| (121) Question:- |
Give the details of the marriages and issues of Guru Hargobind? |
| Answer:- |
It is generally accepted that Guru Hargobind married thrice. The first marriage was solemnised with Damodari Ji, daughter of Narain Dass of village Dalla. This marriage took place on 15th February 1605. From this wedlock, the Guru had one son and one daughter namely Baba Gurditta Ji and Bibi Viro Ji.
His second marriage took place with Mata Nanaki Ji in April 1613. She had three sons, namely Anirai, Atal Rai, and Teg Bahadur, who became later on the ninth Guru. The third marriage of the Guru was solemnized with Mata Maha Devi on 7th July 1615. Maha Devi was the mother of one son, named Suraj Mal.
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| (122) Question:- |
What were the initial steps taken by Guru Hargobind with a view to strengthen his position? |
| Answer:- |
Guru Hargobind had realized with the martyrdom of his father that it was not possible to carry on the spiritual mission without making proper arrangements for protection from the tyrants and detractors of the house of the Guru, He, therefore, adopted a warrior's dress and equipment. Apart from wearing the two swords, he directed his followers to come with the offerings of arms and horses. With a view to encouraging his people, he made them trained in horse riding and the use of weapons. He also started the practice of singing popular Vaars by Bards such as Abdulla and Natha. These Vaars inspired the Sikhs and made them interested in martial activities. However, the Guru did not give up the divine tradition of his predecessors. He used to wake up three hours before the daybreak and concentrated on the remembrance of God. It was followed by recitation from the Holy Book. His spiritual absorption was no less than his spending time in martial activities.
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| (123) Question:- |
When and why Guru Hargobind built Akal Takhat? Give the necessary information in this regard. |
| Answer:- |
Akal Takhat is one of the five Shrines of Sikhs. The other four being Patna Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, Hander, the death place of Guru Gobind Singh, Talwandi Sabo, the place where the present recension of Guru Granth Sahib was prepared and Anandpur Sahib, where the Khalsa was brought into existence by the 10th Master Oil the day of Baisakhi in 1699. Thus, Akal Takhat was the first Shrine constricted by the 6th Master. Akal means timeless and Takhat means a throne. The Akal Takhat, meaning as the throne of timeless, was got constructed by the 6th Guru for using it as a platform for the conduct of secular affairs of the community like issuing of Hukam Namas, discussion on common issues and public gatherings. As Harimandir being the spiritual place could not be used for such purposes, the Guru got it constructed just opposite the Harimandir. The 6th master issued from this place his first Hukam Nama regarding gifts of weapons and horses. Since then, the Akal Takhat had been considered the most important place for religious and social gatherings playing a significant role in the history of Sikhs. It may be mentioned here that it was this place that was the venue of Sarbat Khalsa on several occasions. The structure of this building raised in the time of Guru was completed on the 15th June 1606. It was destroyed a number of times along with Harimandir during the period of Mughal Satraps and Afghan invader Ahmad Shah Abdali. However, the Sikhs rebuilt their spiritual and secular places several times. The last destruction of Akal Takhat took place at the time of operation Blue Star in June 1984. Although the same was re-constructed at the instance of the Government immediately, the Sikhs did not accept that re-constructed building and after demolition in early 1986, have now reconstructed it through Kaar Sewa.
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| (124) Question:- |
Reproduce the verses of Bhai Gurdas wherein he has described Shri Hargobind Sahib. |
| Answer:- |
As Shri Guru Hargobind Sahib wore a soldier's dress which was different from that of his earlier five predecessors and also given importance to horse riding and use of weapons, Bhai Gurdas noticing this change wrote the following verses:-
ਅਰਜਨੁ ਕਾਇਆ ਪਲਟਿ ਕੈ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਹਰਿਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਵਾਰੀ।।
ਦਲਿ ਭੰਜਨ ਗੁਰੁ ਸੂਰਮਾ ਵਡ ਜੋਧਾ ਬਹੁ ਪਰਉਪਕਾਰੀ।। (ਵਾਰ 1/48)
Arjan kaaiaa palat kai moorat Hargobind swaari.
