The Ten Sikh Gurus

Founder of Sikhism

The founder of the Sikh faith, Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in Rai Bhoe Ki Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib, Pakistan). He travelled widely, teaching the oneness of God, the equality of all people, honest living, and loving remembrance of the Divine. His revelation — that there is One Creator present in all — is the foundation of Sikhi.

• Taught “Ik Onkar” — there is One God
• Established the practice of Langar and Sangat
• Rejected caste, ritualism, and superstition

Second Guru

A devoted disciple of Guru Nanak, Guru Angad Dev Ji standardized and popularized the Gurmukhi script, giving the Sikh community its own written language. He emphasized education, physical fitness, and the continued growth of Langar.

• Standardized the Gurmukhi script
• Collected Guru Nanak's hymns
• Promoted schooling and community wellbeing

Third Guru

Guru Amar Das Ji strengthened the institution of Langar, insisting that all who came to see him — kings and commoners alike — first sit and eat together as equals. He worked to uplift the position of women and organized the growing community.

• Made Langar a condition of meeting the Guru
• Advocated the equality and dignity of women
• Organized the Sikh community into regions (manjis)

Fourth Guru

Guru Ram Das Ji founded the city of Amritsar, which would become the spiritual centre of the Sikh world. He composed the Lavan, the four hymns that form the heart of the Sikh marriage ceremony, Anand Karaj.

• Founded the city of Amritsar
• Composed the Lavan for Anand Karaj
• Began work on the sacred sarovar (pool)

Fifth Guru

Guru Arjan Dev Ji compiled the Adi Granth, the first authoritative scripture of the Sikhs, and completed the construction of Sri Harmandir Sahib (the Golden Temple) in Amritsar. He is revered as the first great martyr of the Sikh faith.

• Compiled the Adi Granth (first Sikh scripture)
• Completed Sri Harmandir Sahib, the Golden Temple
• The first Sikh Guru to be martyred

Sixth Guru

Guru Hargobind Ji introduced the concept of Miri and Piri — the balance of temporal and spiritual authority — wearing two swords to symbolize both. He built the Akal Takht at Amritsar and defended the community's right to live with dignity.

• Embodied Miri-Piri (worldly and spiritual power)
• Established the Akal Takht
• Organized the community's defense

Seventh Guru

Guru Har Rai Ji is remembered for his deep compassion, his care for the sick, and his love of nature. He maintained herbal gardens and a healing centre, tending to all who came for help while nurturing the spiritual life of the Sangat.

• Renowned for compassion and gentleness
• Maintained a garden and centre for healing
• Cared for the sick regardless of background

Eighth Guru

Becoming Guru as a young child, Guru Har Krishan Ji is remembered for his wisdom beyond his years and his selfless service to those suffering during an epidemic, tending to the sick until he himself passed away.

• Became Guru as a young child
• Selflessly served the sick during an epidemic
• A symbol of humility and grace

Ninth Guru

Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji gave his life defending the freedom of conscience and the right of all people to practise their faith without fear. His supreme sacrifice is honoured as a stand for religious liberty for all of humanity.

• Martyred defending freedom of religion
• Composed many hymns in Guru Granth Sahib Ji
• Founded the city of Anandpur Sahib

Tenth Guru

Guru Gobind Singh Ji founded the Khalsa in 1699, giving Sikhs a distinct identity built on courage, equality, and devotion. Before his passing, he affirmed the Guru Granth Sahib Ji as the eternal Guru of the Sikhs, ending the line of human Gurus.

• Founded the Khalsa (1699)
• Introduced the Five Ks and the names Singh and Kaur
• Declared Guru Granth Sahib Ji the eternal Guru