Guru Tegh Bahadur (1 April 1621 – 11 November 1675) was the ninth Sikh Guru and one of the most revered figures in Sikh history. He became the leader of the Sikh community in 1665 and served until his martyrdom in 1675.
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| Personal life | |
| Born | Tyag Mal 1 April 1621 |
| Died | 11 November 1675 (aged 54) Delhi, Mughal Empire (present-day India) |
| Cause of death | Execution by decapitation |
| Spouse | Mata Gujri |
| Children | Guru Gobind Singh |
| Parent(s) | Guru Hargobind and Mata Nanaki |
| Known for |
|
| Other names | Ninth Master Ninth Nanak Srisht-di-Chadar ("Shield of The World") Dharam-di-Chadar ("Shield of Dharma") Hind-di-Chadar ("Shield of India") |
| Religious life | |
| Religion | Sikhism |
| Religious career | |
| Period in office | 1664–1675 |
| Predecessor | Guru Har Krishan |
| Successor | Guru Gobind Singh |
Born in Amritsar, Punjab, he was the youngest son of Guru Hargobind Ji, the sixth Guru. Known for his courage, sacrifice, and deep spirituality, Guru Tegh Bahadur was also a poet and scholar, with 116 hymns included in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism.
He is remembered as the “Hind Di Chadar” (Protector of India) for giving up his life to defend religious freedom and protect the rights of oppressed Kashmiri Pandits under Mughal rule. His martyrdom in Delhi is considered one of the most significant sacrifices in world history for the cause of human rights and freedom of belief.
Early Life
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was born as Tyag Mal on 1 April 1621 in Amritsar. He was the youngest son of Guru Hargobind and Mata Nanaki. From a young age, he displayed remarkable discipline, humility, and bravery.
During the Battle of Kartarpur, his valor in combat earned him the title “Tegh Bahadur”, meaning Brave Sword. Along with martial training in archery and horsemanship, he studied sacred texts such as the Vedas, Puranas, and Upanishads. In 1632, he married Mata Gujri Ji, who later became the mother of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
After Guru Hargobind’s passing, Tegh Bahadur and his family settled in Bakala, a small village in Punjab.
Becoming the Ninth Guru
In 1664, after the passing of Guru Har Krishan Ji, confusion arose regarding his successor. Many individuals in Bakala claimed to be the Guru.
A well-known Sikh trader, Makhan Shah Labana, resolved the matter. Having once vowed to donate 500 gold coins to the true Guru, he tested the claimants by offering only two coins. None questioned him—except Tegh Bahadur Ji, who reminded him of the full promise. Overjoyed, Makhan Shah proclaimed from the rooftops: “Guru ladho re!” (I have found the Guru!)
Thus, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was formally installed as the ninth Sikh Guru in 1665.
Journeys and Teachings
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji traveled widely to spread the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He visited Assam, Bengal, Bihar, Dhaka, Allahabad, Varanasi, and Agra, establishing Sikh centers and guiding communities.
He emphasized:
- Living a simple, honest life
- Devotion to God through prayer and meditation
- Service to humanity through langar (free kitchen) and community welfare
Guru Ji also founded the sacred city of Anandpur Sahib, which became a spiritual and political center for Sikhs.
Martyrdom – The Sacrifice for Religious Freedom
In the 1670s, Aurangzeb, the Mughal Emperor, began enforcing Islam across India and persecuting non-Muslims. A group of Kashmiri Pandits, facing forced conversions, sought Guru Tegh Bahadur’s help.
Guru Ji boldly confronted Aurangzeb’s oppression. He was arrested in Agra and brought to Delhi. For months, he was tortured and pressured to accept Islam or perform miracles. He refused, standing firm in his principles.
In front of him, his three devoted Sikhs—Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das, and Bhai Dayal Das—were executed in horrific ways. Finally, on 11 November 1675, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was publicly beheaded in Chandni Chowk, Delhi.
The sites of his martyrdom are today marked by the historic gurdwaras:
- Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib (where he was executed)
- Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib (where his body was cremated)
- His sacrifice is remembered as Shaheedi Divas every year on 24 November.
Legacy and Contribution
- Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s writings in the Guru Granth Sahib guide Sikhs on detachment from worldly desires, fearlessness, and devotion to God.
- He is celebrated as a martyr for human rights and a universal symbol of freedom of conscience.
- His son, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, later founded the Khalsa Panth, inspired by his father’s supreme sacrifice.
- Cities, gurdwaras, and institutions across India and the world honor his memory, especially Anandpur Sahib and Delhi’s Sis Ganj Sahib.
Conclusion
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s life and martyrdom stand as a beacon of courage, sacrifice, and devotion. He is remembered not only as a Sikh Guru but as a defender of justice, equality, and religious freedom for all humanity. His supreme sacrifice continues to inspire millions around the globe, making him one of the greatest spiritual leaders in Indian and world history.
References
- (No date) Legacy and teachings of guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Available at: https://dvnetwork.org/page/legacy-and-teachings-of-guru-tegh-bahadur-ji (Accessed: 15 January 2025).
- Guru Tegh Bahādur (2024) Encyclopædia Britannica. Available at: https://britannica.com/biography/Guru-Tegh-Bahadur (Accessed: 15 January 2025).
- Pin by ddreamy Piscean on festivals: Guru Tegh Bahadur, Guru Arjan, Guru Nanak Photo (2023) Pinterest. Available at: https://au.pinterest.com/pin/36943659437427062/ (Accessed: 15 January 2025).
- Sharma, M.G. (2024) Guru Tegh Bahadur Shaheedi divas: The life and martyrdom of the ninth sikh guru, The Indian Express. Available at: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-culture/guru-tegh-bahadur-shaheedi-divas-martyrdom-of-the-ninth-sikh-guru-9687669/ (Accessed: 15 January 2025).
