List of 10 Sikh Gurus Names in Order and Their Legacy

The Sikh Gurus have had a lasting impact on the world. Today, over 25 million people follow the Sikh faith. This list of 10 Sikh Gurus names in order highlights how they taught equality, social justice, and devotion to God, and their messages still resonate with people everywhere. These teachings have helped shape the spiritual and social lives of communities across the globe.

From Guru Nanak Dev Ji to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, each Guru played a vital role in the Sikh community’s spiritual growth. They also promoted values that went beyond religious lines. Their focus on unity and serving others helped challenge social inequalities, support education, and improve the welfare of everyone.

In this blog, we will explore the teachings, sacrifices, and lasting legacy of the 10 guru of Sikh. We’ll see how their lives and messages still inspire millions today.

What does Guru mean?

The term “Guru” originates from Sanskrit and refers to a mentor, guide, or expert. However, in Sikhism, gurus hold a deeper significance—they are considered divine messengers. The Sanskrit meaning of “Guru” translates to “one who dispels darkness.”

The concept of a guru is believed to have first emerged in Hinduism, with the gurukul system—schools run by gurus—established in India before the 1st millennium BCE.

List of 10 Sikh Gurus Names in Order

The following section contains a list of 10 Sikh Gurus names in order:

Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1st Guru)

Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, laid the foundation for a spiritual path emphasising equality, love, and service to humanity. His central teaching, “Ik Onkar”, meaning “One Creator,” reminds us of the interconnectedness of all life and the unity of God. Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s vision rejected superstition and rituals that divided people, advocating for truth and humility and rejecting social hierarchies. His contributions are monumental, not only in spiritual teachings but in creating a community that prioritizes service to others and the recognition of the divine.

Guru Angad Dev Ji (2nd Guru)

Guru Angad Dev Ji is best known for introducing the Gurmukhi script, which became the medium for preserving and communicating the teachings of Sikhism. This script empowered the Sikh community by giving them the tools to read, write, and understand their sacred texts in their language. Along with promoting literacy, Guru Angad Dev Ji emphasized the importance of physical fitness, encouraging Sikhs to maintain a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise and discipline. His efforts laid the groundwork for a spiritually and physically strong community, showcasing the holistic approach fundamental to Sikhism.

Guru Amar Das Ji (3rd Guru)

Guru Amar Das Ji was a tireless advocate for gender equality, challenging the social norms of his time that marginalized women. He introduced the practice of Langar, a community kitchen that provided free meals to all, regardless of caste, creed, or gender, further promoting equality and social justice. By establishing Langar, Guru Amar Das Ji created a robust social integration and community service tool. His work not only uplifted the oppressed but also strengthened the social framework of the Sikh community, ensuring that everyone had a seat at the table.

Guru Ram Das Ji (4th Guru)

Guru Ram Das Ji’s legacy includes the founding of Amritsar, which became the heart of Sikhism, and initiating the construction of the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), a symbol of spiritual enlightenment and inclusion. His teachings emphasized devotion to God and selfless service to humanity, forming the core principles of Sikh life. Guru Ram Das Ji also instituted the tradition of singing hymns, known as Kirtan, which became an integral part of Sikh worship. His focus on devotion and service shaped the spiritual practices of Sikhs for generations to come, underlining the importance of connecting with the divine through worship and action.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji (5th Guru)

Guru Arjan Dev Ji made two significant contributions that have had a lasting impact on Sikhism: the compilation of the Adi Granth (the Guru Granth Sahib) and the completion of the Golden Temple in Amritsar. By compiling the Adi Granth, Guru Arjan Dev Ji preserved the sacred hymns and teachings of earlier Gurus, setting the foundation for the Guru Granth Sahib to be recognized as the eternal Guru of Sikhs. His martyrdom, caused by his steadfast commitment to Sikh values in the face of persecution, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faith, courage, and dedication to one’s principles. 

Guru Hargobind Ji (6th Guru)

Guru Hargobind Ji introduced the concept of Miri-Piri, which balances spiritual wisdom (Piri) with temporal authority (Miri), encouraging Sikhs to engage in religious devotion and social responsibility. He also established the Akal Takht, which became a central institution for the Sikh community and symbolized the sovereignty of the Sikh faith. This concept of combining spiritual and temporal power highlighted the importance of being both a saint and a soldier, a philosophy that guided Sikhs in facing challenges and defending their rights. Guru Hargobind Ji’s teachings empowered Sikhs to stand firm in their beliefs while actively engaging with the world.

Guru Har Rai Ji (7th Guru)

Guru Har Rai Ji is remembered for his deep compassion and focus on preserving the environment. He promoted the importance of kindness and care for all living beings, emphasizing the need for a compassionate and responsible approach to life. Guru Har Rai Ji continued to spread the teachings of Sikhism peacefully, advocating for non-violence and humility in every aspect of life. His emphasis on compassion extended to humans and nature, teaching Sikhs the significance of balance and harmony with the environment. His legacy inspires Sikh values of care, kindness, and environmental consciousness.

