Every year on November 24th, Sikhs around the world gather to observe Shaheedi Diwas, to honour the supreme sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Guru of Sikhism. This solemn day marks the anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s execution by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1675. The Guru’s martyrdom for the cause of religious freedom and human rights remains a defining moment in Sikh history, shaping the identity of the Sikh community and strengthening their resolve to defend justice and equality.
Guru Tegh Bahadur was born on April 1, 1621, in Amritsar, Punjab, as the youngest son of Guru Hargobind, the sixth Guru of Sikhism, and Mata Nanaki. His birth name was Tyaga Mal, meaning one who renounces worldly attachments. From a young age, Guru Tegh Bahadur was imbued with the teachings of Sikhism, learning the scriptures, Vedas, Upanishads, and Puranas. He was trained in martial arts, archery, and horsemanship, reflecting the Guru’s commitment to both spiritual and physical discipline.
As the Sikh community’s spiritual leader, Guru Hargobind sought to instill in his children the values of both spiritual enlightenment and military readiness, recognising the need for Sikhs to defend their faith against external oppression. Guru Tegh Bahadur’s early life was marked by service to the community and personal devotion, embodying the principles of humility, justice, and courage.
Guru Tegh Bahadur: The Defender of Faith
Guru Tegh Bahadur’s most notable contribution came in the form of his unwavering stance against religious persecution. During the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb, the Mughal ruler sought to impose Islam on non-Muslim populations across India, including Hindus and Sikhs. Aurangzeb’s policy of forced conversions and the oppression of religious minorities led to widespread suffering, particularly among the Hindus of Kashmir.
In the face of this forced religious conversion, Guru Tegh Bahadur stood as a beacon of freedom of conscience. When a group of Kashmiri Pandits appealed to him for help, asking him to resist Aurangzeb’s oppressive policies, Guru Tegh Bahadur took a bold stand. He declared that the freedom to practice one’s faith was an inalienable human right, and no ruler had the right to dictate what religion a person should follow. This unwavering commitment to religious freedom earned him the title “Hind ki Chadar” or “Shield of India,” symbolizing his role as the protector of India’s diverse religious traditions.
The Anointment of Guru Tegh Bahadur as the Ninth Guru
Before his martyrdom, Guru Tegh Bahadur had spent many years traveling across India, spreading the teachings of the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak. During this period, he visited various places including Mathura, Agra, Allahabad, Varanasi, and the distant regions of Assam and Bengal, where he established langars (community kitchens) and water wells, providing for the poor and marginalised communities. He is credited with founding Anandpur Sahib, a holy city in the foothills of the Himalayas, which would later become the birthplace of the Khalsa, the Sikh warrior community established by his son, Guru Gobind Singh.
Guru Tegh Bahadur’s selection as the ninth Sikh Guru occurred in 1664. After the death of Guru Har Krishan, the eighth Sikh Guru, his followers were uncertain about who would succeed him. The name Baba Bakala was mentioned by Guru Har Krishan as the place where his successor would be found. Various claimants to the Guruship emerged, but it was only when the wealthy merchant Baba Makhan Shah Labana recognised Guru Tegh Bahadur’s spiritual authority that the true successor was confirmed. After making his offering, Baba Labana joyfully proclaimed, “Guru Ladho Re!” (I have found the Guru), marking the public recognition of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s leadership.
Guru Tegh Bahadur’s contributions to Sikhism are immense, particularly through his writings. He composed 116 hymns that are included in the Guru Granth Sahib, the central scripture of Sikhism. His compositions address the nature of God, human relationships, service, and the human condition, offering deep philosophical reflections on dignity, death, deliverance, and spiritual discipline. His hymns also serve as a guide for Sikhs in their personal lives, emphasizing truth, compassion, and selflessness.
His emphasis on service to humanity is reflected in his establishment of community kitchens (langars), which continue to provide free meals to people of all backgrounds in Gurdwaras (Sikh temples) worldwide. He also promoted the establishment of wells and water systems to serve local communities, demonstrating his commitment to both spiritual and material welfare.
Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom remains one of the most defining events in Sikh history. In 1675, after publicly defying the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s orders to convert to Islam, Guru Tegh Bahadur was arrested, tortured, and beheaded in Delhi. The Guru’s refusal to abandon his faith and submit to the pressure of forced conversion was a powerful statement of resistance against tyranny.
On the day of his execution, Guru Tegh Bahadur remained calm and resolute, never wavering in his commitment to his beliefs. His martyrdom had a profound impact on the Sikh community, strengthening their resolve to fight against oppression and laying the groundwork for the eventual establishment of the Khalsa by his son, Guru Gobind Singh.
In honour of his sacrifice, Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi stands at the site where Guru Tegh Bahadur was beheaded, and Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib marks the place where his body was cremated. These sacred shrines, along with many others across India, commemorate the Guru’s martyrdom and his steadfast defense of religious freedom.
The martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, along with the sacrifices made by his companions, Bhai Mati Dass, Bhai Sati Das, and Bhai Dayala, became a rallying point for Sikhs to stand firm against persecution. Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru, was deeply influenced by his father’s sacrifice and, in time, would formalize the Khalsa, a community of committed Sikhs dedicated to the defense of religious freedom and human dignity.
On Shaheedi Diwas, Sikhs worldwide reflect on the legacy of Guru Tegh Bahadur. His sacrifice for the freedom of religion and the right to practice one’s faith without fear of persecution continues to inspire millions around the world. His life and teachings serve as a reminder of the importance of tolerance, justice, and human rights—values that transcend religious boundaries and remain essential to the world today.
