GANGA, MATA (d. 1621), consort of Guru Arjan (1563-1606), Nanak V, was the daughter of Bhai Krishan Chand of the village of Mau, 10 km west of Phillaur in the Punjab. The nuptial ceremonies took place at her village on 19 June 1589. She was the mother of Guru Hargobind born to her at Vadali, near Amritsar, on 19 June 1595. She died at Bakala (now Baba Bakala) on 14 May 1621.
Her dead body was immersed in the River Beas in deference to her wish that her body be consigned to water, as had been her husband`s, and not burnt. However, a symbolic cremation was also carried out and a samddh built at Bakala, which has since been replaced by a shrine named Gurdwara Mata Ganga.
References :
1. Gurbilas Patshahi Chhevin. Patiala, 1970
2. Satibir Singh, Paratakhu Hari. Jalandhar, 1982
Mata Ganga is remembered as a luminous figure in Sikh history—a devoted consort, a supportive partner in spiritual leadership, and the loving mother who helped pave the way for a transformative era in the Sikh faith. Born to Bhai Krishan Chand in the village of Mau, near Phillaur in Punjab, she grew up steeped in Sikh teachings and humble traditions. Her marriage to Guru Arjan Dev Ji on 19 June 1589 marked a union that transcended personal commitment; it was seen as a confluence of spiritual energies that contributed significantly to the strength and continuity of the Sikh community .
One of the most enduring aspects of Mata Ganga’s legacy is her determined and humble quest for a child—a journey that reflects the deep-seated values of sincerity and devotion in Sikhism. Initially, when her first attempt to seek blessing from the venerable Baba Buddha Ji was marred by an overly ostentatious approach, the ensuing guidance from Guru Arjan Dev Ji led her to embrace humility. On her second visit, arriving alone with simple, self-prepared food, she garnered the saint’s blessings, which in time led to the birth of Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh Guru, on 19 June 1595. Guru Hargobind later became renowned for introducing the concept of Miri-Piri, which melded spiritual wisdom with temporal authority, ensuring that the Sikh community was both enlightened and equipped to defend itself .
Beyond her role as a consort and mother, Mata Ganga’s life serves as an inspiring testament to the power of humility and devotion in leadership. Even in her passing—she died on 14 May 1621 at Bakala, with her body immersed in the River Beas in accordance with her wishes—the ritual practices and subsequent establishment of a memorial samadhi (now enshrined as Gurdwara Mata Ganga) underscore the lasting reverence for her virtues and contributions. Her legacy continues to resonate, not only as an integral part of Sikh historical narratives but also as a guiding symbol for those who value the strength found in quiet devotion and resilience .
