Guru Amar Das (5 May 1479 – 1 September 1574) was the third of the ten Sikh Gurus, taking on the role of Guru in 1552 at the age of 73.
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| Personal life | |
| Born | Amar Das 5 May 1479 |
| Died | 1 September 1574 (aged 95) Goindwal Sahib, Mughal Empire (present-day Punjab, India) |
| Spouse | Mansa Devi |
| Children | Bhai Mohan (1507 - 1567) Bhai Mohri (1514 - 1569) Bibi Dani (1526 - 1569) Bibi Bhani (1532 - 1598) |
| Parent | Tej Bhan & Mata Lachmi Devi |
| Known for |
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| Other names | Third Master Third Nanak |
| Religious Life | |
| Religion | Sikhism |
| Religious career | |
| Period in office | 1552–1574 |
| Predecessor | Guru Angad |
| Successor | Guru Ramdas |
Despite coming to Sikhism late in life, he made some of the most significant contributions to shaping the Sikh faith. From promoting women’s equality and banning outdated practices like Sati and Purdah, to introducing the Manji system of administration and strengthening the practice of Langar, Guru Amar Das left a lasting mark on Sikhism.
Early Life and Family Background
Guru Amar Das was born on 5 May 1479 in the village of Basarke near Amritsar, Punjab. His parents, Tej Bhan Bhalla and Bakht Kaur, belonged to the Bhalla clan of the Khatri community. Amar Das was the eldest of four sons and grew up working as a farmer and trader.
In his twenties, he married Mansa Devi, and together they had four children:
- Dani (daughter, b. 1530)
- Bhani (daughter, b. 1533)
- Mohan (son, b. 1536)
- Mohri (son, b. 1539)
Among them, Bhani became especially important, as she later married Bhai Jetha, who went on to become Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru.
Spiritual Quest and Meeting with Guru Angad
Before embracing Sikhism, Amar Das was a devout Hindu, following the Vaishnavite tradition. He undertook nearly 20 pilgrimages to the Himalayas and the holy city of Haridwar on the Ganges.
In 1539, after returning from one such pilgrimage, his life changed forever. He heard his nephew’s wife, Bibi Amro—the daughter of Guru Angad—singing a hymn by Guru Nanak. Deeply moved, Amar Das asked to meet Guru Angad. Despite being older than the Guru, Amar Das humbly became his disciple, dedicating the rest of his life to seva (selfless service).
Years of Service to Guru Angad
Amar Das served Guru Angad with unmatched devotion. He would wake up before dawn, fetch water for the Guru’s bath, cook meals for the sangat (community), and spend hours in prayer. His humility and dedication earned him the love and trust of Guru Angad.
On 29 March 1552, shortly before his passing, Guru Angad appointed Amar Das as his successor. At the age of 73, Amar Das became the third Sikh Guru.
Challenges as Guru
Not everyone accepted Amar Das’s leadership. Guru Angad’s son, Datu, even physically attacked him, kicking him off the Guru’s seat. Amar Das’s response was pure humility—he apologized to Datu, saying, “O great king, pardon me. You must have hurt your foot.”
Although Amar Das briefly withdrew to his village, the respected Sikh elder Baba Buddha persuaded him to return. Settling in Goindwal Sahib, Amar Das made it the center of Sikh activity.
Key Contributions and Teachings
1. Manji System of Administration
Guru Amar Das introduced the Manji system, dividing Sikh congregations into regions, each led by trained preachers (both men and women). This system helped organize Sikhism and spread its teachings across northern India.
2. Equality for Women
He strongly opposed the practices of Sati (widow immolation) and Purdah (veiling and seclusion of women). He taught that women were equal to men and encouraged widow remarriage and inter-caste marriage. Remarkably, he appointed women as Piris (religious missionaries), giving them spiritual leadership roles.
3. Langar and Seva
Guru Amar Das reinforced the Sikh tradition of Langar (community kitchen). He insisted that everyone—rich or poor, king or peasant—sit together on the floor to eat before meeting him. This practice emphasized equality and humility. Even the Mughal emperor Akbar followed this rule when he visited the Guru in 1567.
4. Social and Religious Reforms
- He promoted Dasvandh, the practice of giving one-tenth of one’s income to support the community.
- He standardized Sikh rituals for weddings, funerals, and festivals. His composition of the Anand hymn became central to Sikh weddings, giving rise to the Anand Karaj (Blissful Marriage) ceremony.
- He declared Vaisakhi and Diwali as important occasions for Sikh gatherings.
5. Goindwal Sahib and Baoli
Guru Amar Das established Goindwal Sahib as a major Sikh center. He built the famous Baoli Sahib, an 84-step well, which became an important pilgrimage site. This town later grew into a spiritual hub of Sikhism.
6. Contribution to Sikh Scripture
Guru Amar Das composed over 900 hymns, many of which are included in the Guru Granth Sahib. His writings emphasize living a truthful life, meditating on God’s name, and serving humanity.
Choosing a Successor
Guru Amar Das had sons of his own but chose Bhai Jetha, his son-in-law and the husband of his beloved daughter Bhani, as his successor. Bhai Jetha later became Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru. This decision reinforced the Sikh principle that leadership is based on merit, not lineage.
Death and Legacy
Guru Amar Das passed away on 1 September 1574 at the age of 95, in Goindwal Sahib. His body was cremated according to Sikh tradition, and his ashes were immersed in flowing water.
His contributions firmly established Sikhism as a spiritual and social movement that stood against caste, gender discrimination, and religious oppression. By promoting equality, service, and organization, Guru Amar Das transformed Sikhism into a vibrant and inclusive community.
Conclusion
Guru Amar Das’s life is a shining example of humility, service, and reform. Despite becoming a disciple at 60 and a Guru at 73, he revolutionized Sikhism with his progressive vision. His emphasis on equality, women’s rights, and organized community life continues to inspire Sikhs worldwide.
Today, Guru Amar Das is remembered as a social reformer, spiritual leader, and the Guru who gave Sikhism its organizational structure and soul of compassion.
References
- Celebrate guru Amar Das Ji’s Gurpurb May 23, 2009 (9 of jeth, 541 ) (2009) SikhNet. Available at: https://www.sikhnet.com/news/celebrate-guru-amar-das-jis-gurpurb-may-23-2009-9-jeth-541 (Accessed: 15 January 2025).
- Guru Amar Das (2025) Encyclopædia Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Guru-Amar-Das (Accessed: 15 January 2025).
- Purdah (no date) Purdah - SikhiWiki, free Sikh encyclopedia. Available at: https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Purdah (Accessed: 15 January 2025).
- Singh, P. (2014) Sri guru Amar Das Jee’s first sermon, Sikh Unity ਸਿੱਖ ਏਕਤਾ. Available at: https://sikhunity.wordpress.com/2014/01/06/sri-guru-amar-das-jees-first-sermon/ (Accessed: 15 January 2025).
