120)Commemorating the Ter-Centenary of Gur-Ta –Gaddi of Sri Guru Granth Sahib: Commemorative coins issued by the India Government Mints in 2008 in the denominations of Rs.100/- and Rs.10/-:

120) Commemorating the Ter-Centenary of Gur-Ta–Gaddi of Sri Guru Granth Sahib: Commemorative  coins issued by the India Government Mints in 2008 in the denominations of  Rs.100/- and Rs.10/-:

Some 300 years ago, a few days before “Parlok Gaman” (meaning “leaving for his heavenly abode”) in 1708, Sri Guru Gobind Singhji, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, ended the line of personal Guruship by appointing the “Granth Sahib” (Gur-ta-Gaddi) as his official successor, giving the Holy Book of the Sikh community, the status of the “Eternal Guru”.  With this conferment, Sri Guru Gobind Singhji also named Nanded town, situated in the Indian State of Maharashtra “Abchal Nagar” (meaning “steadfast city”).

Gur-Ta-Gaddi celebrations held from 24.10.2008 to 31.10.2008 at Nanded or Abchal Nagar, marked the 300^th Anniversary (ter-centenary) Gurudom ceremony of the Holy Book, as well as, a tribute to Sri Guru Gobind Singhji. The event was celebrated on a grand scale at the “Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib”, which is the place where Guru Gobind Singhji spent his last moments and gave the status of “Gur-Ta-Gaddi” to Guru Granth Sahib. It is estimated that more than 200000 devotees from all over the World participated in this momentous celebration.

A Brief about Sikhism:

Sikhism was propounded by Sri Guru Nanak Ji in 1469. The Sikh religion has over 30 million adherents world-wide and is the fifth largest religion in the World. Sikhism preaches a message of devotion and remembrance of God at all times, truthful living, equality of mankind and cautions against superstitions and blind rituals. Sikhism is open to all through the teachings of its Gurus enshrined in the Sikh Holy Book and the Living Guru – the Guru Granth Sahib.

The Gurus:

1)  Sri Guru Nanak  Dev Ji (15.04.1469 – 22.09.1539):

He was born on 15.04.1469 at “Talwandi Rai Bhoi” or Nankana Sahib in present day Pakistan. He founded the town of Kartarpur (in present day Pakistan) on the Banks of the river Ravi in 1504. The “Gurbani” (meaning “the teachings of the Guru”) compositions made by him included Japji Sahib, Sidh Goshti, Sodar, Sohila, Aarti, Ramkali, Dakhni Onkar, Asa Di Var, Malhar & Majh Ki Var, Patti, Bara Maha and a total of 974 Shabad in 19 Raags. He lived and preached during the times of the Lodhi Rulers – Bahlol, Sikandar and Ibrahim. He passed into eternity on 22.09.1539 at Kartarpur.

2)  Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji (31.03.1504 – 29.03.1552):

He was born on 31.03.1504 at Matte-di-Saraye, in Distt. Ferozepur. He founded the town of Khadur Sahib in 1539. The Gurbani compositions made by him are a total of 62 Salokas rendered in ten Vars. He lived and preached during the times of the Rulers Sher Shah Suri, Islam Shah Suri and Humayun. He passed into eternity on 29.03.1552 at Khandur Sahib.

3)  Sri Guru Amar Das Ji (05.05.1469 – 01.09.1574):

He was born on 05.05.1469 at Basarke in Distt. Amritsar in the Indian State of Punjab. He founded the town of Goindwal Sahib (in Distt. Amritsar) in 1552 on the banks of the river Beas. The Gurbani compositions made by him are Anand sahib, a total of 907 Shabads, Salokas and Chhands etc. in 17 Raags. He lived during the times of the Delhi Rulers Feroz Shah, Mohammad Adil Shah Humayun and Akbar. He passed into eternity on 01.09.1574 at Sri Goindwal Sahib.

4)  Sri Guru Ram Das Ji (24.03.1534 – 02.09.1581):

He was born at Choona Mandi, Lahore (presently in Pakistan). He founded the town of Amritsar in 1574. The Gurbani compositions made by him are a total of 679 Shabads, Salokas and Chhands in 30 Raags. He lived during the times of the Delhi Ruler Akbar. He passed into eternity on 02.09.1581 at Sri Goindwal Sahib.

5)  Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji (15.04.1563 -30.05.1606):

He was born at Sri Goindwal Sahib on 15.04.1563 at Sri Goindwal Sahib. He founded the towns of Chheharta in 1595, Sri Gobindpur on the banks of the river Beas in 1587, Tarn Taran in 1590 and Kartarpur Sodhian in 1593. The Gurbani compositions made by him include Gauri Sukhmani, Majh Bara Maha, Bawan Akhri and a total of 2218 Shabads in 30 Raags. He lived during the times of the Delhi Rulers Akbar and Jahangir. He passed into eternity on 30.05.1606 at Lahore (in present day Pakistan).

