Emperor Akbar Visits Amritsar

In 1582 AD, Emperor Akbar evolved a new religion which he named as Din-i Ilahi ('Religion of God'). This was a syncretic religion intending to merge the best elements of the religions of his empire, and thereby reconcile the differences that divided his subjects.

Akbar promoted tolerance of other faiths. In fact, not only did he tolerate them, he encouraged debate on philosophical and religious issues. This led to the creation of the Ibādat Khāna ('House of Worship') at Fatehpur Sikri in 1575. He had already repealed the jizya (tax on non-muslims) in 1568. A religious experience while hunting in 1578 further increased his interest in the religious traditions of his empire.

Religious discourses were a routine in Akbar's court. From the discussions held at the Ibādat Khāna, Akbar concluded that no single religion could claim the monopoly of truth. Once a discussion asked who in the world could be considered closest to a living God. The hindus and muslims named thousands of their saints and pir faqirs, but Akbar was not satisfied.

A Sikh of Guru Ram Das was in the court, he said, "If you desire to see a living God in this world, then you should meet Guru Ram Das. He is the same man who was a Sikh of Guru Amar Das who met you at Lahore to solve the complaints of the malicious brahmins. Guru Ram Das has no desire for money. Whatever he receives from his Sikhs he distributes to those in need. Guru Ram Das's Sikhs also offer grain pulses, vegetables and fruits. Guru Ram Das uses the food to provide a free langar which runs day or night. Whoever visits, never remains hungry. Sometimes rich men present Guru Ram Das with precious gifts but he does not keep them."

Emperor Akbar At Amritsar

Emperor Akbar remembered meeting with Guru Amar Das at Goindwal and subsquently Bhai Jetha who became Guru Ram Das. Akbar asked his courtiers to arrange a visit to meet Guru Ram Das whenever he travelled to Lahore next. So when Akbar travelled to Lahore to suppress the revolt of the Afgans he decided to meet Guru Ram Das at Amritsar.

When Akbar reached the Darbar Sahib he saw thousands of people attending the Guru to hear his holy sermons. Akbar wanted to test Guru Ram Das and after paying his respects he presented Guru Sahib with a big plate full of golden mohars. At that time his younger son (Guru) Arjan was sitting beside Guru Ram Das. The Guru asked Arjan to take the plate and to distribute the golden mohars to those in need.

(Guru) Arjan took the plate and distributed the mohars to the poor. Emperor Akbar was amazed to see such a humble act of the Guru. Later, Akbar was told that the Guru never keeps money with him, whatever offerings he receives he gives to the needy and poor. Akbar was convinced that Guru Ram Das was a great saint.

Emperor Akbar wanted to offer a Jagir of twelve villages for the maintenance of the langar but Guru Ram Das refused and said, "The langar does not depend upon Jagirs. Men fight with each other due to these Jagirs. These Jagirs are sources of evil passions, pride and ego. We only believe in one God and by the Name of God all creatures, continents, all worlds and spheres are sustained. God is Lord of this world and the next."

Akbar was pleased to hear these words of the Guru, he told his courtiers that he had seen the embodiment of a living God.

Source: Illustrated Life Stories From The Lives Of Guru Angad Ji, Guru Amar Das Ji, Guru Ram Das Ji

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  Gurdwara Sri Guru Ka Mehal

  Amritsar City, Punjab, India.

  Associated with Sri Guru Ram Das Ji, Sri Guru Arjan Sahib Ji, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.

  In 1573, Sri Guru Ram Das Ji was built his home at the site of Gurdwara Sri Guru Ka Mehal as a residence for the Guru's family.

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