“Dhan Ram Das Guru, jin seriya teene Saawariya”
This hymn says it all. Shri Guru Ram das ji, the fourth guru is the founder of the holy city Amritsar. In fact, the city earlier was known as Ramdaspur.
Introduction
The Epitome of serenity, Shri guru Ram das ji was born on 9th October 1534 in the city of Lahore (now in Pakistan) to parents Bhai Hari Das Ji and Mata Anup Devi Ji. The couple named him as BhaiJetha. Unfortunately, he was orphaned at the age of 7, he lived with his maternal grandmother and served Guru Amar Das Ji.
While serving the third guru, Amar das Ji he was subjected to various sacrifices and tests over the years. Guru Amar das Ji renamed Bhai Jetha as Ram Das which meant “Servant of God”. Eventually, he was bestowed as the fourth Guru of Sikhs. Throughout his life, he ingrained the essence of humility towards mankind and gratitude towards the Supreme.
Later he got married to Bibi Bhani Ji the younger daughter of Guru Amar Das Ji, who remained with him through his thick and thins. They both toured the lands of the then Punjab region with their ultimate goal to alleviate humanity from the bruises of the ruthless tyrannical rulers and the bigots.
Banis
During his tenure as a guru, he wrote Bani which consists of 638 holy hymns that Guruji had composed of 30 different ragas of Indian classical music. These hymns were added in the holy scripture Shri Guru Granth Sahib. A hymn from page 305 of the Guru Granth Sahib spoken by Guru Ram Das Ji decries the morning activity.
“One who calls himself a Sikh of the true Gurus shall get up early morning and meditate on the god’s name. Bathe daily in the ambrosial pool and following the guru’s instructions, Recite Har-Har. All sins, misdeeds and negativity shall be erased”
One of the majestic works done by Guru Ram Das Ji was the construction of the holy city of Amritsar. However, the task was completed by Guru Arjan Dev Ji -his son and successor. The city was initially called Ramdaspur and subsequently got fame as Amritsar –The pool of nectar.
A milestone in the history of Sikhism –the langar system, started by Guru Nanak Dev Ji was taken to its peak by guru ram das Ji. All the people are supposed to sit in lines called Pangats irrespective of their castes and creed. In their prayers the Sikhs seek from almighty the favors:
“Loh Langar Tapde Rahin” may the iron pots of langar be ever filled.
Celebration of Parkash Utsav
Birthdays of all the Sikh gurus are celebrated with equal zeal and enthusiasm. However celebrations of the fourth guru’s Prakash Utsav are always extra special. The footfall of the pilgrims on such special days goes up to 10 lakhs. Special Langar is served on Gurupurabs.
And then in the evening fireworks take place, which is without a doubt the most mesmerizing and spectacular scenes. Decorators come from far and wide places to embellish the holy shrine
Not only special langar is served by the gurudwara sahib, but many devotees bring sweets and other things to distribute among the other devotees.
In addition to this on every Prakash Purab, the “Jalao” is displayed. The Jalao consists of the golden palki sahib, precious jewels, daggers and spades which were once presented to the Guru Sahibans as a gift. Floral decorations of the holy golden temple, baba Atal Rai Sahib and Akal Takht Sahib are done by the experts.
