Sikh Stories

Bhai Lehna proved his devotion through humility - picking up a muddy jug others refused, following the Guru even when beaten. Guru Nanak chose him over his own sons, declaring he is my very limb (Ang). True devotion surpasses blood.

During battle, Bhai Kanhaiya gave water to wounded enemy soldiers. Sikhs complained to Guru Gobind Singh that he was helping the enemy. When questioned, Bhai Kanhaiya said he saw the Gurus face in every wounded soldier. The Guru embraced him and gave him medical supplies, saying he alone understood the true message. This became the foundation for Sikh humanitarian service.

During a severe epidemic of cholera and smallpox in Delhi in 1663, the seven-year-old Guru selflessly served all suffering people regardless of caste or creed. When others isolated the sick, he went to each person to cure and bless them. Muslims gave him the title Bala Pir (child prophet).

Datu, son of Guru Angad, refused to accept Guru Amar Das as successor. He kicked the Guru off his platform and proclaimed himself Guru. Guru Amar Das responded: Pardon me, my hard bones might have hurt your tender feet. He left quietly and only returned when the Sangat pleaded.

At age 12, Guru Nanaks father gave him 20 rupees to start a business. Instead, Guru Nanak bought food and distributed it to hungry sadhus who had not eaten for days. When his father asked about the investment, Guru Nanak replied it was a Sacha Sauda (true business).

Guru Arjan Dev compiled the Adi Granth to preserve authentic hymns. He personally visited Mohan at Goindwal, composing three beautiful stanzas to convince him to surrender manuscripts of the first three Gurus. With Bhai Gurdas as scribe, the work was completed on August 30, 1604, and installed in Harmandir Sahib.

Mata Khivi, wife of Guru Angad Dev, devoted her life to serving pilgrims through the community kitchen (langar). She is the only wife of a Guru mentioned by name in the Guru Granth Sahib, praised for providing comfort to pilgrims like a tree with leafy shade.

After the brutal execution of the young Sahibzade at Sirhind, Jain banker Diwan Todarmal stepped forward to give them proper cremation. He purchased land for their funeral by covering the ground with gold coins laid edge to edge. This act of interfaith compassion is remembered as an example of moral courage against tyranny.

For twelve years, Guru Amar Das woke before dawn to fetch water from the Beas River for Guru Angads bath, carrying the heavy pot 14 miles on his head. During a storm in his twelfth year, he fell into a weavers pit but still delivered the water. This devotion earned him the succession.

Guru Ram Das initiated the construction of the sacred pool at Amritsar, inviting all Sikhs to participate in the digging work as seva. Pilgrims came in growing numbers to help excavate the tank, embodying the collective spirit of selfless service.

Guru Arjan Dev had the foundation laid by Muslim saint Hazrat Mian Mir, symbolizing interfaith harmony. Unlike Hindu temples with single entrances, the Guru designed the temple at a lower level with four doors, symbolizing humility and accessibility to all regardless of caste, creed, or religion.

Young Guru Nanak was given money by his father to start a business. Instead, he spent it feeding hungry saints, declaring this was the true bargain. This act became the foundation for Langar (free community kitchen).

While young Nanak slept in a field, a venomous cobra spread its hood to shade him from the scorching sun. Rai Bular witnessed this and recognized Nanaks divine nature. Nature serves the enlightened.

To terrorize Guru Tegh Bahadur into converting, Aurangzeb ordered the torture and execution of his three devoted companions before his eyes: Bhai Mati Das was sawn alive, Bhai Dyal Das was boiled, and Bhai Sati Das was roasted. Witnessing this, the Guru said: Dhan Sikhi, Dhan Sikhi (Great is Sikhi).

Sada Kaur became one of the most powerful women in Punjab after her husband was killed. She allied with young Ranjit Singh, becoming his mentor and mother-in-law. She commanded troops in battle, negotiated with other chiefs, and helped forge the Sikh Empire. Her political and military acumen helped establish one of the most powerful kingdoms in India.

Guru Arjan Dev became the first Sikh Guru to be martyred. Arrested in Lahore, he was ordered to remove references from the Adi Granth and pay a fine. He refused. He was tortured by being made to sit on a burning hot plate while red hot sand was poured on his body. After five days, he entered the river Ravi and attained martyrdom on May 30, 1606.

Guru Nanak asked disciples to eat a corpse. While others fled in horror, Bhai Lehna asked Where shall I start? At the head or the toes? When he lifted the sheet, the corpse had transformed into sacred food (prashad). This demonstrated his complete surrender to the Gurus will.

Prince Dara Shikoh was poisoned by his brother Aurangzeb. Despite Mughal enmity toward Sikhs, Guru Har Rai provided rare medicines needed. When Sikhs questioned why he helped an enemy, the Guru replied: With one hand man breaks flowers and with one hand offers them, but the flowers perfume both hands alike.

Guru Hargobind established the Akal Takht (Throne of the Timeless), building it with his own hands alongside Bhai Gurdas and Baba Buddha. He defied Mughal authority by raising the platform to 12 feet when imperial edicts prohibited anyone but the Emperor from sitting higher than 3 feet.

When six-year-old Har Rai ran to greet his grandfather Guru Hargobind, his robe caught on a rose bush, causing petals to fall. The child wept at having hurt the flowers. The Guru taught him that Gods servants should be gentle with all beings. Har Rai never plucked a flower again.