Today, on this day in 1552, Guru Amar Das, an important innovator in Sikhism, became the third Guru of Sikh faith.

Guru Amardas was born on 5th May 1479, in Basarke village, which is presently known as Amritsar district of Punjab (India). He lived a simple and holy life.

One day he heard, Bibi Amro, the daughter of the second Sikh Guru Angad, reciting a hymn by Guru Nanak, and was deeply moved by it. He learned from her about Guru Angad, and with her help, he met him. In 1552, before his death, Guru Angad appointed Amar Das as the third Guru of Sikhism.

He introduced a religious organization called the Manji system by appointing trained clergy. He famed langar tradition of Sikhism where anyone, without discrimination of any kind, could get a free meal in a communal seating.

It is believed that it was Guru Amar Das who picked the site for Harimandir Sahib (Golden Temple). Later, it became the most sacred pilgrimage site in Sikhism. Guru Amar Das remained the leader of the Sikhs till age 95 and named his son-in-law Bhai Jetha later remembered by the name Guru Ram Das as his successor.

India post has issued 30 Paisa commemorative postage stamp to honor Guru Amar Das.

Image Courtesy: Mintage World

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