Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji
Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Guru of the Sikhs, is remembered as Hind-di-Chadar—the Shield of India—for his unparalleled sacrifice in defence of religious freedom. His life was a beacon of courage, compassion, and unwavering faith, culminating in a martyrdom that continues to inspire humanity across faiths and generations.
Early Life and Spiritual Foundation
Born (Parkash) on 1 April 1621 in Amritsar to Sri Guru Hargobind Ji and Mata Nanaki Ji, he was originally named Tyag Mal, meaning "Embodiment of Detachment."
From a young age, he displayed deep spirituality, humility, and valor. His father renamed him Tegh Bahadur ("Master of the Sword") after witnessing his courage in the Battle of Kartarpur.
Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji contributed 59 hymns (Shabads) and 57 Saloka's to Sri Guru Granth Sahib, emphasizing detachment, meditation, and the pursuit of truth.
Guru of the People
In 1664, when Sri Guru Harkrishan Ji left for heavenly abode, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was appointed as the Ninth Guru.
He founded Sri Anandpur Sahib, which became a spiritual and cultural center for Sikhs.
He travelled extensively in entire Punjab especially in the Malwa region and northern eastern states of India to spread the message of universal brotherhood, equality and service.
His widespread travel to spread these vital messages are just next to the travels of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
The Defence of Religious Freedom
The Plight of the Kashmiri Pandits
The defining moment of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's life came in 1675, when a delegation of Kashmiri Pandits, led by Pandit Kirpa Ram, sought his protection.
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 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.
The 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 the 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, yet none wavered.
Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's martyrdom was unprecedented: he gave his life not for his own faith, but for the protection of another's.
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 the assistance and support of Bhai Uda Ji and Bhai Nanu Ji.
Legacy of Courage
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.
Message for Humanity
Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's life and sacrifice embody the highest ideals of humanity—freedom of conscience, defence of the oppressed, and courage in the face of tyranny. His martyrdom was not the end, but the beginning of a legacy that continues to inspire Sikhs, Hindus, and all seekers of truth.
The Fearless Companions of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji
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.
Bhai Mati Das Ji joined Guru Ji's journey to Delhi to defend the Kashmiri Pandits against the persecution unleashed by Aurangzeb.
Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji along with his disciples including Bhai Mati Das Ji was arrested under the imperial orders.
Bhai Mati Das Ji was sawn alive into two from head downwards at Chandni Chowk on his refusal to forsake his faith and accept Islam.
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.
Bhai Sati Das Ji accompanied Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji during his travels to the eastern part of the Country.
Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji along with his disciples including Bhai Sati Das Ji was arrested under the imperial orders and taken to Delhi.
Bhai Sati Das Ji was wrapped up in cotton wool and set afire on his refusal to give up his faith.
Bhai Dayala Ji
The Fearless Masand
A prominent Sikh of his time, Bhai Dayala Ji accompanied Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji during his journey's to the eastern parts of the country.
Bhai Dayala Ji accompanied Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji when he, on the appeal of the Kashmiri Pandits against their brutal persecution by Mughal Emperor, left Sri Anandpur Sahib for Delhi.
Bhai Dayala Ji was publically boiled in the heated cauldron of water for his refusal to abjure his faith.
Commemoration Plan
The Government of Punjab is commemorating the 350th Year of Martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. The Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs is the Nodal Department for organizing this event.
This sacred occasion is not only a tribute to the unparalleled sacrifice of the Ninth Guru, who laid down his life to uphold the principles of faith, freedom, and human dignity, but also an opportunity to spread his timeless message of courage, compassion, and universal brotherhood.
The Government of Punjab, with deep reverence and humility, extends a warm welcome to all devotees, scholars, and visitors as we commemorate the 350th Year of the Martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.