Ebook The Sikh Religion, Its Gurus, Sacred Writings and Authors

Bibi Bhani, wife of Guru Ram Das, gave birth to Arjan at Goindwal on Tuesday the 7th day of the dark half of Baisakh, Sambat 1620 (A.D. 1563).

We have already related one legend of Guru Amar Das's fondness for his grandson Arjan, and of his offer to him of the Guruship. Another legend is also current. The child Arjan one day found his way to the bed of Guru Amar Das while taking his repose. It was generally considered a serious thing to disturb the Guru in his siesta. Bibi Bhani on missing the child ran to fetch him. He had, however, already awakened the Guru, who said, 'Let him come to me; yih mera dohita pani ka bohita howega' - this grandson of mine shall be a boat to take mankind across the ocean of the world.

Arjan was in due time married to Ganga, daughter of Krishan Chand, a resident of the village of Meo in the Philor sub-collectorate of the present district of Jalandhar.

The details of Arjan's life up to the date of his father Guru Ram Das's death are given in the life of the latter. It will be remembered that he died in Goindwal. After his decease, Mohri, maternal uncle of Arjan, bestowed on him a turban as his father's heir, according to ancient custom. Prithia urged that it was he himself who, as eldest son of the late Guru Ram Das, should receive the turban. Upon this Guru Arjan conferred it on him and returned to Amritsar.