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ਪੰਜਾਬੀ

Prithi Chand's rivalry

The birth of Sri Guru Hargobind Ji

After years without a child, Mata Ganga gives birth to a son, and Guru Ji's hymns give thanks.

Well attested19 June 1595Wadali1 min read
Painting of Sri Guru Hargobind Ji, provincial Mughal style
A painting of Sri Guru Hargobind Ji in a provincial Mughal style, dated to the mid 1600s, around or just after Guru Ji's lifetime. Commons calls it contemporary, but this is not established, so treat it as an artist's imagining.Unknown, Mid 17th century, Seattle Art Museum, 44.44 (as credited on Commons). Public domain. Source

The Gurbilas, as summarised in the Encyclopaedia, credits the birth to a blessing from Bhai Buddha. Mata Ganga brought food out to him one day, and he ate it while promising her a warrior son who would crush tyrants.

How do we know?

A close source supports this story, and a second independent source agrees.

The birth is secure. Bhai Buddha's blessing is a later story and shows signs of being shaped by what the son became.

  • ScriptureNotes hymns of thanksgiving in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji that reflect the household's joy at the birth.[EoS]
  • ScholarshipGives the date and the place as Wadali.[EoS]
  • Later traditionAttributes the birth to Bhai Buddha's blessing and his promise of a warrior son.[EoS]
Read the full life and times of Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji

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Cite this page

"The birth of Sri Guru Hargobind Ji". Sikh History: lives of the Gurus. https://sikh-history.co.uk/stories/guru-arjun-the-birth-of-guru-ji/