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Definition:
Guru Arjan Dev (1581-1606) is known as the "Fifth Master" by devout Sikhs, becoming
Guru in 1581. He was also the first Sikh martyr in 1606.
Arjan accomplished many things during his tenure: completing the excavation of sacred pools at Ramdaspur, creating another sacred pool at Tarn Taran, and designing and constructing the Sri Harimandir Sahib (Golden Temple) at Amritsar.
Arjan is, however, even better known for collecting the first version of the Sikh Scripture Adi Granth, which includes many hymns from various Sikh Gurus and different Muslim and Hindu saints. It also includes 2,216 hymns which he wrote himself - the largest contribution to the Adi Granth. These hymns teach the greatness of God, the need for devotion to God, and the general blindness of sinful people.
Arjan Dev had a good relationship with the Mogul Emperor Akbar, but not with his successor, Jahangir. This latter emperor was apparently jealous of Arjan Dev's growing power and popularity and had him arrested on charges of sedition and the creation of dissent within th community. According to Sikh tradition, he was forced to sit in a red-hot cauldron while being bathed with boiling water.
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Related Resources:
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