Sri Guru Ram Das Ji, the fourth Guru of the Sikhs, is remembered for a life rooted in humility, selfless service, devotion to Waheguru and love for humanity. Guru Sahib played an important role in strengthening the Sikh Panth, established the settlement that developed into Sri Amritsar Sahib, composed the sacred Laavan, and blessed humanity with Gurbani preserved in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. [1]

The life of Guru Ram Das Ji beautifully demonstrates one of the central principles of Sikhi: true greatness does not come from wealth, status or position, but through Naam, humility, seva and complete devotion to the Guru.

Early Life of Guru Ram Das Ji

Sri Guru Ram Das Ji was born as Bhai Jetha Ji at Chuna Mandi, Lahore, in 1534. According to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Guru Sahib was born on 24 September 1534. His father was Baba Hari Das Ji and his mother was Mata Daya Kaur Ji, also referred to as Anup Kaur Ji. [1]

Guru Sahib lost his parents when he was approximately seven years old. His maternal grandmother subsequently took him to her village, Basarke. The family lived with limited means, and young Bhai Jetha Ji earned his living by selling boiled grams. [1]

These humble beginnings are significant when looking at Guru Sahib’s later life. Despite eventually receiving the responsibility of Guruship, humility and seva remained at the heart of his character.

Meeting Sri Guru Amar Das Ji

Bhai Jetha Ji eventually came into the company of Sri Guru Amar Das Ji, the third Guru of the Sikhs.

After moving to Goindwal Sahib, Bhai Jetha Ji participated in the religious congregation of Guru Amar Das Ji and actively contributed to the development of Goindwal Sahib. [1]

Rather than seeking recognition or position, Bhai Jetha Ji devoted himself to the Guru’s house through seva.

His dedication, humility and spiritual understanding earned the confidence of Sri Guru Amar Das Ji.

Bhai Jetha Ji later married Bibi Bhani Ji, the daughter of Guru Amar Das Ji. They had three sons: Prithi Chand Ji, Mahadev Ji and Arjan Ji, who would later become Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru. [1]

Bhai Jetha Ji Becomes Guru Ram Das Ji

Sri Guru Amar Das Ji recognised Bhai Jetha Ji’s devotion, character and suitability to carry forward the responsibility of Guruship.

In 1574, Bhai Jetha Ji became Sri Guru Ram Das Ji, the fourth Guru of the Sikhs. [1][3]

The name Ram Das means servant of the Lord, a name that reflected Guru Sahib’s life of devotion and service.

Guru Sahib’s elevation to Guruship also demonstrates an important principle within Sikh history: spiritual responsibility was not determined merely by biological inheritance. Dedication to the Guru, spiritual understanding and the ability to serve the Panth were of fundamental importance.

Foundation of Ramdaspur and Sri Amritsar Sahib

One of the most enduring contributions associated with Guru Ram Das Ji is the establishment and development of the settlement that eventually became Sri Amritsar Sahib.

According to the SGPC, Guru Ram Das Ji established the settlement known as Guru-Da-Chakk, which later became known as Chakk Ram Das or Ramdaspur. [2]

Guru Sahib encouraged merchants, craftsmen and people from different professions to settle there. As the community grew, the settlement developed into an important centre of trade as well as an increasingly significant centre for the Sikh Panth. [1]

Guru Ram Das Ji also began the excavation of the sacred Amritsar Sarovar. SGPC’s history of Amritsar states that work on the Amritsar Sarovar began in 1577 and that it was ready by 1581. [2]

The city that developed around the Sarovar eventually became known as Amritsar.

In the following period, Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji continued the development of this sacred centre and established Sri Harmandir Sahib there. [2]

Today, Sri Amritsar Sahib remains one of the most important spiritual centres of the Sikh world.

Gurbani of Guru Ram Das Ji

Sri Guru Ram Das Ji made a profound contribution to Gurbani.

According to SGPC records, Guru Sahib composed 638 hymns in 30 raags. These compositions include Pade, Saloks, Ashtpadis and Vaars and form part of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. [1]

Guru Sahib’s Gurbani guides the Sikh toward a life centred upon:

• Naam Simran and remembrance of Waheguru
• Love for the Guru
• Sadh Sangat
• Humility
• Seva
• Freedom from ego
• Spiritual discipline
• Truthful living

Guru Ram Das Ji’s Bani repeatedly teaches that spiritual transformation takes place when the individual turns away from haumai and places their consciousness upon Waheguru.

The Daily Life of a Sikh

One of Guru Ram Das Ji’s well-known teachings concerning Sikh discipline appears on Ang 305 of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

Guru Sahib describes the Sikh of the Guru as one who rises during the early hours, remembers the Divine Name and lives according to the Guru’s teachings. [3]

This teaching connects Sikh spirituality with daily life.

Sikhi is not presented simply as something to be practised on particular occasions. The Guru teaches a way of living in which remembrance of Waheguru becomes part of a person’s everyday discipline.

Naam, Gurbani and the teachings of the Guru gradually transform the mind and help the Sikh overcome ego and attachment.

