Guru Har Rai, Sikh Guru (d. 1661)

Guru Har Rai (Gurmukhi: ਗੁਰੂ ਹਰਿ ਰਾਇ, pronunciation: [gʊɾuː ɦəɾ ɾaːɪ]), revered as the seventh Nanak, holds a distinguished place as the seventh of the ten revered Gurus of the Sikh religion. Born on 16 January 1630, he transitioned to the spiritual leadership of the Sikhs at the remarkably young age of 14, succeeding his grandfather, Guru Hargobind, on 3 March 1644. His spiritual guidance spanned approximately seventeen years until his passing on 6 October 1661, at the age of 31.

The Peacemaker with a Standing Army

Guru Har Rai's leadership was particularly notable for a significant paradox: he masterfully maintained the substantial standing army of Sikh soldiers that his predecessor and grandfather, Guru Hargobind, had diligently amassed, yet he steadfastly avoided direct military conflict. Guru Hargobind, known as the "Master of Miri Piri" (spiritual authority and temporal power), had built this formidable force in response to the escalating persecution faced by Sikhs under the Mughal Empire, especially after the martyrdom of his own father, Guru Arjan Dev. Rather than engaging in aggressive campaigns, Guru Har Rai's strategic wisdom lay in preserving this military strength as a deterrent and a symbol of Sikh sovereignty and readiness for self-defense, aligning with the principle of

dharam yudh
righteous war, only to be undertaken as a last resort for justice and protection.
This approach ensured the security of the Sikh community without initiating hostilities, fostering an era of relative peace while upholding the Sikhs' capability to defend their faith and rights.

Engagement with the Mughal Succession

During his Guruship, Guru Har Rai navigated the complex and often perilous political landscape of 17th-century India, particularly during the tumultuous Mughal war of succession. He made a clear ideological choice, extending his support to the moderate and spiritually inclined Mughal prince Dara Shikoh. Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Emperor Shah Jahan, was widely known for his Sufi leanings, intellectual curiosity, and deep interest in interfaith dialogue, even translating ancient Hindu scriptures like the Upanishads into Persian. This philosophical alignment stood in stark contrast to his younger brother, Aurangzeb, who was a staunch, conservative Sunni Muslim and later became known for his orthodox policies and religious intolerance. Guru Har Rai's support for Dara Shikoh reflected the Sikh emphasis on religious harmony, tolerance, and justice, principles that resonated more closely with Dara's inclusive worldview than with Aurangzeb's rigid approach.

The Pivotal Ram Rai Incident and Upholding Sikh Scripture

Following Aurangzeb's decisive victory in the succession war in 1658 and the subsequent execution of Dara Shikoh, Guru Har Rai was summoned to the Mughal court in Delhi in 1660 to account for his support of the vanquished prince. Instead of appearing in person, Guru Har Rai, out of caution and a desire to avoid direct confrontation while maintaining his spiritual independence, sent his elder son, Ram Rai, to represent him. At the court, Aurangzeb detained Ram Rai and subjected him to intense scrutiny, specifically questioning him about a particular verse in the Adi Granth, the sacred scripture of the Sikhs at that time (which later evolved into the Guru Granth Sahib). Aurangzeb alleged that the verse, which subtly commented on the transient nature of all existence and the eventual return of all beings to dust, disparaged Muslims.

In a moment of profound significance for Sikh history, Ram Rai, seeking to appease the emperor and perhaps fearing for his own safety, altered or distorted the sacred verse to suit Aurangzeb's interpretation, rather than upholding the integrity and original meaning of the Sikh scripture. Upon learning of this grave act of disrespect towards the divine word (Gurbani), Guru Har Rai was resolute. He immediately excommunicated Ram Rai, declaring him unfit to lead the Sikh community. This courageous decision underscored Guru Har Rai's unwavering commitment to the sanctity and immutability of the Guru's word, establishing a crucial precedent for the preservation of Sikh doctrine and the rejection of any compromise on fundamental principles for political gain or personal safety. This act ensured that the purity of Sikh teachings would be preserved for future generations. Consequently, Guru Har Rai nominated his younger and spiritually more steadfast son, Har Krishan, to succeed him.

Legacy and Succession

After Guru Har Rai's passing in 1661, Har Krishan, despite being only five years old, ascended to the Guruship, becoming the eighth Sikh Guru. This remarkable succession demonstrated Guru Har Rai's foresight and his prioritization of spiritual integrity and unwavering adherence to Sikh principles over familial seniority. While his time as Guru was relatively short, Guru Har Rai's legacy is profound, marked by his astute leadership in maintaining Sikh strength without aggression, his clear stance on religious tolerance, and his unyielding defense of the sacred Sikh scriptures.

For clarity, some historical Sikh literature also spells his name as Hari Rai.

Frequently Asked Questions About Guru Har Rai

When was Guru Har Rai born and when did he pass away?
Guru Har Rai was born on January 16, 1630, and passed away on October 6, 1661.
How old was Guru Har Rai when he became Guru?
He became the seventh Sikh Guru at the age of 14, on March 3, 1644.
What was Guru Har Rai's unique approach to leadership regarding the Sikh army?
Guru Har Rai maintained the large Sikh army amassed by his grandfather, Guru Hargobind, as a defensive measure, but he deliberately avoided engaging in military conflicts, promoting peace while ensuring the community's readiness for self-defense.
Why did Guru Har Rai support Dara Shikoh during the Mughal succession war?
Guru Har Rai supported Dara Shikoh due to his moderate views, Sufi influence, and commitment to religious tolerance and interfaith dialogue, which aligned with Sikh principles, unlike his orthodox and intolerant brother, Aurangzeb.
Why did Guru Har Rai excommunicate his elder son, Ram Rai?
Guru Har Rai excommunicated Ram Rai because his son altered a verse from the sacred Adi Granth (Sikh scripture) to appease Emperor Aurangzeb, thereby compromising the sanctity and integrity of Gurbani. This act was seen as an unacceptable deviation from Sikh principles.
Who succeeded Guru Har Rai as the eighth Sikh Guru?
His younger son, Har Krishan, succeeded him as the eighth Sikh Guru at the young age of five.