History of Sri Guru Har Rai Ji (Seventh Sikh Guru)
Sri Guru Har Rai Ji was the seventh Guru of the Sikhs. He was born on January 16, 1630, in Kiratpur Sahib (now in Punjab, India). He was the grandson of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, the sixth Guru. His father’s name was Baba Gurditta Ji.
Guru Har Rai Ji became Guru in 1644 at the young age of 14, after the death of his grandfather. Though he maintained an army like Guru Hargobind Sahib, Guru Har Rai Ji was a man of peace and avoided wars. He encouraged his followers to live with kindness, humility, and devotion.
One of his most well-known acts of kindness was when he sent rare medicines to help Dara Shikoh, the son of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who was very sick. This showed that Guru Ji helped others without any selfish motive, even if they belonged to a different religion or political side.
Guru Har Rai Ji was once called to the Mughal court by Aurangzeb (Shah Jahan’s other son). Guru Ji did not go himself but sent his elder son Ram Rai. During this meeting, Ram Rai changed a verse from the Sikh scripture to please the emperor. Guru Har Rai Ji strongly opposed this and excommunicated Ram Rai. Instead, he appointed his younger son, Guru Har Krishan Ji, as the next Guru.
Guru Har Rai Ji loved nature and animals. He opened a herbal medicine clinic and animal care center at Kiratpur Sahib, which helped many people and animals.
He passed away on October 6, 1661, at the age of 31.
Key Teachings of Guru Har Rai Ji
Help others without discrimination.
Never change or alter the teachings of the Gurus.
Live in harmony with nature.
Stay firm in truth and righteousness.
Serve the poor and the sick.