Guru Sahiban · ਗੁਰੂ ਸਾਹਿਬਾਨ
The Ten Sikh Gurus
Sikhi was guided by ten Gurus, and lives on today in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Here is each one — their name in Gurmukhi, their years, and the teaching they are remembered for. Tap Hear name to listen to the correct pronunciation.
- 1
ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇਵ ਜੀ
Guru Nanak Dev Ji · 1469–1539
Ik Onkar Guru Nanak Dev Ji was the founder of Sikhi. He taught that there is One Creator in everyone and everything.
- 2
ਗੁਰੂ ਅੰਗਦ ਦੇਵ ਜੀ
Guru Angad Dev Ji · 1504–1552
Seva — Selfless Service Guru Angad Dev Ji served with so much love that Guru Nanak called him 'Angad' — part of me. He gave us the Gurmukhi alphabet so everyone could read Gurbani.
- 3
ਗੁਰੂ ਅਮਰ ਦਾਸ ਜੀ
Guru Amar Das Ji · 1479–1574
Equality — We All Sit Together Guru Amar Das Ji received the Guruship late in life, showing that devotion to Waheguru has no age. He made sure everyone — kings and ordinary people — sat together as equals before eating.
- 4
ਗੁਰੂ ਰਾਮ ਦਾਸ ਜੀ
Guru Ram Das Ji · 1534–1581
Love — The Foundation of Everything Guru Ram Das Ji built the city we know today as Amritsar. He composed the Lavan — the four beautiful hymns that Sikhs recite at weddings.
- 5
ਗੁਰੂ ਅਰਜਨ ਦੇਵ ਜੀ
Guru Arjan Dev Ji · 1563–1606
Truth — Even When It Is Hard Guru Arjan Dev Ji gathered the sacred writings of the Gurus and saints into the Adi Granth. He built Sri Harmandir Sahib with doors open on all four sides, welcoming everyone.
- 6
ਗੁਰੂ ਹਰਿਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜੀ
Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji · 1595–1644
Miri-Piri — Spirit and Strength Together Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji wore two swords — one for the spirit, one for the world. He showed Sikhs that caring for others and standing up for justice are both part of loving Waheguru.
- 7
ਗੁਰੂ ਹਰਿ ਰਾਇ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜੀ
Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji · 1630–1661
Compassion — Love for All Living Things Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji loved Waheguru's creation deeply. He walked through his garden holding his robes close, making sure not to harm even one flower — not from fear, but from great love.
- 8
ਗੁਰੂ ਹਰਿ ਕ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਨ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜੀ
Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji · 1656–1664
The Guru's Light Has No Age Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji became Guru at just five years old. Even as a young child, he showed wisdom and love that came from Waheguru — not from age.
- 9
ਗੁਰੂ ਤੇਗ ਬਹਾਦਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜੀ
Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji · 1621–1675
Stand Up for Others Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji gave his life so that all people could worship freely — even people who followed a different faith. He is called Shrisht Di Chadar — the Protector of the World.
- 10
ਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ
Guru Gobind Singh Ji · 1666–1708
The Khalsa — Standing for Truth Guru Gobind Singh Ji created the Khalsa — a Sikh sangat of brave souls who stand for truth, justice, and equality. He was a warrior, a poet, and a father who gave everything for Sikhi.
- 11
ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜੀ
Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji
The Shabad — The Living Guru Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is our living, eternal Guru — the Divine Word, the same light that shone through all ten Gurus, always with us.
One light, ten Gurus, and the eternal Guru
Sikhi began with Guru Nanak Dev Ji in 1469 and was carried forward by nine Gurus after him. Sikhs believe the same divine light (jot) passed from one Guru to the next, like one flame lighting another — so although there were ten Gurus, there was always one Guruship and one message. Each Guru is remembered in their own right for a teaching they brought to life, from Ik Onkar — the One Creator in everyone — to the founding of the Khalsa.
In 1708, the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, gave Guruship not to another person but to the sacred scripture, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. For Sikhs it is the living, eternal Guru — the words of the Gurus and the bhagats, to be read, understood and lived by. That is why it sits at the heart of every Gurdwara.
To go deeper into any one Guru's life, stories and Gurbani, open their full profile. To keep exploring Sikhi as a family, head back to Discover Sikhi.