Guru #3 of 10
Guru Amar Das Ji
Champion of Equality
Guru Amar Das Ji became the third Sikh Guru at the age of 73 — proof that wisdom grows with age. He was a fierce champion of equality and worked tirelessly to remove the social injustices of his time, including the oppression of women.
The Story
Born on May 5, 1479, in Basarke village, Guru Amar Das Ji was already 61 years old when he first heard the words of Guru Angad Dev Ji being sung by his nephew's wife. Those words struck his heart so deeply that he walked miles to meet Guru Angad Dev Ji and devoted his life to him.
He served Guru Angad Dev Ji for 12 years with complete devotion. Every morning, he would walk three miles to the river Beas to fetch water for the Guru's bath. He was over 70 years old when he was chosen as the third Guru.
Guru Amar Das Ji made a powerful rule: before anyone could see him, they had to first sit and eat in the Langar — the community kitchen. This meant kings, nobles, and priests had to sit alongside farmers and the poor. When the Emperor Akbar visited, he too sat on the floor and ate with everyone else.
He was a fierce fighter for women's rights at a time when women were treated as second-class citizens. He spoke out against the practice of Sati (widows burning themselves on their husband's funeral pyres) and purdah (women covering themselves completely). He appointed women as preachers and gave them equal roles in the Sikh community.
Key Contributions
- Made Langar (sitting and eating together) mandatory before meeting the Guru
- Divided the Sikh community into 22 districts (manjis), each led by a preacher
- Appointed women as preachers for the first time
- Spoke out against the practice of Sati and forced purdah
- Composed Anand Sahib — a beautiful hymn of spiritual joy still recited daily
- Constructed the sacred pool at Goindwal Sahib
Core Teachings
- All are equal — king and peasant must eat together on the floor
- Women are equal to men and must be respected
- Pride and ego are the greatest barriers to God
- Serve others before serving yourself
Legacy
Guru Amar Das Ji's work for equality and women's rights was centuries ahead of his time. His Anand Sahib is recited at every Sikh ceremony today. His 22 districts created the first organized Sikh community network.