As a martyr who defended the values of liberty, kindness, and humanity, Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Guru of Sikhism, occupies a special place in Indian history. However, a lot of information regarding his life, spiritual development, sacrifices, and the deeper meaning of his teachings is sometimes missed. The purpose of this essay is to illuminate the sometimes overlooked aspects of his life, including his altruistic deeds, covert social activism, the supernatural aspects ascribed to him, and, lastly, his lasting impact as a symbol of resistance.
Originally known as Tyag Mal, Guru Tegh Bahadur was born in Amritsar on April 1, 1621. Tyag Mal’s great fearlessness was immediately observed by his father, the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind. The youthful Tyag Mal exhibited incredible bravery in a fight in Kartarpur in 1635, winning him the moniker “Tegh Bahadur,” or “Brave of the Sword”. But in the end, his propensity for spirituality and meditation drove him to lead a more reflective life, spending years alone in Bakala.
The Sikhs turned to Tegh Bahadur as their spiritual leader following the passing of the eighth Guru, Guru Har Krishan. Following Guru Har Krishan’s final declaration that his successor would be found in Bakala, he was finally consecrated as the ninth Guru in 1664.
Guru Tegh Bahadur traveled extensively over the Indian subcontinent, visiting places in Bengal, Assam, Punjab, and Bihar. He encouraged people to give up superstitions and spread the Sikhism values of kindness, equality, and dedication in these areas. He carried out a number of humanitarian projects, including providing food to the poor and financing the drilling of wells. In one noteworthy instance, he set up tanks to hold rainwater, which is a useful resource in regions that are prone to drought. He then freely supplied this water to low-income households.
“Sarbat da bhala” (the welfare of all) served as the foundation for Guru Tegh Bahadur’s mission. He denounced the unfair practices of the Mughal government and urged people to live by these principles. His edicts to his disciples, known as Hukam Namas, show his ongoing attempts to elevate communities and establish unity.
Tyag of Tyag Mal
One of the most potent instances of bravery and selflessness in Sikhism and Indian history is the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur. He demonstrated his undying dedication to justice, freedom, and compassion by choosing to die rather than give in to the tyrannical demands of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. For Sikhs and the Indian subcontinent as a whole, his sacrifice is regarded as a watershed moment that defended human dignity and religious freedom.
By imposing a rigorous interpretation of Islam, including measures to convert Hindus and Sikhs by force, Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb attempted to solidify his hold on power in the 1670s. A group of scholarly Hindu Brahmins known as the Kashmiri Pandits were specifically targeted by Aurangzeb’s government. These Pandits were subjected to harsh treatment, including threats of violence, if they did not convert to Islam. Numerous well-known community members went to Guru Tegh Bahadur’s home at Anandpur Sahib in search of safety and assistance.
Desperate for a solution, a group of 15 Kashmiri Pandits, commanded by Kirpa Ram, gathered at the Guru’s home on May 25, 1675. After hearing about their predicament, Guru Tegh Bahadur concluded that a significant act of sacrifice was required to oppose the oppressive reign of the Mughal empire and to awaken the people’s conscience. “No one could be more worthy than me,” the Guru said in response to his little son Gobind Rai, who would go on to become Guru Gobind Singh, asking who could make such a sacrifice. The Guru decided to give his life to defend religious freedom at this very moment, which is recorded in Sikh history.
With three of his loyal followers, Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das, and Bhai Dayal Das, Guru Tegh Bahadur set off for Delhi after deciding to act as a bulwark against Aurangzeb’s policies. Along the route, the company was jailed in Sirhind after being arrested on instructions from the Mughal authorities. Guru Tegh Bahadur and his friends were moved to Delhi and kept in the Kotwali (police headquarters) close to Chandni Chowk following a period of severe incarceration in Sirhind.
In the hope that the conversion of such a well-known religious figure would speed up the conversion of others, Aurangzeb tried to convince the Guru to renounce his faith and embrace Islam. The Guru, however, remained steadfast in his support of conscience freedom. Aurangzeb responded by giving Guru Tegh Bahadur and his companions to be tortured in an effort to force their conversion.
Guru Tegh Bahadur’s companions endured terrible tortures, yet in a heartbreaking act of fortitude, they all decided to accept death rather than compromise their religion. Bhai Mati Das was sawn alive, vertically from head to waist, while bound between two pillars. He is reported to have persisted in reading passages from the Japji Sahib despite this horrifying deed, holding fast to his religion till the end. This courageous deed came to represent the Sikhs’ tenacity and unwavering commitment to their beliefs.
For rejecting Islam, Bhai Dayal Das was similarly cooked alive in a cauldron of hot water. He sang praises to God while the hot water scorched his flesh, according to the story of his martyrdom, making him one of the most potent representations of a martyr’s strength and endurance. Lastly, Bhai Sati Das was wrapped in cotton and burned alive. Despite the agony, he maintained his composure, refusing to forsake his beliefs or denounce his Guru.
Guru Tegh Bahadur was taken to Chandni Chowk on November 11, 1675, where he was given a final warning: convert to Islam or be put to death. The Guru remained unflinchingly calm in the face of certain death. He reportedly uttered the following passage, which summed up his philosophy of life and his resolve to follow his dharma: “Give up your head, but do not abandon those whom you have committed to protect.” Give up your life, but don’t give up your faith.
