Sri Guru Har Krishan Ji is the 8th of the ten sikh Gurus. Guru Harkrishan is also known as Bal Guru or Bala Pritam. Sri Guru Har Krishan Ji became the Sikh Guru in his childhood when he was just five years old. Guru Harkrishan Ji was the grandson of Guru Hargobind.
When was Guru Har Krishan born, and who were his parents?
Guru Harkrishan ji was born on July 7, 1656, at Kiratpur Sahib, Punjab. Guru Har Rai Ji and Mata Kishan Kaur (Sulakhni) were the parents of Guru Har Krishan sahib ji. Guru Har Rai Ji appointed Har Krishan Ji Sikh Guru before his passing. Guru Har Krishan ji became the Sikh Guru on October 7, 1661, at the age of five. He had the shortest Guruship among the ten Sikh Gurus, which lasted about two years and five months.
When is Guru Harkrishan Ji's Prakash Purab, Gurgaddi, and Joti Jot in 2026?
| Event | Date 2026 |
|---|---|
| ਪ੍ਰਕਾਸ਼ ਗੁਰਪੁਰਬ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਹਰਿਕ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਨ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜੀ | 7th August 2026 |
| ਗੁਰਿਆਈ ਦਿਵਸ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਹਰਿਕ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਨ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜੀ | 3 November 2026 |
| ਜੋਤੀ-ਜੋਤਿ ਦਿਵਸ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਹਰਿਕ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਨ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜੀ | 1 April 2026 |
Why Ram Rai Did Not Become the Next Sikh Guru
Guru Harkrishan's elder brother, Ram Rai, could not become sikh Guru because he joined hands with Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Ram Rai has worked against the principles of Guru Ghar. That's why he was not considered deserving of Guru Gaddhi.
The Greatness of Guru Har Krishan Ji at a Young Age
However, Guru Harkrishan ji became a Guru at a small age, yet their spirituality, supreme wisdom, and dedication to serving people and religion were very high. He always made humility, kindness, and selfless service the core of his life. His childhood was full of spiritual qualities, devotion, and feelings of love. He was different from ordinary children. He had a sweet way of speaking and a very radiant face. Guru Harkrishan Ji taught the people that serving humanity is the highest form of devotion to God.
What services did Guru Har Krishan perform in Delhi?
Especially that time, people in Delhi were suffering from a smallpox and cholera epidemic terribly. Bal Guru ji served the sick people day and night without any discrimination. He gave water to every afflicted person, cared for their treatment, and encouraged them with hope and compassion. During Guru Harkrishan's stay in Delhi, people started calling him Bal Pir
How did Guru Har Krishan die?
While serving the people, Guru Harkrishan ji was also affected by this disease. Guru Harkrishan died on 30 March 1664. Gurdwara Bala Sahib, which marks the cremation site of Guru Harkrishan Ji.
Guru Ji's Stay at Bangla Sahib
When Guru Ji reached Delhi, Raja Jai Singh offered his bungalow for Guru Ji's service. Today, it is known as Guru Bangla Sahib. During his stay in Delhi, thousands of devotees came to seek Guru Ji's blessings and have his divine darshan. Gurdwara Bangla Sahib was constructed in memory of Guru Harkrishan. According to Sikh tradition, the water of the sarovar at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is considered sacred because Guru Ji blessed the water and distributed it among the sick during the epidemic.
Last words of Guru Harkrishan ji?
In the last time, when the devoted Sikhs asked about the next Guru, Guru Har Krishan Ji simply gave a sign, "Baba Bakale." Said these words, which meant now, it was the responsibility of the people to find their next Guru by keeping "Baba Bakale" in mind. The next Guru (Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji) would be found in Bakala village.
So Guru Har Krishan Ji was the youngest of all the ten Sikh Gurus. Guru Ji was a worshipper of service, kindness, humility, and devotion.