6)  Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji (14.06.1595 – 03.03.1644):

He was born on 14.06.1595 at Guru Ki Wadali, Distt. Amritsar. He founded the town of Kiratpur (Distt. Ropar) in 1626 and Bhai Rupa (Distt.Ferozepur) in 1628. He lived during the times of the Delhi Rulers Jahangir and Shahjehan. He passed into eternity on 03.03.1644 at Kiratpur Sahib.

7)  Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji (26.02.1630 – 06.10.1661):

He was born at Kiratpur on 26.02.1630. He lived during the times of the Delhi Rulers Shahjehan and Aurangzeb. He passed into eternity on 06.10.1661 at Kiratpur Sahib.

8)  Sri Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji (07.07.1656 – 30.03.1664):

He was born at Kiratpur on 07.07.1656. He lived during the time of Delhi Ruler Aurangzeb. He passed into eternity on 30.03.1664 at Bhogal, Delhi.

9)  Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji (01.04.1621 – 11.11.1675):

He was born on 01.04.1621 at Amritsar. He founded the towns of Sri Anandpur Sahib on the banks of the river Sutlej in 1666 and Guru Ka Lahore Babhor Sahib. The Gurbani compositions made by him include a total of 115 Shabads and Salokas in 15 Raags. He lived during the time of the Delhi Ruler Aurangzeb. He passed into eternity on 11.11.1675 at Sisganj, Delhi.

10)              Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji (22.12.1666 – 07.10.1708):

He was born at Sri Patna Sahib (in the Indian State of Bihar) on 22.12.1666. He founded the towns of Sri Paunta Sahib in 1684 on the Banks of the Jamuna, Sri Muktsar in 1705, Guru Ki Kashi (Sri Damdama Sahib) in 1706. The Gurbani compositions made by him include Jap Sahib, Akal Utsat, Chaupai, Bachittar Natak, Swayye, Shabad Hazare, Zafarnama (Dasam Granth). He lived during the times of the Delhi Rulers Aurangzeb and Bahadur Shah. He passed into eternity on 07.10.1708 at Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib.

11)               Pargat Guran Ki Deh Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj (16.08.1604 – Jugo Jug Attal (till eternity).

The present Guru or the Holy Book, the Guru Granth sahib resides at Harmandir Sahib or the “Golden Temple” at Amritsar. The Hoy Book contains a total of 5867 Shabads, Salokas, Chhand in 31 Raags spread over 1430 pages.

The following five Centres are known as the “Panj Takhats” (The Five Seats – of religion):

1)   Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, Amritsar (Punjab); 2) Sri Patna Sahib (Bihar); 3) Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Sri Anandpur Sahib (Punjab); 4) Sri Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib (Nanded-Maharashtra); Sri Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo Ki, Bhatinda (Punjab).

 Of the above, I have had occasion to visit the Gurudwaras Sri Patna Sahib, Sri Paunta Sahib and Sri Anandpur Sahib. We visited Sri Harmandir Sahib or the Golden Temple at Amritsar last year (courtesy our friend Rajan at Amritsar). A brief description of our visit is given at the following Link on our blog justtravelmusings (Please click here ) .                      
The Sikh gentleman who was guiding us around the Harmandir Sahib took us to a large Hall where a Copy of the Guru Granth Sahib is placed. The sunlight falls on the Holy Book through a skylight. At the appointed time a page of the Holy Book is opened at random and the portion of the Holy Book’s teachings which the sunlight illuminates is flashed all over the World for the Sikhs to follow as the Guru’s message/teaching of the day .

A few other historic Gurudwaras:

a)   Maltekri Sahib Ji:

The Founder of the Sikh religion, Sri Guru Nanak Devji had visited this place during his journey to “Sangla-Deep” (Sri Lanka). The money which the tenth Guru distributed at Gurudwara Sangat Sahib was dug out from this place.

b)  Gurudwara Sangat Sahib Ji:

Here Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji stayed on his arrival at Nanded. The Army was demanding long-outstanding wages, so at this place Guru Ji generously distributed money to them as well as to Bahadur Shah’s Royal forces.

c)   Gurudwara Shikhar Ghat Sahib Ji:

At this place Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji gave salvation to Bhai Moola Khatri of Sialkot (he had been a devotee of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, but had deserted and deceived him afterwards) and who appeared in the incarnated form of a rabbit.

d)   Mata Sahib Devanji:

