Sikhism as a religion evolved over a period, though early initiation to promote the same was done by Guru Nanak Dev. Among the eleven gurus in Sikh religion, Guru Harkishan Das was the eighth guru. He became Guru on 7th October, 1661. He succeeded his father Guru Hari Rai to become the eighth Guru in the series.
Guru Harkrishan is popularly referred to as Bal Guru as he was elevated to the position of guru at an early age. Guru Harkrishan Das Jayanti is celebrated each year on 23rd July. His Jayanti is celebrated as Prakash Diwas.
A unique aspect associated with the life of Guru Harkrishan Das was that he was only five years old when he became the Guru. Celebrations are held every year at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib during late July as a mark of respect to the eight Sikh guru. Guru Harkrishan reportedly stayed at the bungalow of Raja Rai Singh which was located in vicinity of Gurdwara Bangla Sahib.
Celebrations
Guru Harkrishan Jayanti is celebrated with full religious fervor. People visit Gurdwara in the vicinity of their home. Special celebrations are held in Gurdwara Bangla Sahib to mark the occasion. Devotees chant Gurbanni on this day, either in the Gurdwara or their homes. Food or langar is specially prepared on the occasion and devotees take parsad prepared on the occasion. Special Kar Seva is performed on the occasion and devotees perform in the same with full vigour.
Amritsar which is considered to be the holiest city associated with Sikhism celebrates the occasion in a grand way. Devotees take bath in holy Sarovar in Golden Temple and seek blessings from Guru Harkrishan Das. Special teaching sessions are organized on the day and devotees seek blessings of the Guru while listening to his life s history and teachings.
Devotees make dedicated efforts to make the day special for everyone. Sweet water is distributed at key locations in every nook and corner of the city in which celebrations are being done. Devotees organize special camps on highways and fellow travellers are served sweet water. This tradition is in existence since long and in earlier times too Sikhs used to hold such camps to offer sweet water to travellers who commuted on foot. This tradition continues unabated and Sikhs follow the same on Guru Harkrishan Jayanti.
Relevance of Gurdwara Bangla Sahib
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib has a special relevance for Sikhs. Due to Guru s blessings, the pool water in Gurdwara Bangla Sahib helped devotees overcome Small Pox which was prevalent in Delhi at that time. Guru Harkrishan used to stay at Bungalow of Raja Rai Singh which was located at the place where currently the pond in Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is located. By bathing in the pool which existed at that time, people got rid of small pox. Such was the devotion of the Guru for his devotees that he died himself while serving those suffering from small pox.
