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Guru Teg Bahadur was martyred in 1675 in Chandni Chowk area of Old Delhi, where Sis Ganj Sahib is located today.
Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib Sikh Temple was first established in 1783 by Baghel Singh to mark the martyrdom of the Sikh Guru, Guru Teg Bahadur, in Delhi. (Image: Shutterstock)
Guru Tegh Bahadur Shaheedi Diwas marks the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the 9th Sikh Guru. The day is observed every year on November 24 to commemorate the fearless spirit of the spiritual leader who fought for the rights of people and sacrificed his life. He was martyred in 1675 after he refused forced conversion under the rule of the then Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
The ninth Sikh Guru was openly executed in the Chandni Chowk area of Old Delhi. Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Chandani Chowk today stands as an epitome of his supreme sacrifice.
On the eve of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s Martyrdom Day, Sikh devotees come together to chant special mantras called Bachittar Natak. Special events are organised at Gurdwaras across the country to mark this auspicious day.
Guru Tegh Bahadur Shaheedi Diwas: All You Need To Know
- Guru Tegh Bahadur was born Tyaga Mal on April 21, 1621, in Amritsar, Punjab. He lived a life of austerity and discipline.
- When he was 13 years old, he displayed incredible bravery in a battle against a Mughal commander. He portrayed tremendous sword skills, after which he was named Tegh Bahadur.
- He was also a spiritual practitioner and gave his people lessons on willpower and courage.
- Guru Tegh Bahadur Singh travelled across the country preaching Guru Nanak Dev’s teachings.
- Guru Tegh Bahadur was a leader of the downtrodden and a lifelong advocate of human rights.
- He taught his disciples to protect the ones who need protection, even if it comes at the cost of their lives.
- The visionary Guru taught his devotees to look beyond the momentary pleasures of the material world and live a pure life dedicated to service.
- Guru Tegh Bahadur showed the path of divinity to his disciples by teaching them to overcome greed, desire, ego and pain.
- The valiant leader was also a promoter of peace.
- He dedicated his life to serving society, fighting for righteousness, and spreading the teachings of Sikhism.
Guru Tegh Bahadur Teachings
Here are some teachings by Guru Tegh Bahadur that preach humanitarianism in its true sense:
- “Give up your head, but forsake not those whom you have undertaken to protect. Sacrifice your life, but relinquish not your faith.”
- “True Realisation of the actual nature of this material world, its perishable, transitory and illusory aspects best dawns on a person in suffering.”
- “One should consider pain and pleasure, honour and dishonour the same. One should renounce both praise and blame and even the search for salvation. This is a very difficult path and rare is a (Gurmukh) pious person who knows how to tread it.”
- “Respect for all beings is the foundation of nonviolence.”