Here Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s wife meditated in her previous and present births. Guru Ji would come and have lunch at this place and from that time onwards “Langar” (free kitchen/food) is served at this Gurudwara.

e)   Heera Ghat Sahib Ji:

Mughal Ruler Bahadur Shah presented a very beautiful “Heera” (diamond) to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, which Guru Ji threw into the Godavari river. Seeing that the King was upset, he asked him to look for the diamond in the river. When the King looked in the river, he found it to be full of diamonds, more precious than his offering. The King realized that his false pride and love for material possessions had been nullified by Guru Ji who believed that Sikhs should not be tempted by glittering wealth and always devote themselves to the welfare of the Community at large.

f)    Nagina Ghat Ji:

Guru Gobind Singh Ji was sitting on the banks of the river Godavari when another devotee came and presented him with a valuable “Nagina” (Pearl/gem) which was again thrown into the river by Guru Ji. The message here again was that materialism and worldly possessions should not be hankered after by true seekers.

g)   Bandaghat Sahibji:

Banda Bairagi was a Rajput who was said to have powers over evil spirits. He would exercise control over people with his supernatural powers. When Guru Gobind Singh Ji visited him, Bairagi tried his best to bring Guru Ji under his control, but, his occult powers failed to have any effect on Guru Ji. He begged forgiveness and became Guru Ji’s disciple.

h)  Gurudwara Damdama Sahib Ji Basmatnagar:

Guru Gobind Singh Ji came here to preach the true divine message of God. He stayed at Damdama Sahib for eight days. Crossing the river Godavari, he reached Brahmanwada Ghat, where the Gurudwara Hira Ghat Sahib Ji stands. He then left for Nanded.

i)     Bawli Damdama Sahibji: There is a “Bawli” (well) since ancient times here and all holy processions halt at Gurudwara Bawli Damdama Sahib.       

Some tenets which all Sikhs are expected to follow:

“Panj Kakaar” (Five requirements): “Kesh” (Hair), “Kangha” (Comb), “Kirpan” (Sword), “Kara” (Steel Bangle) and “Kachhera” (Underwear).

“Nitnem” (daily) prayers: Morning: Japji Sahib, Jaap Sahib, Swayye 10^th Guru (Srawag Sudh), Chopai, Anand Sahib (40 Pauris)

Evening: Sodar, Rahiras Sahib; Before bed-time: Sohila.

“Char Kurehits” (Four vices) to be abhorred/forsaken at all times:

1)   Cutting of “Kesh” (Hair); 2) Eating “Halal” meat; 3) Commit adultery; 4) Usage of Tobacco/intoxicants.

Commemorative coins issued for the occasion by the Reserve Bank of India/India Government Mints:

Indian Government Mint, Mumbai  has issued commemorative coins of Rs.100/- and Rs.10/- to commemorate ter-centenary of Gur-Ta-Gaddi of Guru Granth Sahib in 2008.

The Rs. 100/- coin is circular in shape and has a diameter of 44 mm. The egde of this coin had 200 serrations and the coin weighed 35 gms. The metal composition was Silver: 50%; Copper 40 %; Nickel 5% and Zinc 5%.

The Rs. 10/- coin was bimetallic. Its shape is circular, and its outer diameter is 27 mm. Its weight is 7.71 gms. The metal composition of the coin is : 

Outer Ring: (Aluminium Bronze): Copper: 92%; Aluminium: 6 %; Nickel : 2%.

Centre piece: (Cupro Nickel): Copper: 75%; Nickel: 25%.

The above is an image of the reverse of the Rupees ten coin issued by the Hyderabad Mint, which I have in my coin collection. The coin features an engraving of the Golden Temple in relief. The outer periphery of this coin has the inscription “Gur – Ta – Gaddi ki Tri- Shatabdi” in Hindi and “Ter-Centenary of Gur – Ta – Gaddi” in English. The year of issue is mentioned as “2008”.  The “Star” mint mark of the Hyderabad Mint appears below the year of issue. Below the image of the Golden Temple is mentioned “Bani Guru Guru Hai Bani” (The “Guru and the Gurbani” – or the “Guru and the Guru’s teachings - are one and the same”).

The above is an image of the obverse of the Rupees Ten coin as above. On the outer left periphery is mentioned “Bharat” and “rupiye” in Hindi/Devnagri and on the outer right periphery is mentioned “India” and “Rupees” in English.

The Asoka Pillar emblem showing the 3 lions are in the centre of the coin with the words “Satyameva Jayate” (in Hindi/Devnagri, meaning, “Truth Always Prevails”) is mentioned. On the extreme bottom of this face is mentioned the denomination of this coin “10” in numerals.

       The cover of the coin album received from Hyderabad Mint.