Shri Guru Harkrishan Sahib Ji, the eighth and the youngest of the ten Sikh Gurus, succeeded his father at the tender age of five. Let’s read more to know in detail about him.
Shri Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji was the eighth Sikh Guru who is also known as Bal Guru because he succeeded his father, Guru Har Rai Ji (the seven of the ten Sikh Gurus) at the age of five.
He was born on July 17, 1656 (as per the traditional calendar, in the month of Shravan, Krishna Paksha Navami Tithi) and became a guru on October 7, 1661.
But his reign as Guru lasted for 2 years, 5 months and 24 days only as he succumbed to smallpox on April 9, 1664. However, before breathing his last, he chose Guru Tegh Bahadur, his grand-uncle as his successor by uttering the words “Baba Bakale”.
He was born in Kiratpur to Krishen Devi also known as Mata Sulakhni and Guru Har Rai.
He halted at the Panjokhra Sahib Gurudwara in Ambala, Haryana when he was on his way from Kiratpur to Delhi to meet Mughal ruler Aurangzeb. En route, he visited villages including Ropar, Banur and Raipura to spread the message of Guru Nanak.
As per the legend, the Guru made a boundary with sand and announced that anyone wishing to see him, should stand on the mark and ask for the wish. He stated that those doing so would have their wishes fulfilled.
The Gurdwara Bangla Sahib initially was a bungalow of a king named Raja Jai Singh. Shri Guru Harkrishan Sahib Ji started staying here to serve those suffering from smallpox and cholera. He offered them water from the well at his house and took care of them. However, he too contracted the disease. Eventually, devotees gather here at the Gurdwara Bangla Sahib to seek the blessings of the Bal Guru annually.