Guru Tegh Bahadur

Why in the News ?

Following a car blast near Red Fort, Delhi Police have tightened security in the area as the heritage site is set to host an event commemorating the 350th death anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, remembered for his supreme sacrifice in protecting religious freedom.

About Guru Tegh Bahadur

• Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621–1675) was the ninth Sikh Guru.
• Born as Tyaga Mal, he was the youngest son of the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind.
• He earned the title "Tegh Bahadur" (Mighty of the Sword) after displaying exceptional bravery in a battle against Mughal forces.
• Became the 9th Sikh Guru in 1664, succeeding Guru Har Krishan Ji.
• His son, Guru Gobind Singh, became the 10th Sikh Guru.

Life and Works

1. Founder of Anandpur Sahib

• Guru Tegh Bahadur established the city of Anandpur Sahib in present-day Rupnagar (Ropar), Punjab.
• This city later became the spiritual and military base of Sikhism, where Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa Panth in 1699.

2. Contribution to Sikh Scriptures

• Composed over 100 poetic hymns in the Guru Granth Sahib.
• Themes include:
  • Nature of God
  • Human attachments
  • Mind and body
  • Dignity and moral conduct
  • Service, detachment, and spiritual liberation

3. Defender of Religious Freedom

• Strongly opposed forced religious conversions by the Mughal regime.
• Supported Kashmiri Pandits facing persecution and coercion to convert to Islam.

Martyrdom

• Guru Tegh Bahadur was publicly executed (beheaded) in 1675 in Delhi by order of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb after refusing to convert to Islam.
• His martyrdom symbolizes the defense of freedom of conscience and the right to practice one's faith.

Key Memorials

• Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib (Chandni Chowk): Marks the site of his execution.
• Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib (near Parliament House): Marks the site of his cremation.

Commemoration

• His martyrdom is observed as Shaheedi Divas of Guru Tegh Bahadur every year on 24 November, as per the Nanakshahi calendar (2003).