Guru Ram Das was born on September 24, 1534, to Hari Das and Anup Devi of Lahore. He was named Jetha, meaning firstborn.

One day Jetha came across a party of Sikhs who were on their way to pay homage to Guru Amar Das. Jetha joined them and met Guru Amar Das and became his disciple.

Eventually he married the guru's younger daughter Bhani. The couple had three sons -- Prithichand, Mahadev, and Arjan Dev.

Eventually Jetha was ordained Guru Amar Das's successor and named Guru Ram Das. He founded the city of Ramdaspur. Today the city, which is the holiest centre of Sikhism, is known as Amritsar.

Once, Guru Ram Das's first cousin Sahari Mal came to invite him to Lahore in connection with his son's marriage. The guru being too busy with his work promised to send one of his sons. He asked Prithichand to attend on his behalf, but the latter refused. Prithichand thought his father was trying to install his youngest brother Arjan Dev as the next guru.

Mahadev was already a recluse and so excused himself. The guru therefore asked Arjan Dev to go. He agreed.

Arjan Dev proceeded to Lahore, where his father asked him to remain until called for.

It was two years before Arjan Dev was summoned and declared the successor to Guru Ram Das. Prithichand did not take kindly to this and continued to misbehave and abuse Arjan Dev. Guru Ram Das had to publicly condemn him.

Guru Ram Das breathed his last on September 1, 1581.