500th Birth Anniversary of Guru Amar Das (1479-1574)

Guru Amar Das, a luminary of rare mystical insight and profound human empathy, graced the world with his presence, marking the quincentenary of his birth in 1979. As one of the Ten Gurus or prophet-teachers of the Sikh faith, he carried forward the teachings of universal love and equality propagated by Guru Nanak, the founder.

Born on May 5, 1479, in the village of Basarke near Amritsar, Guru Amar Das embodied simplicity and holiness throughout his life. His unwavering devotion and selfless service, known as seva, set unparalleled standards for humanity. A gifted poet, he penned spiritually rich Punjabi verses that continue to inspire generations, preserved in the sacred scripture of the Sikhs, the Guru Granth Sahib.

Guru Amar Das’s journey began with a quest for enlightenment, spurred by a sadhu’s admonition that without a Guru, his spiritual endeavors would remain fruitless. Upon encountering the teachings of Guru Nanak, he found his spiritual anchor in Guru Angad, the Second Guru, whose disciple he became. Despite being senior in age by 25 years, Guru Amar Das embraced the Guru’s teachings with fervent zeal, exemplifying humility and devotion in his daily life.

Upon Guru Angad’s passing in 1552, Guru Amar Das ascended to the revered position of Guru, heralding a new era of spiritual leadership. He established a well-organized ecclesiastical system, comprising 22 manjis or preaching districts across India, to disseminate Guru Nanak’s message far and wide. His residence in Goindwal became a pilgrimage site, centered around a baoli, a well with 84 steps, symbolizing spiritual ascent.

Guru Amar Das championed social reform, particularly in the realm of women’s rights. He sought to elevate the status of women by appointing them to oversee disciplinary communities and discouraging practices like purdah and sati. The Guru-ka-Langar, a community kitchen where all ate together regardless of caste or social status, exemplified his vision of unity and equality.

Emperor Akbar, impressed by Guru Amar Das’s egalitarian principles, partook of langar during a visit to Goindwal. Despite the rich Punjabi fare served, the Guru himself subsisted on coarse bread earned through manual labor, embodying simplicity and humility.

Guru Amar Das’s legacy extended beyond his lifetime, as he initiated the process of codifying Sikh scripture, collecting and composing hymns that formed the foundation of Sikh canon. Recognizing Bhai Jetha’s spiritual prowess, he appointed him as his successor, consecrating him as Guru Ram Das, the Fourth Guru of the Sikhs.

On September 1, 1574, Guru Amar Das merged his divine light with the Eternal Light, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, wisdom, and devotion. The commemorative stamp issued by the Posts and Telegraphs Department honors the 500th birth anniversary of this revered spiritual leader, Guru Amar Das.