The Four Laavan

Among the best-known compositions of Sri Guru Ram Das Ji are the four Laavan.

The Laavan hold a central place in the Sikh Anand Karaj marriage ceremony. Guru Ram Das Ji composed these four hymns as part of his spiritual teachings, and they came to form the basis of the Sikh marriage ceremony. [1][3]

During Anand Karaj, the Laavan are sung while the couple walks around Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

However, the meaning of the Laavan reaches far beyond marriage alone.

The four Laavan describe stages in the spiritual journey of the soul towards union with Waheguru.

They guide the seeker through spiritual commitment, growing detachment from ego and worldly attachment, deepening love and longing for the Divine, and finally spiritual fulfilment through union with Waheguru.

In Anand Karaj, therefore, the Guru stands at the centre of married life.

The husband and wife do not simply make a commitment to one another; together they begin a journey in which both are encouraged to walk towards the Guru.

Sadh Sangat and Spiritual Life

The importance of Sadh Sangat, the company of those who remember Waheguru, appears repeatedly throughout Gurbani.

Guru Ram Das Ji teaches that association with the Guru-oriented Sangat helps transform the mind and directs the individual towards Naam. [3]

Sikh spirituality therefore has both an individual and a collective dimension.

A Sikh remembers Naam personally but also learns, performs seva, listens to Gurbani and grows spiritually within the Sangat.

The relationship between Guru, Gurbani, Naam and Sangat continues to remain fundamental to Sikh life.

A Life of Humility and Seva

Humility is one of the qualities most strongly associated with Guru Ram Das Ji.

Before becoming Guru, Bhai Jetha Ji performed seva under Sri Guru Amar Das Ji and contributed physically to the work taking place at Goindwal Sahib. [1]

Even after receiving the responsibility of Guruship, Guru Sahib’s teachings remained centred upon humility rather than personal authority.

This provides an important lesson for every Sikh.

Seva is not determined by the importance of the task, and humility is not determined by a person’s position.

True seva is performed without seeking praise or recognition.

Guru Sahib’s life demonstrates how service performed with love, devotion and humility can become part of one’s spiritual journey.

Strengthening the Sikh Panth

During his Guruship, Sri Guru Ram Das Ji continued strengthening the organisational foundations of the Sikh community.

Guru Sahib developed Ramdaspur, encouraged different trades and professions to establish themselves there, continued the tradition of Guru Ka Langar and strengthened structures through which Sikh Sangats could remain connected. [1]

According to SGPC’s account, Guru Ram Das Ji also introduced the Masand system as part of the developing organisation of the Sikh community. [1]

These developments helped the growing Sikh Panth become increasingly organised while retaining its spiritual foundation.

The objective was not simply the creation of institutions.

At the centre remained the Guru’s message:

Remember Waheguru, live truthfully, serve others and overcome ego.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji Becomes the Fifth Guru

Before leaving his physical form, Sri Guru Ram Das Ji chose his youngest son, Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, to succeed him as the fifth Guru of the Sikhs. [1]

Guru Arjan Dev Ji continued the work begun by the earlier Gurus.

Under Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Sri Harmandir Sahib was developed at Amritsar and the Sikh scriptural tradition was brought together in the Adi Granth, which was installed at Sri Harmandir Sahib in 1604. [2]

The spiritual light of the Guru therefore continued from Sri Guru Ram Das Ji through Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji.

Legacy of Sri Guru Ram Das Ji

Sri Guru Ram Das Ji left his physical form in 1581. [1]

His legacy, however, remains deeply present within Sikh life.

It can be experienced through his Gurbani preserved in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

It remains present through the sacred Laavan recited during Anand Karaj.

It remains visible in Sri Amritsar Sahib, the city whose development Guru Sahib began.

And perhaps most importantly, it remains alive whenever a Sikh approaches the Guru with humility and performs seva without ego.

Guru Sahib’s journey from Bhai Jetha Ji, a young boy who experienced hardship and earned his living through honest work, to the fourth Guru of the Sikhs remains a profound example of devotion to the Guru.

His life teaches that spiritual greatness is not achieved through worldly status.

It develops through Naam, seva, Sangat, humility and surrender to the Guru.

Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Ram Das Ji.

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References

[1] Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) — Sri Guru Ramdas Ji
Official SGPC biography covering Guru Sahib’s birth and early life, family, Guruship, establishment of Ramdaspur, Gurbani, Laavan, organisation of the Sikh Panth and succession by Guru Arjan Dev Ji.
SGPC – Sri Guru Ramdas Ji

[2] Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) — The City: Amritsar
SGPC history covering the establishment of Guru-Da-Chakk/Chakk Ram Das, excavation of the Amritsar Sarovar and the later development of Sri Harmandir Sahib.
SGPC – The City: Amritsar

[3] SikhiWiki — Guru Ram Das
Biographical and historical overview of Sri Guru Ram Das Ji, including his early life, Guruship, Gurbani, Laavan, teachings and development of Ramdaspur.
SikhiWiki – Guru Ram Das