Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji
Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru, is forever remembered as the protector of India. His sacrifice in defense of religious freedom is an unparalleled example of courage. His life—a beacon of courage, compassion, and unwavering faith—culminated in the ultimate sacrifice, inspiring all faiths and generations to stand firm for righteousness.
Early Life and Spiritual Foundation
Born on April 1, 1621, in Amritsar to Guru Hargobind Ji and Mata Nanaki Ji, he was originally named "Tyag Mal," meaning embodiment of renunciation.
From childhood, he embodied deep spirituality, humility, and bravery. Witnessing his extraordinary courage at the Battle of Kartarpur, his father named him 'Tegh Bahadur'—meaning "Master of the Sword."
His 59 Shabads and 57 Salokas in Sri Guru Granth Sahib emphasize detachment, meditation of the Divine Name, and the pursuit of truth.
Guru of the People
In 1664, when Guru Harkrishan Ji ascended to heavens, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was appointed as the Ninth Guru.
He founded Sri Anandpur Sahib, which would later become a spiritual and cultural center for Sikhs.
He traveled extensively across Punjab, especially Malwa region, and northeastern states of India to spread the message of universal brotherhood, equality, and service.
His extensive travels to spread these vital teachings rank second only to the travels (Udasis) of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Defence of Religious Freedom
The Appeal of Kashmiri Pandits
The defining moment of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's life came in 1675, when a delegation of Kashmiri Pandits led by Pandit Kirpa Ram sought his protection.
Under Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb's reign, Hindus in Kashmir faced extreme persecution. Temples were desecrated, sacred texts destroyed, and people forced to choose between conversion or death.
The Pandits came to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji pleading for deliverance. The Guru declared that if he stood firm against forced conversion, the Pandits could be saved.
This was not merely a defense of one community—it was a defense of the universal right to practice one's faith freely.
The Supreme Sacrifice
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji traveled to Delhi, knowing he faced certain death. He was arrested along with his devoted companions—Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji, and Bhai Dayala Ji.
For days, they were tortured and offered riches to convert to Islam. Each refused, choosing death over betrayal of their faith.
On November 11, 1675 (24th Maghar, Samvat 1732), in the heart of Delhi's Chandni Chowk, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was publicly beheaded for refusing to renounce his faith.
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's martyrdom was unparalleled. He gave his life not for his own faith, but for the protection of another's religion.
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 with the assistance of Bhai Uda Ji and Bhai Nanu Ji to carry it to Anandpur Sahib.
Legacy of Courage
His martyrdom is immortalized at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib (martyrdom site) and Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib (cremation site) in Delhi.
Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's martyrdom laid the foundation for the creation of Khalsa by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, ensuring Sikhs would forever stand as defenders of justice and righteousness.
A Message for Humanity
Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's life and martyrdom embody the highest ideals of humanity—freedom of conscience, defense of the oppressed, and courage in the face of tyranny. His martyrdom was not an end but the beginning of a legacy that continues to inspire Sikhs, Hindus, and all seekers of truth.
Anandpur Sahib - Public Facilities Map
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 the Diwan and cook for Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
Bhai Mati Das Ji managed finances with integrity and honesty.
Bhai Mati Das Ji joined Guru Ji's journey to Delhi to defend the Kashmiri Pandits against the persecution by Aurangzeb.
Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji along with his companions including Bhai Mati Das Ji was arrested under imperial orders.
Bhai Mati Das Ji was sawn alive from head downwards in two halves at Chandni Chowk upon his refusal to renounce his faith and accept Islam.
Bhai Sati Das Ji
The Humble Servant
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 service.
Bhai Sati Das Ji accompanied Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji during travels to the eastern part of the country.
Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji along with his companions including Bhai Sati Das Ji was arrested under imperial orders and taken to Delhi.
Bhai Sati Das Ji was wrapped in cotton and set on fire for refusing to give up his faith.
Bhai Dayala Ji
The Devoted Sikh
A prominent Sikh of his time, Bhai Dayala Ji accompanied Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji during travels to the eastern parts of the country.
Upon the appeal of Kashmiri Pandits against brutal persecution by the Mughal Emperor, Bhai Dayala Ji was with Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji when they departed from Sri Anandpur Sahib to Delhi.
Bhai Dayala Ji was publicly boiled in a heated cauldron of water for refusing to forsake 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 the organization of this event.
This sacred occasion is not only a tribute to the unparalleled sacrifice of the Ninth Guru, who gave his life to uphold the principles of faith, freedom, and human dignity, but also an opportunity to spread his eternal message of courage, compassion, and universal brotherhood.
On the occasion of the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the Government of Punjab, with deep reverence and humility, extends a warm welcome to all devotees, scholars, and visitors.