Guru Har Krishan Ji

Eighth Guru of Sikhism

Guru Har Krishan (Gurmukhi: ਗੁਰੂ ਹਰਿ ਕ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਨ), the eighth Guru of Sikhism, was born on 7 July 1656 in Kiratpur Sahib, Punjab. He was the youngest son of Guru Har Rai Ji and Mata Krishan Kaur Ji (also known as Sulakhni Ji). At just five years old, he was anointed as Guru on 20 October 1661, becoming the youngest Guru in Sikh history.

A Guru at a Young Age

Guru Har Krishan was spiritually gifted even as a child. His father, Guru Har Rai, appointed him as Guru due to his innocence, purity, and spiritual clarity, especially after his elder brother Ram Rai was excommunicated for altering a verse of the Adi Granth to appease the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.

Though many doubted how a child could lead the Sikh community, Guru Har Krishan’s divine wisdom and compassionate conduct soon dispelled all doubts. He came to be known affectionately as “Bala Pir” (Child Prophet).

Journey to Delhi and the Plague

In 1664, Aurangzeb summoned the young Guru to Delhi, hoping to test and possibly control the Sikh leadership. Though reluctant to engage with imperial politics, Guru Har Krishan and his mother traveled to Delhi and stayed at Raja Jai Singh’s bungalow, where a Gurdwara (Gurdwara Bangla Sahib) now stands.

At the time, Delhi was struck by a severe smallpox and cholera epidemic. Despite his young age, Guru Har Krishan selflessly tended to the sick, provided water, medicine, and blessings, and miraculously healed many people. His presence brought comfort and hope to thousands.

Final Days and Words

During this time, Guru Har Krishan himself contracted smallpox, likely due to his direct exposure to patients. As his condition worsened, he remained calm and spiritually focused. Before passing, he refused to name a direct successor by name—likely to avoid conflict with the Mughal authorities. Instead, he only uttered the words:
“Baba Bakale”
—indicating that the next Guru would be found in the town of Bakala.

Guru Har Krishan passed away on 30 March 1664, at the tender age of 7 years, in Delhi. His body was cremated at the site where Gurdwara Bala Sahib now stands.

Legacy

Despite his short life, Guru Har Krishan’s impact was profound. He is remembered for his purity, healing presence, humility, and deep spiritual insight. His sacrifice during the plague earned him the title “Sache Patshah” (True King) among Sikhs. His life demonstrated that divine light does not depend on age, and even a child can be a guide to millions.

His final words eventually led to the recognition of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Guru, who was discovered meditating in Bakala.