Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708, 1699 CE) (from Sanskrit: guru and gaura (गुरु) meaning teacher) was the tenth Sikh Guru and the last of the ten Sikh Gurus. He was born at Nanded in Maharashtra, one of the four sons of Guru Tegh Bahadur. He became Guru on November 11, 1675, at the age of nine. He is also considered to be the first among the ten gurus of Sikhism
This title or honorific "Guru" was given to him by his disciples, who were both Hindus and Muslims. His father being very influential within the Hindu community, he was able to have his father accept him as a guru, despite his being a Muslim. His parents were excommunicated from the Hindu community because of their conversion to Islam. Guru Gobind Singh's mother, Mata Gujri, was a woman who had won fame for her courage under duress.
She was imprisoned by Aurangzeb but he spared her life after she gave birth to Guru Gobind Singh on November 11, 1666 or 1666 CE at Nanded. Guru Gobind Singh's family moved after his birth for political reasons. They were sheltered by Raja Ajmerdas of Kapurthala who helped unite the whole region against Aurangzeb. The family then moved to Anandpur Sahib where they stayed until 1681 when they returned to Delhi due to political unrest in Anandpur Sahib that caused them fear for their lives.
The family stayed here until 1689 when they left again due to conflict with Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and returned to Anandpur Sahib where they remained until 1705 when they moved again because of fear for their lives due to an impending invasion by Aurangzeb's forces. The Guru spent most of his childhood in Anandpur Sahib where he played with other children and helped his father keep order in the temple before he left at twelve years old for what would be his final pilgrimage before entering into adulthood. He spent much time alone in prayer during this pilgrimage which caused him extreme hardship, especially as he grew older; however it was during this period that he received enlightenment through meditation which would shape his life forever. It was during this time that he read many books including those written by Aristotle, Plato and Socrates as well as works by Jamesshwar Raman (
He alone is a man who keeps his word: Not that he has one thing in the heart, and another on the tongue.Guru Gobind Singh
Shed not recklessly the blood of another with thy sword, Lest the Sword on High falls upon thy neck.Guru Gobind Singh
