Guru Har Krishan Ji, the eighth Guru of the Sikhs, was born on July 7, 1656, in Kiratpur Sahib, Punjab. He was the younger son of Guru Har Rai Ji and Mata Krishan Kaur Ji (also known as Sulakhni Ji). From a very young age, Har Krishan Ji displayed extraordinary wisdom, humility, and a spiritual aura that amazed everyone around him. Despite being a child, he had a deep understanding of Sikh teachings and a profound ability to connect with people’s hearts.
In 1661, at just 5 years old, Har Krishan Ji was appointed as the eighth Guru by his father, Guru Har Rai Ji, before his passing. This decision was made due to the betrayal of his elder brother, Ram Rai, who had altered verses from the Guru Granth Sahib to please the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Guru Har Rai Ji believed that the Guruship should never fall into the hands of someone who compromised the truth of Sikh teachings, even if it meant choosing a child as the next spiritual leader.
Despite his young age, Guru Har Krishan Ji quickly proved to be a divine soul. He lived in Delhi for much of his Guruship, where he devoted himself to serving the poor and the sick, teaching about humility, devotion, and the remembrance of God. During his time there, a terrible smallpox and cholera epidemic broke out. Guru Har Krishan Ji fearlessly helped the suffering people without distinction of caste, religion, or background. He distributed water, food, and herbal medicines, and even personally cared for the ill, offering words of comfort and prayer.
His presence brought peace and healing, and many were cured simply by his touch or his blessings. As word of his miracles spread, people began referring to him as “Bala Pir” — the Holy Child. However, in his mission to help others, Guru Har Krishan Ji contracted smallpox himself. He endured the illness with incredible calm and grace, remaining in deep meditation and remembrance of Waheguru (God). As his condition worsened, the Sikhs around him grew anxious about who would guide them next.
Before passing away, Guru Har Krishan Ji did not name a successor directly but famously uttered the words:
“Baba Bakale”, meaning “The next Guru will be found at Bakala.”
This cryptic message would later lead the Sikhs to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Guru, who was meditating in the town of Bakala.
On March 30, 1664, at the tender age of just 7 years, Guru Har Krishan Ji left his earthly body in Delhi. Despite being the youngest of all the Sikh Gurus, he had one of the most spiritually radiant lives. His supreme sacrifice of selfless service and compassion, especially during a time of crisis, earned him the deepest reverence from the Sikh community. His short life stands as a symbol of innocence, purity, humility, and divine wisdom beyond age.
Today, the site of his cremation in Delhi is marked by the sacred Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, one of the most prominent Sikh shrines in India. His life reminds all Sikhs that the soul is beyond age and that true leadership is based on selfless service, truth, and love for humanity.
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