Third Sikh Guru

Guru Amar Das Sahib Ji - Guru from 1552 to 1574

He was born in 1479. Guru Amardas took up the cudgels of spirituality to fight against caste restrictions, caste prejudices and the curse of untouchability.

He strengthened the tradition of the free kitchen, Guru Ka Langar (started by Guru Nanak), and made his disciples, whether rich or poor, whether high born or low born (according to the Hindu caste system), have their meals together sitting in one place.

The following is a summary of the main highlights of Guru Ji's life:

• All visitors to Gurdwaras were to first take Langar (Free Blessed Food) together before seeing the Guru. "First Pangat then Sangat" .
• Further abolished the Caste System.
•  Guru lifted the status of women and gave them equality with men. He strictly prohibited the practice of Sati (the dying of the wife on her husband's funeral pyre), "Parrda" (veil to cover the face), etc. 
• Established an Administration system for management of the increasing size of the Sikh congregations, called Manjis.
•  Gift of the prayer called Anand Sahib, which is one of the Five Banis recited daily by devout Sikhs. 
• Established the city of Goindval on the banks of river Bias in 1552 A.D. 
  ਗੁਰੂ ਅਮਰ ਦਾਸ ਤਾਰਣ ਤਰਣ ਜਨਮ ਜਨਮ ਪਾ ਸਰਣਿ ਤਅ ॥੨॥੧੬॥
  Guru Amar Das is our Saving Grace, who carries us across; in lifetime after lifetime, I seek the Sanctuary of Your Feet.