Martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji
ਤਿਲਕ ਜੰਞੂ ਰਾਖਾ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਤਾ ਕਾ ॥ ਕੀਨੋ ਬਡੋ ਕਲੂ ਮਹਿ ਸਾਕਾ ॥
He protected the forehead mark and sacred thread (of the Hindus),
That marked a Great Event in the iron age.
Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Guru of the Sikhs, is remembered for his supreme sacrifice and unwavering commitment to religious freedom. Born on April 1, 1621, in Amritsar, Punjab, he was the youngest son of Guru Hargobind Ji. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s life was marked by his deep spirituality, poetic contributions to the Guru Granth Sahib, and his fearless defense of human rights.
Early Life and Spiritual Journey
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was originally named Tyag Mal, meaning “Master of Renunciation.” He was trained in martial arts, archery, and horsemanship, and was well-versed in classical religious texts. His father, Guru Hargobind Ji, bestowed upon him the name Tegh Bahadur, meaning “Brave Sword,” after witnessing his valor in battle.
Call for Sacrifice
In the mid-17th century, the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb initiated a campaign of religious persecution, particularly targeting Hindus. The Kashmiri Pandits, facing forced conversions to Islam, sought the help of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji decided to stand against the oppression, not just for the Sikhs but for the protection of all people’s right to practice their faith freely.
The Supreme Sacrifice
In 1675, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji traveled to Delhi to confront Aurangzeb. Despite being offered wealth and power to convert to Islam, he remained steadfast in his faith. His refusal led to his arrest and subsequent execution on November 24, 1675. He was beheaded in public at Chandni Chowk, Delhi, a site now commemorated by the Gurdwara Sis Ganj.
Legacy and Impact
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s martyrdom had a profound impact on Sikhism and Indian history. His sacrifice is seen as a pivotal moment that underscored the Sikh commitment to justice and religious freedom. His son, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, later founded the Khalsa, further solidifying the Sikh identity and its principles of courage and righteousness.
Every year, Sikhs around the world commemorate his martyrdom on November 24, known as Shaheedi Divas. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up against tyranny and protecting the rights of all individuals to practice their religion without fear.
Conclusion
The martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is a testament to his unwavering faith and his dedication to the principles of justice and religious freedom. His legacy continues to inspire millions, reminding us of the power of sacrifice and the importance of standing up for what is right.
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