Guru Amar Das Becomes the Third Sikh Guru
March 26th, 1552
March 26th, 1552
How Long Ago?
472 years, 11 months, 17 days ago
Location
Goindval, Punjab, India
Category
Religion & Philosophy
People
- Guru Amar Das
- Guru Angad
Links & References
Tags
Guru Amar Das Becomes the Third Sikh Guru
Guru Amar Das was appointed as the third Sikh Guru, succeeding Guru Angad at Goindval. He was known for his emphasis on equality and community service, actively opposing social injustices such as caste discrimination. His teachings inspired many followers, highlighting the importance of congregational worship and the creation of the Manji system, which established different centers of Sikh learning and spirituality across the region.
Guru Amar Das succeeded Guru Angad.
He promoted the Manji system for learning.
Introduced communal kitchens to foster unity.
Opposed caste discrimination and social injustices.
What Happened?
Guru Amar Das's appointment as the third Sikh Guru marked a significant moment in the development of Sikhism. Born in 1479 in the village of Basarke, Punjab, he was inspired by the teachings of Guru Nanak and Guru Angad. After being selected by Guru Angad as his successor, Guru Amar Das propagated a message of equality and social justice, setting a foundation that would influence Sikh philosophy fundamentally. He established a distinct identity for Sikhism, encouraging communal worship and devotion through services and gatherings, known as Sangats.
Guru Amar Das implemented the Manji system to expand the influence of Sikh teachings, assigning devoted followers as leaders to promote spirituality and education in various regions. He strongly opposed the prevailing caste system and discrimination, emphasizing, through his hymns, the necessity of treating all individuals with respect and dignity, irrespective of their social status. His governing principles and contributions included the spiritual and social development which appealed to many in a society riddled with social stratifications.
Amar Das also engaged in active dialogues with various communities, furthering the cause of Sikhism across diverse groups. His significant contributions to the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, along with his teachings, reinforced the spiritual fabric of the religion and laid the groundwork for future Gurus. Moreover, the establishment of communal kitchens (langars) under his guidance served to foster a sense of unity and inclusivity among followers, standing as an antidote to societal divisions.
Why Does it Matter?
The appointment of Guru Amar Das as the third Sikh Guru is interesting due to its pivotal role in shaping the foundational ethos of Sikhism, emphasizing equality and community service at a time when rigid social hierarchies prevailed. This appointment not only established a new direction in Sikh leadership but also significantly expanded the movement's outreach, setting a precedent for future gurus and the inclusive spirit of Sikh practices.
Discover More Historic Events from March 26th
Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse Incident
The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after the MV Dali container ship collided with one of its support pillars. This catastrophic event led to the death of six individuals, who were either on the bridge at the time or in vehicles that were affected by the collapse. Emergency services quickly responded to the scene in Baltimore, Maryland, to rescue trapped individuals and tend to the injured. An investigation was launched to determine the cause of the collision and the structural failure.
Continue ReadingNationwide Anti-Corruption Protests in Russia
In March 2017, nationwide protests erupted across 99 Russian cities, organized by opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Citizens gathered to voice their frustration over corruption and demand accountability from the government. A survey conducted by the Levada Center indicated significant public support for the protests, with 38% of respondents backing the movement and 67% blaming President Vladimir Putin for high-level corruption. The protests were marked by a wave of arrests and governmental pushback, showcasing the tension between citizens and the state over corruption issues.
Continue ReadingCheonan Corvettes Torpedo Attack and Investigation
The South Korean Navy corvette Cheonan was torpedoed, resulting in the death of 46 sailors. An international investigation led to blame being placed on North Korea by the President of the United Nations Security Council. This incident heightened tensions in the Korean Peninsula.
Continue ReadingMassive Demonstration Against Anti-Secession Law
Around 200,000 to 300,000 Taiwanese people gathered in Taipei to demonstrate against China's Anti-Secession Law, which was viewed as a threat to Taiwan's sovereignty. The large turnout highlighted the people's concerns over China's increasing pressure on Taiwan and the implications of the law that sought to legitimize military action against Taiwan should it pursue independence. The demonstration was marked by slogans advocating for independence and the preservation of Taiwan's democracy. The protest underscored the growing tensions in cross-strait relations.
Continue ReadingBrutal Oued Bouaicha Massacre in Algeria
In the Oued Bouaicha massacre, fifty-two individuals, predominantly infants, were brutally slain using axes and knives. This heinous act occurred during the Algerian Civil War and marked a severe instance of violence that highlighted the extreme atrocities of the conflict. The massacre took place in the small village of Oued Bouaicha near the city of Tizi Ouzou, where armed groups targeted the vulnerable population. The motivations behind such an act remain rooted in the larger context of the civil war characterized by a deep-seated conflict between the government and various Islamist groups, leading to widespread suffering among civilian populations.
Continue ReadingDiscovery of Heaven's Gate Members' Bodies
In a shocking revelation, authorities uncovered thirty-nine bodies associated with the Heaven's Gate cult in an upscale mansion in Rancho Santa Fe, California. The group believed they could transcend to an extraterrestrial spaceship that they thought was following the Hale-Bopp comet, leading to their mass suicide. Each member was found dressed identically in black clothing and wearing armbands. The troubling scene highlighted the extent of their delusions as they sought a higher existence beyond their earthly lives.
Continue Reading