Birth of Guru Sahib-
Guru Tegh Bahadur was the ninth guru (out of ten gurus) of Sikhs and the founder of the Sikh religion. He led the Sikhs from 1665 to 1675, when he was beheaded. He was the youngest son of Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh Guru, and was born in Amritsar, Punjab, India, in 1621. He was a knowledgeable spiritual scholar and poet whose 115 songs are included in Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism’s fundamental book. He was a principled and fierce warrior. Guru Sahib’s initial name was Tyag Mal. After demonstrating his valour in a battle against the Mughals, Guru Hargobind bestowed upon him the name Tegh Bahadur (Mighty of the Sword).
Martyrdom of Guru
Guru Tegh Bahadur was martyred on November 24, 1675, and some historians believe he was slain on November 11, 1675.
During the summers of 1675, Guru ji and three of his trusted Sikhs – Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das and Bhai Dayal Das set route to Delhi to sort the conversion of Hindus into Islam. They were forced to convert to Islam or face death when they arrived.
Guru Tegh Bahadur fearlessly said that he would rather give up his life and the faith and freedom. Guru ji was then shackled and imprisoned in an iron cage, where he was tortured for eight days using the most heinous means possible.
Guru ji was an enlightened soul who, by keeping his attention fixed on God, was able to endure the torment without showing any signs of sadness or complaint. When the Emperor saw the Guru’s resolve, he decided to kill his colleagues in order to destroy his spirit.
According to legend, Mughal emperor Aurangzeb executed Guru Tegh Bahadur and demanded that the Sikh Guru join Islam, which Guru Tegh Bahadur refused. The Kashmiri Pandits were violently resisting Mughal control and asked Guru Tegh Bahadur to protect them. Guru Tegh Bahadur put him under his custody in such a situation, which enraged the Mughal emperor.
During Aurangzeb’s reign, Guru Tegh Bahadur fought against forcible conversions of non-Muslims to Islam. On the command of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, he was publicly executed in Delhi in 1675. His execution and the funeral took place in Delhi’s Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib and Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib.
Final Thoughts-
Guru Tegh Bahadur is known for his selfless dedication to the community. With the teachings of Guru Nanak – the first Sikh Guru – he travelled across the country.
Guru Tegh Bahadur established community kitchens and wells for the locals wherever he went.
Guru Tegh Bahadur created Anandpur Sahib, a well-known holy city and a popular tourist destination in the Himalayan foothills.
A tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (2021) @ Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Bedford-
On the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, Gurdwara Sahib holds path on 8th December 2021
The program goes on-
- 5:45 am to 7:00 am- Parkash Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji & Nitnem
- 7:00 am to 7:15 am- Ardas, Hukamnama Sahib & its explanation
- 7:15 am to 5:45 pm- Continuous Sri Sukhmani Sahib Path by Mata Gujar Kaur Nishkam Sevak Jatha & Sangat
- 5:45 pm to 6:15 pm- Raherass Sahib Path & Ardas
- 6:15 pm to 7:45 pm – Kirtan Darbar
- 7:45pm to 8:00 pm- Sampati & Sukhassan Seva