The Guru was then publicly decapitated by Jalal-ud-din of Samana, Aurangzeb’s executioner. A pivotal moment was Guru Tegh Bahadur’s sacrifice at Chandni Chowk, which established him as a hero who, not only for himself but also for the cause of religious freedom, chose death over subjection. His last act became a message to Sikhs, Hindus, and future generations, demonstrating that standing by one’s beliefs is an act of ultimate bravery.
In order to discourage any challenge to his authority, Aurangzeb ordered the Guru’s body to be publicly exposed. But in order to recover the Guru’s corpse and head, two devoted Sikh disciples, Bhai Jaita (later Bhai Jiwan Singh) and Bhai Lakhi Shah Vanjara, put their lives in danger. The youthful Guru Gobind Rai and the Sikh community reverently incinerated the Guru’s severed head when Bhai Jaita successfully transported it to Anandpur Sahib. In the meantime, the Guru’s body was taken by Bhai Lakhi Shah Vanjara, who concealed it in a cotton cart before covertly cremating it in his house. In a show of bravery and devotion, he burned his entire home on fire to conceal the deed and prevent the Mughals from discovering it. Today, the Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib stands at the site of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s execution in Delhi, while Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib marks the place of his cremation.
The Sikh community was profoundly and permanently impacted by Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom. As a result of his sacrifice, his nine-year-old son, Guru Gobind Singh, founded the Khalsa, a warrior-saint order dedicated to protecting justice and preserving the Sikh principles of equality, compassion, and spiritual freedom. In reaction to the ongoing persecution and to provide the Sikhs the fortitude to protect their religion and communities, Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa in 1699.
The martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur served as a rallying cry for Sikhs to oppose oppression and defend people’s freedom to follow their religion. Shaheedi Divas, which is celebrated every year to honor his sacrifice and celebrate the principles he upheld, is a celebration of his martyrdom. The Sikh chant “Hind di Chadar,” which translates to “Shield of India,” frequently encapsulates his legacy since he is revered as a guardian who protected India’s religious minorities from persecution and forced conversion.
The life and martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur demonstrate a profound fortitude that embraced a worldwide cause and went beyond individual concerns. Notwithstanding the difficulties they may encounter, Sikhs are nonetheless motivated by his teachings to live lives of humility, fortitude, and commitment to the truth. His unwavering confidence in Waheguru (God) was the foundation of his courage, which went beyond simply not being afraid. It was a deliberate decision to accept pain for the sake of the larger good. The selfless deed of Guru Tegh Bahadur is frequently cited as one of the first instances of nonviolent protest and human rights advocacy in India.
His martyrdom is a reminder that genuine bravery frequently entails defending the rights of others at all costs. The Sikh concept of sarbat da bhala, or the wellbeing of all, is best illustrated by his readiness to suffer torture and even death in order to secure the independence of a society that was not his own. Guru Tegh Bahadur’s supreme sacrifice served as a powerful model for future generations, demonstrating that a person’s morals and spirit can truly outweigh any weapon.
Throughout his life, and particularly while he was imprisoned, Guru Tegh Bahadur’s disciples witnessed what they believed to be supernatural occurrences. On the way to his execution, for example, he read the Japji and Sukhmani (Sikh texts) with such fervor that others said they sensed a holy presence all around him. He wrote a number of hymns in Delhi while facing severe treatment, displaying his bravery and faith in the face of adversity. Writings like “I am in bondage, I have no resources, and my strength is exhausted.” As testaments to his great spiritual fortitude, Saith Nanak’s words, “God is now my refuge,” have been recorded.
The miracles attributed to him reinforced the faith of his followers. When asked by Aurangzeb to prove his divinity through a miracle, the Guru responded, “It is not for man to interfere with God’s will,” indicating that his belief in God’s design superseded any need for spectacle.
Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom had a profound effect, especially on his son Guru Gobind Singh, who in 1699 founded the Khalsa, a group of warrior-saints committed to morality and justice. A fundamental principle of the Sikh faith, Guru Tegh Bahadur’s sacrifice showed his followers the value of standing up for what is right, even if it means one’s life. Sikhs were more determined to oppose persecution and steadfastly preserve their faith after his death.
Guru Tegh Bahadur’s Feminism
Throughout his life, Guru Tegh Bahadur showed his dedication to women’s rights and his progressive views on gender equality in a number of ways. Even though his strategy was not officially recognized as reform, it was clear from some decisions and exchanges that quietly but effectively promoted women’s rights and participation. Here are a few significant examples that highlight his feminist beliefs:
One indication of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s regard for women’s duties is his strong relationship with his mother, Mata Nanaki, and his wife, Mata Gujari. He frequently accompanied Mata Nanaki and Mata Gujari on his lengthy and difficult travels around India, taking them to public religious events and pilgrimages that were once customarily reserved for men.
