What relation was Guru Har Rai to Guru Hargobind?

Guru Har Rai was the grandson of Guru Hargobind. Hargobind was the sixth Sikh Guru, while Har Rai became the seventh.

Har Rai was the son of Baba Gurditta, one of Hargobind’s sons. When Hargobind died in 1644, he selected Har Rai as his successor rather than Har Rai’s elder brother, Dhir Mal. This made the family relationship especially important in the succession of the Sikh Gurus.

Har Rai led the Sikh community from 1644 until 1661. He is often remembered for maintaining the military tradition established by Hargobind while emphasizing compassion, spiritual discipline, and service. Sikh tradition also associates him with maintaining a large herbal garden and providing medicinal aid.

A common mix-up is confusing Har Rai with Guru Tegh Bahadur: Tegh Bahadur was Hargobind’s son and therefore Har Rai’s uncle. Tegh Bahadur later became the ninth Sikh Guru, after Har Rai’s son, Guru Har Krishan.