Guru Har Rai Ji is the Sikhs' seventh Guru. Guru Har Rai Ji was born in Kiratpur Sahib on February 5, 1630 AD in the home of Baba Gurditta Ji (son of Guru Hargobind Singh Ji) and Mata Nihal Kaur Ji. Dhir Mal was Guru Ji's brother. Guru Har Rai Ji was very close to their grandfather, the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. Guru Ji spent a lot of time with his grandfather and served them lovingly. Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji bestowed the Guruship on their grandson, Guru Har Rai Ji, on March 22, 1638 AD at Kiratpur Sahib. Guru Har Rai Ji was the seventh Sikh Guru when he was eight years, one month, and seventeen days old. Guru Har Rai Ji maintained an active military, including a cavalry of 2200 men, in accordance with Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji's Miri-Piri philosophy. Guru Ji also built a fort in Patalgarh, near Kiratpur, to store weapons and supplies. Despite this, Guru Ji was never directly involved in a military conflict. Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji bestowed upon Guru Har Rai Ji the boon of never having to fight in battle. Any adversary who tries to attack Guru Har Rai Ji will perish like a mist.
Guru Har Rai Ji was very knowledgeable about traditional medicine. Guru Ji established a dispensary in Kiratpur to provide free medical care to those in need. Guru Ji directed that any location that provides langar also provide free healthcare. Guru Ji's dispensaries became well-known throughout India. Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb were Mughal rulers during Guru Ji's reign. Aurangzeb, the son of Mughal ruler Shah Jahan, was envious of his father's preference for his elder brother Dara Shikoh. As a result, Aurangzeb poisoned Dara Shikoh. Shah Jahan, desperate to save his son, summoned the best physicians but was unsuccessful. The doctors advised them to seek guidance from Guru Har Rai Ji, and the remedy for that poison could only be found in Guru Har Rai Ji's garden. Shah Jahan was hesitant to approach Guru Ji because Shah Jahan had been sending armies and causing problems for Guru Ji and the Sikhs. However, in accordance with Guru Nanak Dev Ji's teachings of forgiveness and love, Guru Har Rai Ji never harbored ill will toward Shah Jahan. When Shah Jahan requested medicine, Guru Ji immediately sent it to him, treating Dara Shikoh. But this instilled hatred in Aurangzeb's heart for the Sikhs. Guru Har Rai Ji also established an Ayurvedic hospital, where the ancient Indian study of herbal medicine was practiced. Guru Ji aided the city of Delhi in its fight against smallpox, cholera, and the plague. Guru Har Rai Ji was also the first person in the world to propose the idea of a conservation zoo for endangered and sick animals. Many exotic animals could be found in their garden, and Guru Sahib looked after and treated them.
Baba Ram Rai Ji and Guru Har Krishan Ji were the sons of Guru Har Rai Ji and Mata Krishan Kaur Ji. On November 8, 1661 AD, Guru Har Rai Ji decided to pass on the Gurgaddi (Guruship) to their youngest son, Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji, who was 5-years-old at the time.
Guru Ji bathed every day with 101 pails of water. Guru Ji was also dressed in a 101 pleated Chola (cloak). One day, young Guru Har Rai Ji was racing through the garden to catch up with Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. In their haste, their cloak swung by and collided with a flower, knocking the flower's head off. Guru Sahib Ji's eyes welled up with tears of compassion. Kiratpur Sahib was also built by Guru Har Rai Ji. On November 8, 1661 AD, Guru Har Rai Ji was Joti Jot (immersed in the Eternal Light) at Kiratpur Sahib.
