Shaheedi Diwas or Martyrdom Day of ‘Guru Tegh Bahadur’

In the annals of Indian history, the sacrifice and valor of individuals who stood against oppression and defended their religious beliefs resonate as timeless tales of inspiration. Among these luminaries is Guru Tegh Bahadur Singh, the 9^th Guru of the Sikhs, whose martyrdom day is commemorated on November 24. Born on 21^st April 1621, in Amritsar to Mata Nanaki and Guru Hargobind, Guru Tegh Bahadur’s life is a testament to courage, conviction and the unwavering commitment to protect the Sikh faith.

Early Years of Guru Tegh Bahadur

In his early years, Guru Tegh Bahadur, then known as Tyagamal, displayed remarkable courage. At the age of 13, he accompanied his father Guru Hargobind Sahib to Kiratpur, where they faced a Mughal army in Palahi village near Phagwara. In this skirmish, the young Teg demonstrated extraordinary bravery, earning him the name Teg Bahadur, which means ‘brave sword.’ This incident marked the beginning of a journey that would lead him to the throne as the 9^th Guru of the Sikhs.

Ascension to Guruhood

After the death of the eighth Guru, Harkrishna Sahib Ji, in March 1665, Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib ascended to the throne of the Guru in Amritsar. Prior to this, he married Bibi Gujri in Kartarpur near Jalandhar and settled in Bakala near Amritsar. Guru Tegh Bahadur spent years in intense meditation and penance in Baba Bakala Nagar, shaping his spiritual leadership.

The Chadar of Hind

One of the defining moments in Guru Tegh Bahadur’s life came when he faced the oppressive policies of the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb. Refusing to succumb to forced conversion, Guru Tegh Bahadur stood as a symbol of resistance against religious tyranny. His unwavering commitment to Sikh principles led to a confrontation with Aurangzeb, who, in 1675, ordered to beheading of Guru Tegh Bahadur in Chandni Chowk, Delhi.

The Ultimate Sacrifice

Guru Tegh Bahadur’s refusal to convert to Islam resulted in his beheading on November 24, 1675. Despite the brutality of Aurangzeb’s regime, Guru Tegh Bahadur remained steadfast in his faith, choosing martyrdom over compromising the principles of Sikhism. The location of his execution is now marked by Gurudwara Sheesh Ganj Sahib in Chandni Chowk, a poignant reminder of his sacrifice.

Legacy and Commemoration

The legacy of Guru Tegh Bahadur Singh extends beyond his martyrdom. His selfless sacrifice became a cornerstone of Sikh identity and resilience. Gurudwara Sheesh Ganj Sahib stands as a testimony to his courage, while the city of Anandpur Sahib witnessed the last rites of his beheaded head, performed by his son, Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. November 24 is annually observed as a day of remembrance and reflection on the invaluable contribution of Guru Tegh Bahadur Singh to the Sikh faith and the broader tapestry of Indian history.

Motivational Quotes by 9^th Guru – Guru Tegh Bahadur

• If you do not sing the praises of the Lord, your life is rendered useless. Says Nanak, mediate, vibrate upon the Lord; immerse your mind in Him, like the fish in the water.
• Give up your head, but forsake not those whom you have undertaken to protect. Sacrifice your life, but relinquish not your faith.
• The true realization of the actual nature of his material world, its perishable, transitory and illusory aspects best dawns on a person in suffering.
• He has given you your body and wealth, but you are not in love with him. Says Nanak, you are insane! Why do you now shake and tremble so helplessly?
• By singing his praises thy impurity will removed and the poison of egoism spread all over will be destroyed.

Important Question Related to Exams

Q1. What is Guru Tegh Bahadur Singh known for?

Sol. Guru Tegh Bahadur Singh is known for his martyrdom in defense of religious freedom.

Q2. When did Guru Tegh Bahadur Singh became the 9^th Guru of the Sikh?

Sol. Guru Tegh Bahadur Singh became the 9^th Guru of the Sikhs in 1665.

Q3. What is the significance of November 24 in Sikhism?

Sol. November 24 is the anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Singh’s martyrdom.

Q4. Where is Gurudwara Sheesh Ganj Sahib located?

Sol. Gurudwara Sheesh Ganj Sahib is located in Chandni Chowk, Delhi.

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