The Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji: A Testament to Unwavering Faith and Divine Devotion
Guru Arjan Dev Ji Maharaj, the fifth Sikh Guru, was a true saint and guru who devoted his life to truth and righteousness (Dharam). Following the tradition of his predecessors, Guru Angad Dev Ji, who succeeded Guru Nanak Dev Ji, continued the writing of the Guru Bani scriptures, which included the teachings and writings of the first four Sikh Gurus: Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Guru Angad Dev Ji, Guru Amar Das Ji, and Guru Ram Das Ji.
During the late 1500s to early 1600s, Guru Arjan Dev Ji faced the persecution of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir.
As the blessings of Gurbani began to spread widely, Jahangir, who sought to enforce Islamic dominance, grew hostile towards the holy scripture written by Guru Arjan Dev Ji.
Jahangir summoned Guru Ji and demanded that he include the phrase "Allah is the supreme above all" in the Gurbani.
Guru Arjan Dev Ji, however, firmly replied that Gurbani began with "Ek Onkar," signifying that there is only one supreme God for all, irrespective of religion. Guru Ji then steadfastly refused to alter the sacred text to suit the emperor’s wishes.
Unyielding in his demand, Jahangir imprisoned Guru Arjan Dev Ji in Lahore, subjecting him to severe torture to force compliance. Guru Ji's ordeal unfolded over five harrowing days:
Day One: Guru Ji was deprived of food, water, and sleep. When Guru ji attempted to rest, the guards created loud noises by striking their rods against the jail bars, preventing him from sleeping.
Day Two: Guru Ji was made to sit in a boiling cauldron of water heated to over 90 degrees Celsius. Despite the intense pain, Guru Ji remained calm, his face reflecting his deep connection to God.
Day Three: Guru Ji was placed on a heated iron pan. The wounds from the previous day's boiling water further aggravated his suffering, but Guru Ji bore the pain with a serene composure.
Day Four: Jahangir's cruelty escalated. Guru Ji was again placed on the heated iron pan, and burning sand was poured over his body. Yet, Guru Ji’s face showed no sign of distress.
Day Five: In a final act of brutality, the Mughals threatened to cover Guru Ji’s body with fresh bleeding flesh of a cow, intending to make him suffer to death through this cruel exertion. Even then, Guru Ji remained calm and unyielding.
When asked for his last wish, Guru Ji asked them to allow him to bathe in the River Ravi. As from last four days they dint even allowed Guru ji take a bath.
As Guru Ji entered the River Ravi, surrounded by his followers, a divine light illuminated the sky with huge noise. Guru Ji submerged himself in the river with the divine light, merging back with the Almighty.
Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s martyrdom teaches us to remain steadfast in our faith and to accept God’s will, no matter the adversities we face. His unwavering devotion and courage serve as a profound lesson in resilience and divine trust.