Bhai Gurdas Ji was a learned Sikh, poet and missionary who wrote out the Adi Granth as Guru Arjan Dev Ji dictated it in 1604. His Vaaran in Punjabi explain the Gurus' teaching so clearly that they are widely valued as a key to understanding Gurbani.
Life
Bhai Gurdas Ji was born around the 1550s, a relative of Guru Amar Das Ji, and grew up close to the Gurus' households at Goindwal. He studied languages and religious literature widely, becoming one of the most learned Sikhs of his time. He served the Gurus as a preacher, travelling to spread the Sikh message, including, according to tradition, to Agra and Kashi. He was trusted by Guru Ram Das Ji and Guru Arjan Dev Ji with many responsibilities.
When Guru Arjan Dev Ji compiled the Adi Granth, Bhai Gurdas Ji wrote it out as the Guru dictated, completing it in 1604. His own writings — the Vaaran in Punjabi and the Kabitt Savaiye in Braj — explain Sikh belief, history and practice. The Sikh Rehat Maryada permits the singing of his compositions, along with those of Bhai Nand Lal Ji, in the sangat. Sikh tradition says Guru Arjan Dev Ji called the Vaaran a key (kunji) to Gurbani.
He continued to serve during the time of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji and is traditionally said to have passed away at Goindwal in the 1630s. His Vaaran remain widely read and sung, and many Sikhs turn to them for help in understanding the Gurus' teaching, while his Kabitt Savaiye are valued as fine and thoughtful devotional poetry in the Braj language.
Why Sikhs remember Bhai Gurdas Ji
- He was the scribe of the first edition of the Sikh scripture in 1604.
- His Vaaran are among the most important early sources on Sikh teaching and history.
- He shows how scholarship and deep devotion can go together in seva.
Key events
- c. 1550s
Birth Historical record
Born into the family of Guru Amar Das Ji.
- 1580s–1600s
Preacher of Sikhi Historical record
Travels to spread the Gurus' message.
- 1604
Scribe of the Adi Granth Historical record
Writes out the Adi Granth as Guru Arjan Dev Ji dictates.
- —
The 'key' to Gurbani Traditional account
Tradition tells the Guru called his Vaaran a key to Gurbani.
- 1630s
Passing Traditional account
Traditionally said to have passed away at Goindwal.
For children
Bhai Gurdas Ji was a very wise and learned Sikh. When Guru Arjan Dev Ji put together the first Guru Granth Sahib, Bhai Gurdas Ji carefully wrote every word by hand as the Guru spoke. He also wrote beautiful poems, called Vaaran, to help people understand the Gurus' teachings. Sikhs still sing them today. He shows us that learning and writing can be a way to serve.
Lessons for today
Explain with love
Bhai Gurdas Ji's Vaaran make deep ideas clear. Helping others understand is a gift.
Careful work is devotion
Writing out the scripture needed patience and precision. Doing a task carefully honours those it serves.
Places connected with this life
- Goindwal Sahib
Where Bhai Gurdas Ji grew up and is traditionally said to have passed away.
Further reading & sources
- Vaaran Bhai Gurdas
- Sikh Rehat Maryada, SGPC
- Harbans Singh (ed.), The Encyclopaedia of Sikhism, Punjabi University, Patiala
- Pashaura Singh, The Guru Granth Sahib: Canon, Meaning and Authority, Oxford University Press