require of all my Sikhs to consider the Granth as the Guru”. Henceforth the Guru Granth is to be considered an embodiment of all the Sikh Gurus in a visible form for all times to come.
Verses from Shree Guru Granth Sahib
Take the Guru’s advice, you ignorant fool;
without devotion, even the clever have drowned.
Worship the Lord with heart-felt devotion, my friend;
your consciousness shall become pure.
Enshrine the Lord’s Lotus Feet in your mind;
the sins of countless lifetimes shall depart.
Chant the Naam yourself, and inspire others to chant it as well.
Hearing, speaking and living it, emancipation is obtained.
The essential reality is the True Name of the Lord.
With intuitive ease, O Nanak, sing His Glorious Praises. ||6||
– Guru Granth Sahib Ji , Ang 288
Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj ….. rajan ke raja! King of all Kings,