Dal bhanjan gut soorma vad yodha boh parupkaari.
Arjan transformed himself into Hargobind.
The vanguisher of armies, brave and benevolent.
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| (125) Question:- |
Can it be said that Shri Guru Hargobind Sahib adopted a policy contrary to that of his predecessors? |
| Answer:- |
Guru Hargobind Sahib followed the policy of his predecessors completely and did not make any change therein. Whatever addition he made was the need of the time. He combined the concepts of Bhakti and Shakti i.e. devotion with strength as the forces of tyranny had started interfering in the religious sphere. Guruji did not abandon the path of worship, but in order to defend that path, also adopted the path of strength (valour). |
| (126) Question:- |
Why was Guru Hargobind Sahib imprisoned in the fort of Gwalior? What led to his release later on? |
| Answer:- |
One of the reasons leading to the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev was the annoyance of Diwan Chandoo Mal, who wanted his daughter to be married to Shri Guru Hargobind Sahib, but this match was not accepted by Guru Arjan, as suggested by his followers. After the martyrdom, Chandoo continued to instigate Jahangir against Guru Hargobind Sahib, as a result of which Jahangir sent two persons to bring Guru Ji to Delhi. Guru Hargobind went to Delhi and stayed at a place known as "Majnu Da Tilla" . When the emperor met Guruji, he was impressed by his conversation. He took him to Agra along with him. It was at that place that again some of the opponents instigated him, as a result of which Guruji was imprisoned in the Gwalior Fort. As per Dabistan, the charge against Guru Hargobind was that he had failed to pay the fine imposed on Guru Arian. However, when Sain Miyan Mir intervened and he made Jahangir realize that it was a mistake to keep Guru Hargobind in prison and also apprised. hirn of the tricks of Chandoo, Jahangir was convinced and ordered the release of Guruji.
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| (127) Question:- |
Why Guru Hargobind Sahib is called Bandichhod? |
| Answer:- |
When Guru Hargobind was released from the fort of Gwalior. Guru Ji insisted that other Rajpitt Rulers and persons from the royal families, who were also in prison without any concrete fault, be also released. It is said that on this plea of Guru Ji, it was agreed by the authorities that whosoever will hold the part of Guru Ji's dress, will also be released. It is on record that 52 such prisoners came out of the prison along with Guru Ji. That is why. Guru Ji is called Bandhichhodh. On one terrace in the Gwalior Fort, the word "Bandichhodh Peer" is written, which bears the testimony to the said event. |
| (128) Question:- |
When is 'Bandichhodh Divas' observed? |
| Answer:- |
As Guru Ji and other prisoners, on their release from Gwalior fort, had arrived at Amritsar on the day of Diwali, Diwali Day is considered as "Bandichhodh Day" in Sikh history. This day is celebrated even now by illuminating the Golden Temple and with the display of fireworks. |
| (129) Question:- |
How did Chandoo die? |
| Answer:- |
When Guru Hargobind Sahib's relations with Jahangir improved then the emperor agreed to hand over Chandoo to Shri Hargobind Sahib. Guru Ji handed over Chandoo to the Sikhs so that they could give him suitable punishment. The Sikhs being enraged beat Chandoo, dragged him in the streets, and awarded him an exemplary punishment causing his death. |
| (130) Question:- |
What works were undertaken by Guru Hargobind Sahib during his visit to Lahore? |
| Answer:- |
Guru Hargobind Sahib visited the birthplace of Guru Ram Dass Ji and the Bowly which was got constructed by his father Guru Arjan Dev Ji. He got this place repaired. He also went to the place of martyrdom of the fifth Master and got constructed a memorial at that place. Mai Langah was appointed as the caretaker of this place.
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