Guru Ram Dass ji

DHAN DHAN SRI GURU RAM DASS JI Fourth Guru Sri Guru Ram Dass ji followed the Foot steps and Teachings of 1st, 2nd and 3rd Guru and spread it to the whole humanity. He started a new township named RAM DAS CHAK (NOW AMRITSAR) In the centre of it there was a small pond of water, which was known as devine water pond. Guru ji decided to make it a bigger SROVAR for the benefit of all devotees. Later it was called as AMRIT SROVAR and the city as AMRITSAR. Guru ji also proposed to make a devotional place in the centre of the Srovar. This proposal and wish was completed by His Son the FIFTH GURU, SRI GURU ARJAN DEV JI. This place was then named as HARMANDAR SAHIB (A PLACE OF GOD), which is open all the time for every one from any direction of place without any discrimination. It is now known as place of Devotion to the God, Love to everyone, Truthness and Universal. Hymens from SRI GURU GRANTH SAHIB JI sung all the time and a FREE KICHEN (LANGAR) is also attached for every one either big or small, rich or poor, male, female or child. There are 688 Hymns of Guru Ram Das included in the Guru Granth Sahib which have various teachings for Sikhs. Guru Sahib's Bani is also part of Rehras Sahib and Kirtan Sohila, the daily prayers of Sikhs. Page 305 of the Guru Granth Sahib decries the morning activity of one who calls himself a Sikh of the True Guru (God): One who calls himself a Sikh of the True Guru shall get up early morning and meditate on the Lord's Name. Bathe daily in the ambrosial pool and following the Guru's instructions, chant Har, Har. All sins, misdeeds and negativity shall be erased. The standard Sikh marriage ceremony known as the Anand Karaj is centered around a four-stanza hymn composed by Guru Ram Das ji. During the marriage ceremony the couple circumscribe the Guru Granth Sahib ji as each stanza of the Lawan is read. The first round is the Divine consent for commencing the householders life through marriage. The second round states that the union of the couple has been brought about by God. In the third round the couple is described as the most fortunate as they have sung the praises of the Lord in the company of saints. In the fourth round the feeling of the couple that they have obtained their hearts' desire and are being congratulated is described. Guru Ram Das Sahib composed a beautiful bani called Laavan about the meaning of marriage to a Sikh couple. Effectively, the Guru defines a Sikh marriage as a spiritual union in these two lines: "They are not said to be husband and wife who merely sit together. Rather they alone are called husband and wife, who have one soul in two bodies. Actually, the whole concept is of meeting of human soul with GOD i.e. ATMA WITH PARMATMA. After this devine meeting only ANAND ( HAPPINESS) can be felt. Guru Ram Das unfortunately past away on 1 September 1581, in the city of Amritsar, Punjab. Guru Ram Das Ji is still present in the form of "Shabad" holy words written in Guru Granth Sahib ji. Gian Singh Bamrah, Mob: 9464283050, 6283317292.. PRESIDENT, RANGARHIA HERITAGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY, AMRITSAR. Website: www.ramgarhiahhsociety.org