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Ten Gurus

Ten lights lit from the same candle

Antique painting depicting the Ten Gurus of Sikhs

Antique painting showing the Ten Gurus of Sikhi, along with two musicians and an attendant.

The story of Sikhism unfolds through the lives of ten remarkable spiritual teachers known as the Sikh Gurus. Beginning with Guru Nanak (1469–1539), each Guru built upon his message of oneness, justice, and equality, guiding the Sikh community through times of spiritual insight and political upheaval.

The ten Sikh Gurus were not just religious leaders—they were visionaries who guided a spiritual revolution. Together, over two centuries (1469–1708), they shaped Sikhism into a faith rooted in equality, service, and moral courage.

  1. It began with Guru Nanak (1469–1539), who taught that God is one, all humans are equal, and true devotion means living honestly and serving others (McLeod, Sikhism, 1997).

  2. Guru Angad (1504–1552) developed the Gurmukhi script, enabling the spread of Sikh teachings.

  3. Guru Amar Das (1479–1574) challenged caste and gender barriers—he appointed women as religious leaders and insisted all, regardless of status, sit together before sharing a meal (langar) (Cole & Sambhi, The Sikhs, 1995).

  4. Guru Ram Das (1534–1581) founded Amritsar, now Sikhism’s holiest city.

  5. His son, Guru Arjan (1563–1606), compiled the Adi Granth (the core of Sikh scripture) and built the Golden Temple. He was martyred for refusing to abandon his faith—becoming a symbol of spiritual resistance (Singh, The Sikhs, 2006).

  6. Guru Hargobind (1595–1644) introduced the idea of the saint-soldier, blending devotion with defense of justice.

  7. Guru Har Rai (1630–1661) continued this legacy peacefully, emphasizing compassion and healing.

  8. Guru Har Krishan (1656–1664), though only a child, became a symbol of selfless service during a smallpox epidemic in Delhi.

  9. Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621–1675) was executed for defending religious freedom.

  10. His son, Guru Gobind Singh (1666–1708), founded the Khalsa, a spiritual brotherhood, and declared the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru.

Sources:

  • McLeod, W.H. Sikhism. Penguin, 1997.

  • Cole, W. Owen & Sambhi, Piara Singh. The Sikhs. Sussex Academic Press, 1995.

  • Singh, Khushwant. The Sikhs. Rupa Publications, 2006.