Mansa Devi (Sikhism)
Wife of the third Sikh guru
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Mansa Devi (died 1569) was the wife of the third Sikh guru, Guru Amar Das.[note 1][1][2][3]
Mata Mansa Devi | |
|---|---|
Guru Amar Das' family. Guru Amar Das, Mansa Devi, and three children. Manuscript painting, ca.1839–1843. | |
| Personal life | |
| Born | Mansa Devi Bahil Sankhatra |
| Died | 1569 Goindwal |
| Spouse | Guru Amar Das |
| Children | 4, including Mata Bhani |
| Parent | Dev Chand (father) |
| Religious life | |
| Religion | Sikhism |
Name
Amongst Sikh sources, there are three different names ascribed to her.[1]
Early life
Mansa Devi was born in Sankhatra (located in present-day Sialkot district) as the daughter of a local Bahil Khatri man named Dev Chand.[2]
Marriage
She was wedded to Amar Das on 8 January 1503, whilst other sources give the year of marriage as 1502.[2][4] For a while, the couple did not birth any children but eventually a daughter, named Dani, was born in 1530.[2] The couple would have three further children: a second daughter Bhani (born in 1535), a son Mohan (born in 1536), and a second son Mohri (born in 1539).[2][5]
She may have influenced her husband's egalitarian views in regards to gender, especially whilst the couple was at Goindwal.[1] A number of reforms aimed at uplifting women and girls are linked to her presence.[1] She convinced her husband to appoint female religious missionaries to spread Sikhism and the banning of sati.[6] Jetha was selected personally by Mata Mansa Devi, as the best match for her daughter Bhani due to his devoted and pious personality.[7][8]
Death
Notes
- Her name is alternatively spelt as 'Manasa Devi'.