Guru Amar Das, Indian 3rd Sikh Guru (d. 1574)

Guru Amar Das (Gurmukhi: ਗੁਰੂ ਅਮਰ ਦਾਸ), pronounced as [gʊɾuː əməɾᵊ d̯aːsᵊ], holds a revered place in Sikh history as the third of the Ten Gurus of Sikhism. His life, spanning from 5 May 1479 to 1 September 1574, was a testament to unwavering devotion, profound spiritual insight, and transformative leadership. He ascended to the spiritual leadership of the Sikhs on 26 March 1552, at the venerable age of 73, marking a new chapter in the nascent faith.

A Spiritual Awakening and Devotion to the Guru

Before his elevation to Guruship, Guru Amar Das’s journey was one of earnest spiritual seeking. Born into a devout Hindu family, he spent much of his early life engaging in various religious pilgrimages, searching for a path that would truly resonate with his soul. It was during one such pilgrimage, after being prompted by a deep inner calling to find a true spiritual guide, that his life took a pivotal turn. In a moment that would forever alter his destiny, he overheard his nephew’s wife, Bibi Amro, reciting a profound hymn (Shabad) composed by Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. The melodious strains and the deep spiritual wisdom embedded in the hymn deeply moved him, touching a chord within his very being that his previous quests had not. This was not a mere coincidence; Bibi Amro happened to be the daughter of Guru Angad Dev, the second and then current Guru of the Sikhs, who was leading the community in Khadur Sahib.

Deeply stirred by the hymn and recognizing its profound truth, Amar Das was eager to learn more. He persuaded Bibi Amro to introduce him to her revered father. In 1539, at the age of sixty, Amar Das finally met Guru Angad Dev. This encounter was life-changing. He was immediately captivated by Guru Angad’s humility, wisdom, and the divine light he radiated. Without hesitation, Amar Das committed himself wholeheartedly to the Sikh way of life, becoming a devoted Sikh (a term derived from the Sanskrit word 'Shishya', meaning disciple). For the next twelve years, despite his advanced age, he served Guru Angad Dev with unparalleled dedication and humility, performing tasks ranging from fetching water from the Beas River for Guru Angad's daily bath to serving in the community kitchen (Langar). His relentless service, unwavering faith, and deep understanding of the Sikh tenets did not go unnoticed.

The Ascension to Guruship and Early Reforms

In 1552, recognizing Guru Amar Das's profound spiritual wisdom, selfless service, and steadfast devotion, Guru Angad Dev chose him as his successor, passing on the divine light of Guruship. This decision, selecting an elderly devotee over his own sons, underscored the Sikh principle that leadership was based on spiritual merit and dedication to the community rather than lineage alone. Guru Amar Das then relocated his center of activity to Goindval, a town he founded, which quickly became an important Sikh hub.

As the Third Guru, Guru Amar Das undertook significant initiatives to solidify and expand the nascent Sikh faith. His leadership was marked by a commitment to equality, spiritual upliftment, and the institutionalization of Sikh practices.

