Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji was the eighth Guru of the Sikhs and the youngest of the ten Gurus. Guru Ji is also known as Bala Pritam, which translates to "Child God." Guru Ji devoted their brief existence to Seva (selfless service) and remembering Waheguru. Guru Ji demonstrated that even when one is young and naive, one can connect with Waheguru.
Guru Har Krishan Ji was born in the house of Guru Har Rai Ji and Mata Krishan Ji in Kiratpur Sahib on 14th July, 1656 AD. Baba Ram Rai Ji was Guru Ji's elder brother. Guru Har Krishan Ji received Guruship at Kiratpur Sahib on November 8, 1661 AD. Guru Har Krishan Ji became the youngest Sikh Guru at the age of five, with the shortest period of Guruship of only 2 years and 5 months. Guru Har Rai Ji's Joti Jot and Guru Har Krishan Ji's Guruship both fall on the same day.
Aurangzeb was the Mughal ruler during the time of the eighth Guru, Guru Har Krishan Ji. Ram Rai instigated Mughal ruler Aurangzeb to force Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji to come to Delhi following the Jyoti Jot (immersion into the Eternal Light) of the Seventh Guru, Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji. When Guru Sahib arrived in Delhi, he was greeted with honor by the Sikhs of Delhi and Raja Jai Singh, with whom they were staying. This location is now known as Gurdwara Bangla Sahib. Guru Ji had come to Delhi to visit the Sangat and had stated unequivocally that they had no intention of visiting Aurangzeb under any circumstances. Aurangzeb was surprised to learn that Guru Ji did not wish to meet with him. Aurangzeb sent precious jewels, clothes, and a rosary to Guru Ji in an attempt to persuade them to change their minds. Guru Ji, on the other hand, had no desire for worldly possessions. Guru Ji kept only the religious rosary, returning everything else. Aurangzeb realized Guru Ji could not be tempted by riches and material possessions.
Guru Har Rai Ji advised young Guru Har Krishan Ji not to confront Aurangzeb, the tyrant Mughal ruler at the time. True, Aurangzeb tried his hardest to catch a glimpse of the Young Guru but failed each time. Even after Guru Sahib's Joti Jot, when Aurangzeb demanded that the Sikhs lift the cloth covering Guru Sahib's body, the Earth beneath Aurangzeb shook open and revealed the worst and scariest hell to Aurangzeb, who fled to his palace upon seeing this. He never got to see Guru Sahib.
During a severe cholera pandemic, Guru Har Krishan Ji saved Delhi. Guru Ji stayed to perform Seva (selfless service) for the sick. When everyone had isolated the sick, Guru Sahib went to each one and cured and blessed them. Guru Sahib took on all of their pain and suffering. Guru Ji was unconcerned about becoming ill and simply wanted to help others. Guru Ji caught smallpox while performing seva. Guru Ji was bedridden for several days and became very ill. They told the Sikhs that the next Guru would be in "Baba Bakala," the city where Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was at the time. Guru Ji accepted Waheguru's hukam and was immersed in the Eternal Light before reaching the a while performing seva. Guru Ji was bedridden for several days and became very ill. They told the Sikhs that the next Guru would be in "Baba Bakala," the city where Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was at the time. Guru Ji accepted Waheguru's hukam and was immersed in the Eternal Light before reaching the age of eight on April 6, 1664 AD in what is now Gurdwara Bala Sahib, Delhi.
