The Hindu : National : Martyrdom day of Guru Arjun Dev observed

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jun 17, 2005

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Martyrdom day of Guru Arjun Dev observed

AMRITSAR: Thousands of Sikhs observed the 399th anniversary of martyrdom of their fifth Guru, Arjun Dev, with processions and prayers at the Golden Temple here on Thursday.

Devotees thronged the temple since early morning to take a dip in the holy pond and paid their respects to the Guru.

``Today is the martyrdom day of Guru Arjun Dev, he sacrificed his life for us and that is why we have gathered here at the Harmander Sahib to pay our respects,'' said Jagtar Singh, a devotee.

The anniversary, known as `Guruparb,' was also observed across the country. Thousands of Sikhs prayed at gurdwaras and took out processions.

In New Delhi, people thronged the Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, Gurdwara Shishganj Sahib, Gurdwara Majnu ka tilla to commemorate the day.

The youngest son of the fourth Guru, Ram Das, Arjun Dev was born at Goindwal, near Amritsar, in 1563 A.D.

Guru Arjun was the founder-builder of Harmandir Sahib, popularly known as the Golden Temple.

Guru Arjun Dev expanded the city of Amritsar and Kartarpur and founded the city of Tarn Taran.

His most significant contribution was the compilation the Adi Granth in 1604 A.D. Equally significant was his inclusion in the Granth Sahib selections of verses by Hindu and Muslim saints.

Guru Arjun Dev was arrested, brought to Delhi and tortured for five days on the orders of Emperor Jehangir, who believed that the Guru had conspired against him and ordered his execution.

Guru Arjun Dev was barely 43 years old at the time of his supreme sacrifice.

— ANI

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