Guru Har Krishan Ji (8th Guru)

Guru Har Krishan Ji, who became a Guru at a young age, demonstrated extraordinary wisdom and compassion. Known for his service to humanity, he played a pivotal role in alleviating suffering during the smallpox epidemic in Delhi, where he helped heal the afflicted. Despite his young age, his actions showed a profound understanding of selfless service and leadership. Guru Har Krishan Ji’s legacy teaches Sikhs that age does not determine one’s ability to lead with love and compassion, reinforcing the values of service and empathy central to Sikhism.

Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (9th Guru)

Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is remembered for his unwavering commitment to protecting religious freedom, even at the cost of his own life. His sacrifice and martyrdom at the hands of the Mughal authorities underscore the Sikh principle of standing up for justice and protecting the rights of others. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s advocacy for courage, resilience, and faith in the face of adversity remains an enduring source of inspiration for Sikhs. His teachings encourage Sikhs to hold steadfast to their beliefs, regardless of their challenges, and always to prioritize protecting human rights and dignity.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji (10th Guru)

Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the 10th Guru name, shaped Sikh identity by founding the Khalsa in 1699, which became the cornerstone of Sikhism. He introduced the Five Ks (Kesh, Kara, Kanga, Kachera, Kirpan), symbolising Sikh identity and discipline. He solidified the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru for Sikhs. Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s leadership during turbulent times exemplified courage, valor, and a strong sense of purpose. His literary contributions, including the Dasam Granth, reinforced the spiritual and martial ideals of Sikhism, emphasizing that Sikhs must live with honor, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

List of 10 Sikh Gurus Names in Order (Punjabi & Hindi) Along with Their Date of Birth

Guru Number	Guru Name (Punjabi – Gurmukhi)	Guru Name (Hindi – Devanagari)	Guru Name (English)	Date of Birth
1st Guru	ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇਵ ਜੀ	गुरु नानक देव जी	Guru Nanak Dev Ji	15 April 1469
2nd Guru	ਗੁਰੂ ਅੰਗਦ ਦੇਵ ਜੀ	गुरु अंगद देव जी	Guru Angad Dev Ji	31 March 1504
3rd Guru	ਗੁਰੂ ਅਮਰ ਦਾਸ ਜੀ	गुरु अमर दास जी	Guru Amar Das Ji	5 May 1479
4th Guru	ਗੁਰੂ ਰਾਮ ਦਾਸ ਜੀ	गुरु राम दास जी	Guru Ram Das Ji	24 September 1534
5th Guru	ਗੁਰੂ ਅਰਜਨ ਦੇਵ ਜੀ	गुरु अर्जन देव जी	Guru Arjan Dev Ji	15 April 1563
6th Guru	ਗੁਰੂ ਹਰਿਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਜੀ	गुरु हरगोबिंद जी	Guru Hargobind Ji	19 June 1595
7th Guru	ਗੁਰੂ ਹਰਿ ਰਾਇ ਜੀ	गुरु हर राय जी	Guru Har Rai Ji	16 January 1630
8th Guru	ਗੁਰੂ ਹਰਿ ਕ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਨ ਜੀ	गुरु हर कृष्ण जी	Guru Har Krishan Ji	7 July 1656
9th Guru	ਗੁਰੂ ਤੇਗ ਬਹਾਦਰ ਜੀ	गुरु तेग बहादुर जी	Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji	1 April 1621
10th Guru	ਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ	गुरु गोबिंद सिंह जी	Guru Gobind Singh Ji	22 December 1666

Legacy of the 10 Sikh Gurus

The teachings of the 10 Guru of Sikh have shaped Sikhism into a path of spiritual growth. They have had a lasting impact on both religious practices and societal values. Some important points to remember include:
Focus on Equality, Justice, and Service:

• Guru Nanak, the first Guru, emphasized the oneness of all people and rejected divisions based on caste, creed, or gender.
• Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Guru, founded the Khalsa, a community committed to selfless service, courage, and moral integrity.

The Gurus’ teachings have inspired justice movements within Sikh communities and globally, maintaining their relevance today.

Contemporary Relevance:

• Their unity, compassion, and service messages remain vital in a world of division and inequality.
• Emphasis on personal responsibility, collective well-being, and the search for truth addresses modern challenges.
• The Gurus’ teachings provide enduring solutions to today’s societal issues.

Continuing the Journey of Sikhism

The list of 10 Sikh Gurus names in order includes Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Guru Angad Dev Ji, Guru Amar Das Ji, Guru Ram Das Ji, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Guru Har Gobind Ji, Guru Har Rai Ji, Guru Har Krishan Ji, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, and Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

Guru Nanak, the first Guru in the list of 10 Sikh Gurus names in order, founded Sikhism and laid its foundation, promoting love and equality—values that his successors expanded upon. Guru Angad, the second Guru, created the Gurmukhi script, which was used for writing the Sikh holy scriptures. Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru, formed the Khalsa, a community of committed Sikhs dedicated to upholding righteousness and justice.

The legacy of the ten Gurus offers a lasting message of compassion, resilience, and faith. Their contributions shaped Sikhism and left a strong mark on the world. By following the teachings in the list of 10 Sikh Gurus names in order, Sikhs have built a community focused on selflessness, equality, and truth. The wisdom of these Gurus continues to inspire millions today, keeping their teachings relevant and influential.

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