Guru Arjan

The fifth Sikh Guru who compiled the faith's eternal scripture and constructed its spiritual capital, sacrificing his life for the principle of religious freedom.

1563–1606 (age 43)·Fifth Sikh guru from 1581 to 1606·Birthday: April 15

Photo: Family workshop of Purkhu of Kangra · Public domain

Biography

Guru Arjan's leadership marked a pivotal moment of consolidation and courage for the Sikh community. As the first Sikh Guru to be born into the faith, he inherited a growing spiritual movement and gave it enduring structure. His most monumental act was compiling the Adi Granth, meticulously gathering the hymns of his predecessors and other saints into a definitive scripture, creating a permanent anchor for Sikh belief and practice. He also oversaw the construction of the Harmandir Sahib (the Golden Temple) in Amritsar, establishing the city as the faith's preeminent center. His growing influence drew the suspicion of the Mughal Empire, and he was arrested, tortured, and executed under Emperor Jahangir. His martyrdom fundamentally changed Sikhism, instilling a spirit of righteous defiance and solidifying a distinct identity separate from the ruling powers.

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Guru's Life & Times

The world at every milestone

1563Born

1568Started school

1576Became a teenager

1579Could drive

1581Could vote

1584Turned 21

1593Turned 30

1603Turned 40

1606Died at 43

Key Achievements

He compiled the first canonical scripture of Sikhism, the Adi Granth, in 1604.
He founded the city of Tarn Taran, which houses a major Sikh sarovar (holy tank).
He oversaw the completion of the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar.
He was the first Sikh Guru to be martyred, executed on the orders of Mughal Emperor Jahangir.