THE HISTORY OF BABA SUNDAR
[ THE HISTORY OF BABA SUNDAR ]
Baba Sundar Ji – The Poet of the "Ramkali Sadu"
Baba Sundar Ji was a devout Sikh and poet from the Guru Amar Das Ji's family lineage. He is most well-known for composing the "Ramkali Sadu" — an elegy (ਸੱਦ) written on the passing of Guru Amar Das Ji. His composition beautifully describes the spiritual succession from Guru Amar Das Ji to Guru Ram Das Ji, emphasizing humility, divine order, and the Sikh principle of Guruship as God's Will.
Basic Information:_
Time Period: 16th century CE
Lineage: Great-grandson of Guru Amar Das Ji
Place: Goindwal Sahib, Punjab
Language: Sant Bhasha / early Punjabi dialect
Spiritual Context:_
Baba Sundar Ji was closely associated with the Sikh Gurus and deeply influenced by the spiritual atmosphere of Goindwal, which was a major Sikh center during Guru Amar Das Ji’s time.
His "Ramkali Sadu" is not just a lament but a spiritual declaration of Guru Ram Das Ji's legitimacy and the continuity of divine light through the Guru.
Contribution to Guru Granth Sahib:>
Ramkali Sadu (6 Pauris) by Baba Sundar Ji is included in the Guru Granth Sahib on Ang 923 to 924. This is the only composition of Baba Sundar Ji included in the Sikh scripture.
Key Themes of the Ramkali Sadu:>
Death is natural and accepted in Gurmat; even the Guru’s departure is seen as part of divine Hukam (order).
The Guru lives on through the next Guru — in this case, Guru Ram Das Ji.
Emphasizes obedience to the Guru’s word, humility, and the unity of all Gurus as one light.
“Satgur paarbrahm parmaysar, satgur mohi rahaa samai.”
The True Guru is the Supreme God Himself; I am merged in the True Guru.”
This reflects the Sikh belief that the Gurus are not separate from the Divine.
Legacy:>
Baba Sundar Ji's verses are often sung during Antam Sanskar (Sikh funeral ceremonies), especially the Ramkali Sadu, due to its spiritual interpretation of death. His writing affirms the smooth and divinely guided transition of Guruship — a critical aspect of Sikh history.
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***Jeetu Gill ***
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