Amritsar, known as the spiritual heartland of Sikhism, reverberated with profound devotion as thousands of devotees gathered to commemorate the Shaheedi Gurpurb, the martyrdom anniversary, of Guru Arjan Dev on Monday.
Throughout the city’s streets, the air was filled with the aroma of sweetened water (chabeel) and the sight of langar stalls, as devotees selflessly engaged in ‘sewa’, the act of voluntary service, despite the sweltering heat. This tradition of offering selfless service is deeply ingrained in the Khalsai ethos and was exemplified by devotees who tirelessly served at langar stalls and gurdwaras.
From distant corners of the nation and even abroad, devotees converged upon the sacred city to pay their respects at the Golden Temple and the Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal, the birthplace of Guru Arjan Dev. The pilgrimage extended to the historic Gurdwara Ramsar, where devotees honored the memory of Guru Arjan Dev, who painstakingly compiled the Guru Granth Sahib and authored the Sukhmani Sahib.
Immersing themselves in the sanctity of the Amrit Sarovar at the Golden Temple, pilgrims sought spiritual solace and listened to the soul-stirring recitation of Gurbani within the hallowed precincts of these Sikh shrines.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee solemnly observed the martyrdom anniversary at Gurdwara Ramsar Sahib. The culmination of prayers included the Bhog of Akhand Path, followed by the rendition of divine hymns by kirtani jathas. The resonant melodies of Gurbani Kirtan, led by the esteemed Kirtani Jatha of Hazuri Ragi Nirmaljit Singh, filled the air, as Sukhdev Singh led the congregation in Ardas and Bhai Nirmal Singh recited the Hukamnama.
In a poignant tribute, Balwant Singh Anokot, a preacher of SGPC’s Dharma Prachar Committee, recounted the illustrious life of Guru Arjan Dev. He underscored the Guru’s unwavering commitment to righteousness, truth, and the liberation of humanity from the shackles of oppression, ultimately sacrificing his life for these noble ideals.
The commemoration of Guru Arjan Dev’s martyrdom serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of Sikhism, inspiring devotees to embody the principles of selflessness, service, and unwavering devotion in their lives.