Key Contributions and Innovations

• The Manji System: Guru Amar Das introduced a revolutionary religious organizational structure known as the 'manji system'. To effectively spread the teachings of Sikhism to a wider audience, he divided the expanding Sikh community into 22 administrative dioceses or 'manjis' (derived from 'manja', meaning a cot or charpoy, implying a place where people could gather and sit together). Each manji was headed by a devoted and spiritually trained Sikh, known as a 'Manjidar', who served as a preacher and collector of offerings. This system provided a structured framework for propagating Sikhism, managing community affairs, and ensuring the continued growth and coherence of the faith across different regions. This innovative system significantly expanded the reach of Sikh teachings and continues to influence Sikh organizational structures even today.
• Literary Contributions and the Pothi: Guru Amar Das was a prolific poet and hymn writer. He composed approximately 907 hymns (Shabads) that were imbued with deep spiritual wisdom, emphasizing devotion to God, humility, and selfless service. He also meticulously collected and compiled the hymns of his predecessors, Guru Nanak and Guru Angad Dev, along with his own compositions, into a sacred volume known as a 'Pothi' (meaning book). This pivotal collection served as a crucial precursor and foundational text for the later compilation of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, eventually completed by Guru Arjan Dev. His literary efforts helped standardize Sikh teachings and preserve them for future generations.
• Strengthening the Langar Tradition: Guru Amar Das further institutionalized the practice of 'Langar' (the free community kitchen), making it an integral part of Sikh practice. He famously decreed that anyone wishing to meet him, regardless of their social standing or caste, must first "Pehle Pangat, Phir Sangat" – meaning, partake in the Langar (eat together in a common line or 'Pangat') and only then join the congregation ('Sangat'). This rule not only promoted social equality but also actively challenged the deeply entrenched caste system prevalent in India, fostering a sense of unity and humility among all.
• Social Reforms and Women's Empowerment: A passionate advocate for social justice, Guru Amar Das challenged many prevailing social evils of his time. He actively condemned the practice of 'Sati' (the ritual immolation of a widow on her husband's funeral pyre), advocating for the dignity and rights of women. He also spoke out against 'Purdah' (the veiling of women), encouraging women to participate fully and equally in religious congregations and social life. His teachings empowered women and promoted their equal status in society.
• Establishing Goindval as a Sikh Centre: He played a crucial role in developing Goindval, turning it into a significant center for the Sikhs. He oversaw the construction of a 'Baoli' (a large stepped well with 84 steps) which became a popular pilgrimage site, symbolizing the cleansing of sins and spiritual reflection.

Legacy and Succession

Guru Amar Das remained the spiritual leader of the Sikhs for 22 years, guiding the community with wisdom and compassion until his passing at the age of 95. His long life was a testament to his enduring commitment to the Sikh faith and its principles. Before his demise, he continued the tradition of appointing a successor based on spiritual merit rather than familial ties. He chose his son-in-law, Bhai Jetha, who had also served him with immense devotion and humility, to carry forward the spiritual light. Bhai Jetha later came to be known as Guru Ram Das, the fourth Guru of Sikhism. Guru Amar Das's profound contributions laid a robust foundation for the future growth and institutionalization of the Sikh faith, ensuring its continuity and spread for generations to come.

FAQs About Guru Amar Das

Who was Guru Amar Das?

Guru Amar Das was the third of the Ten Gurus of Sikhism, serving as the spiritual leader of the Sikh community from 1552 until 1574. He is revered for his profound spiritual wisdom, selfless service, and significant contributions to the development and institutionalization of the Sikh faith.

How did Guru Amar Das become a Sikh?

He became a Sikh after hearing a hymn by Guru Nanak recited by his nephew's wife, Bibi Amro, who was the daughter of Guru Angad Dev. Deeply moved, he sought out Guru Angad Dev and dedicated himself to his service for many years before being appointed as the Third Guru.

What was the 'manji system' introduced by Guru Amar Das?

The 'manji system' was a religious organizational structure devised by Guru Amar Das to effectively spread Sikh teachings. He divided the Sikh community into 22 administrative regions, or 'manjis', each headed by a 'Manjidar' who preached Sikh principles and managed local community affairs. This system greatly expanded the reach and structure of Sikhism.

What were Guru Amar Das's main contributions to Sikhism and society?

His key contributions include establishing the 'manji system', compiling hymns into a 'Pothi' which was a precursor to the Guru Granth Sahib, strengthening the 'Langar' (community kitchen) tradition to promote equality, advocating for women's rights by condemning Sati and Purdah, and establishing Goindval as an important Sikh center with its iconic Baoli.

Who succeeded Guru Amar Das?

Guru Amar Das appointed his son-in-law, Bhai Jetha, as his successor. Bhai Jetha later became known as Guru Ram Das, the fourth Guru of Sikhism.