Why in news:

• The state government of Punjab recently observed the martyrdom day of Shri Guru Arjan Dev Ji.

Key Points:

• Guru Arjun Dev Ji Martyrdom Day, or ‘Shaheedi Diwas,’ is observed on June 10 this year. It is held annually on the 24th day of Jeth, the third month in the Sikh calendar. This day holds profound religious significance for Sikhs around the world.
• Guru Arjun Dev Ji was the first martyr of the Sikh religion and is revered for his significant contributions. Born in April 1563 in Goindwal, India, to Guru Ramdas and Mata Bhani, he became the fifth Sikh Guru in 1581 at the age of 18, following his father’s death.
• One of Guru Arjun Dev Ji’s notable initiatives was the construction of the Golden Temple, also known as the Harmandir Sahib, in Amritsar in 1604. He designed the temple with four doors, symbolizing that his faith was open to people of all castes.
• In August 1604, Guru Arjun Dev Ji compiled the “Guru Granth Sahib,” a sacred text that includes the writings of all previous Sikh Gurus in one book. This compilation remains a cornerstone of Sikh religious practice.
• In 1606, Guru Arjun Dev Ji was imprisoned, tortured, and executed by the Mughal emperor Jahangir. His execution was due to a fine and the erasure of hymns deemed offensive by the emperor.
• The day serves as a reminder of the enduring values of sacrifice, equality, and devotion that Guru Arjun Dev Ji embodied. It reinforces the cultural and religious heritage of Sikhs, ensuring that his contributions are remembered and honored by everyone, especially the younger generation.