Digital Gallery

Explore the life, teachings, and legacy of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji through art, archives, and historical documentation

Historical Timeline

Life of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (1621-1675)

A journey through the sacred life and supreme sacrifice of the Ninth Sikh Guru who gave his life to protect the religious freedom of others

1621

Birth in Amritsar

Born as Tyag Mal to Guru Hargobind Ji and Mata Nanaki Ji in Amritsar

1634

Battle of Kartarpur

Displayed exceptional bravery in battle, earning the title 'Tegh Bahadur' (Mighty of Sword)

1644-1664

Years of Meditation

Spent 20 years in deep meditation at Bakala, achieving spiritual enlightenment

1664

Became Ninth Guru

Installed as the Ninth Sikh Guru at Bakala following Guru Har Krishan Ji

1665

Founded Anandpur Sahib

Established the holy city of Anandpur Sahib in the Shivalik Hills

1665-1675

Extensive Travels

Traveled across India spreading the message of truth, compassion, and equality

1675

Stand for Religious Freedom

Under the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, Hindus in Kashmir faced brutal persecution. Temples were desecrated, sacred texts destroyed, and people were forced to choose between conversion or death. The Kashmiri Pandits turned to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, pleading for deliverance. Deeply moved, the Guru declared that if he could stand firm against forced conversion, the Pandits would be spared. This was not merely a defence of one community—it was a defence of the universal right to practice one's faith freely.

November 11, 1675

Supreme Sacrifice

Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, accompanied by his disciples Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji and Bhai Dyala Ji, was arrested under imperial orders and taken to Delhi. Despite torture and threats, he refused to abandon his principles or accept Islam. On 11 November 1675, he was publicly executed by beheading at Chandni Chowk, Delhi. His companions were martyred in gruesome ways—Bhai Mati Das Ji was sawn alive from head downwards, Bhai Sati Das Ji was wrapped in cotton wool and set afire, and Bhai Dayala Ji was boiled in a heated cauldron—yet none wavered. Bhai Jaita Ji and Bhai Gurditta Ji witnessed the executions without revealing their identities. After the Guru's beheading, Bhai Jaita Ji retrieved the severed head and carried it to Anandpur Sahib with assistance from Bhai Uda Ji and Bhai Nanu Ji.

1675-Present

Eternal Legacy

His sacrifice is immortalized at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib (site of martyrdom) and Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib (site of cremation) in Delhi. Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's martyrdom set the stage for the creation of the Khalsa by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, ensuring that Sikhs would forever stand as defenders of justice and righteousness. His life and sacrifice embody the highest ideals of humanity—freedom of conscience, defence of the oppressed, and courage in the face of tyranny.

Sacred Martyrdom

The Fearless Companions of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji

Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji and Bhai Dyala Ji, through their supreme sacrifice and martyrdom alongside Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, set an unmatched and ultimate example of how to counter the policy of religious fanaticism to uphold the freedom of faith and conscience, righteousness, and human dignity of every section of society.

Bhai Mati Das Ji

The Steadfast Diwan

Bhai Mati Das Ji and his younger brother Bhai Sati Das Ji served as Diwan and cook of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.

Bhai Mati Das Ji managed finances with integrity and unwavering dedication to the Guru's mission.

He joined Guru Ji's journey to Delhi to defend the Kashmiri Pandits against the persecution unleashed by Aurangzeb.

When arrested under imperial orders, Bhai Mati Das Ji stood firm in his faith.

On his refusal to forsake his faith and accept Islam, Bhai Mati Das Ji was sawn alive into two from head downwards at Chandni Chowk, setting an eternal example of courage and devotion.

"Their sacrifice stands as an eternal beacon of courage, faith, and the defense of human dignity."

Bhai Sati Das Ji

The Devoted Sewadar

Bhai Sati Das Ji, younger brother of Bhai Mati Das Ji, was a humble servant in Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's langar, embodying selfless seva.

He accompanied Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji during his travels to the eastern part of the country, serving the Sangat with devotion.

When the Guru was arrested under imperial orders and taken to Delhi, Bhai Sati Das Ji remained steadfast by his side.

On his refusal to give up his faith, Bhai Sati Das Ji was wrapped in cotton wool and set afire.

His sacrifice demonstrated the ultimate commitment to spiritual principles over worldly existence.

"Their sacrifice stands as an eternal beacon of courage, faith, and the defense of human dignity."

Bhai Dayala Ji

The Fearless Masand

A prominent Sikh of his time, Bhai Dayala Ji accompanied Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji during his journeys to the eastern parts of the country.

He was known for his fearless dedication to the Guru and the Sikh faith.

When Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, on the appeal of the Kashmiri Pandits against their brutal persecution by Mughal Emperor, left Sri Anandpur Sahib for Delhi, Bhai Dayala Ji accompanied him without hesitation.

For his refusal to abjure his faith, Bhai Dayala Ji was publicly boiled in a heated cauldron of water.

His martyrdom stands as a testament to unwavering faith in the face of unimaginable cruelty.

"Their sacrifice stands as an eternal beacon of courage, faith, and the defense of human dignity."

A Legacy of Sacrifice

The supreme sacrifice of these four martyrs—Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji, and Bhai Dayala Ji—on November 11, 1675, stands as the ultimate testament to religious freedom, human dignity, and the courage to stand against tyranny. Their martyrdom was not just for the Sikh faith, but for the protection of every human being's right to practice their religion freely.

Event Gallery