Mata Gujari and Mata Nanaki were more than just his companions throughout his visits to Patna, Kurukshetra, and Assam; they actively took part in his missions. These expeditions demanded fortitude, perseverance, and dedication—qualities that Guru Tegh Bahadur evidently saw in these women and permitted them to exhibit in public. He demonstrated that women could play important roles in the Sikh community by involving them in his travels, paving the way for the way for greater female participation in religious life.
The dedication to inclusivity that permeates Guru Tegh Bahadur’s life and teachings naturally extended to women. He promoted an inclusive Sangat, or Sikh congregation, where men and women from all socioeconomic backgrounds may come together to meditate, eat together, and hear his teachings. Women would congregate in the same gathering areas as males in Amritsar and later Anandpur Sahib, dismantling the gender-segregation that was common in other religious rituals of the era.
Furthermore, when the Guru gave advice to the Sikh Sangat, he spoke to men and women equally, emphasizing that everyone in the community had a responsibility to support one another and contribute to the faith. His inclusive approach made it possible for women to be viewed as equal contributors to the moral and spiritual development of the community rather than as dependents or passive followers.
In contrast to the aggressive ideals generally praised in male-dominated society, Guru Tegh Bahadur’s deeds and teachings promoted characteristics like compassion, empathy, and endurance that are frequently linked to traditional feminine traits.
For instance, the Guru emphasized for everyone, regardless of gender, the virtues of forgiving others, living a life free from hatred, and pursuing inner peace rather than retribution. His speech advocated ideals traditionally embodied by women as virtues that all Sikhs should strive for, at a time when traits like violence and conquest were frequently associated with authority.
In one case, Guru Tegh Bahadur stayed outside the temple grounds with his mother and wife rather than attempting to enter the Hari Mandir Sahib (Golden Temple) after being refused access by some factions. He decided to be patient and forgiving instead of confronting them. In addition to demonstrating his appreciation for their presence, this action demonstrated his dedication to fortitude and modesty in the face of prejudice.
The life of Guru Tegh Bahadur inadvertently paved the way for his son, Guru Gobind Singh, to develop more overt rules on women’s rights. His subdued deeds prepared the way for Guru Gobind Singh to form the Khalsa in 1699, inviting men and women to join on an equal footing. The fundamental foundations that allowed Guru Gobind Singh to formally incorporate women as Khalsa warriors and spiritual leaders were established by the equality and respect for one another that Guru Tegh Bahadur exemplified.
In the Sikh faith, the emphasis on virtues like bravery, fortitude, and justice—qualities that Guru Tegh Bahadur emphasized among his followers—was maintained and applied to both men and women. Thus, his dedication to fostering an inclusive atmosphere where women could actively participate cleared the path for the founding of the Khalsa and the official acknowledgement of women as equal members of the Sikh Panth.
The supreme sacrifice made by Guru Tegh Bahadur for the Kashmiri Pandits is a potent illustration of his conviction that all people, including women, deserve respect. The Guru was also advocating for the independence of Kashmiri women by deciding to give his life in order to defend a community that was in danger of being forced to convert to another religion. Hindu women of the time were further marginalized and left vulnerable as a result of forced conversions, which frequently led to the loss of their familial and social positions. By standing out for the Kashmiri Pandits’ freedom to practice their religion, he was also defending the agency and dignity of women in that society.
Although it wasn’t directed especially at women, this gesture mirrored Guru Tegh Bahadur’s larger idea that everyone should have the ability to follow their own beliefs, regardless of gender, caste, or creed. His martyrdom served as a reminder that genuine bravery entailed standing out for the rights of everyone, especially women, who frequently suffered the most as a result of repressive laws.
Sikh women who followed Guru Tegh Bahadur found inspiration in his example of selflessness. His bravery and readiness to suffer for his principles served to further solidify the notion that resilience was a trait shared by both men and women. His life and teachings inspired Sikh women to become resilient, strong people who could overcome hardship.
Stories of Sikh women such as Mai Bhago, who later defended the Sikh community with great valor, can trace part of their inspiration to Guru Tegh Bahadur’s ideals. His legacy fostered an environment where Sikh women could see themselves as equally capable of bravery and sacrifice, essential to their faith and community.
Legacy of Guru Tegh Bahadur: A Timeless Inspiration for Humanity
Guru Tegh Bahadur’s life and martyrdom transcend time, standing as a testament to the power of selfless courage, unwavering faith, and compassion for humanity. His sacrifice for the freedom of conscience remains a profound example of resistance against tyranny, embodying the ideal that true strength lies in defending the rights and dignity of others. Guru Tegh Bahadur’s teachings, rooted in the values of equality, justice, and resilience, resonate far beyond the Sikh community, offering universal lessons on the importance of standing for one’s principles, regardless of personal cost.
In an age marked by division and conflict, his legacy calls us to embrace compassion and solidarity with all oppressed communities, showing that true devotion to one’s faith includes respecting the beliefs of others. Guru Tegh Bahadur’s life continues to inspire generations to work toward a world where freedom, mutual respect, and equality are safeguarded for all. He remains not only a revered figure in Sikh history but also a universal beacon of moral courage, urging each of us to rise beyond self-interest and act with integrity for the greater good.
By- Utkarsh Yadav
