Hind Di Chadar: The Life, Travels, and Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji
When you enter Delhi from Haryana through the Singhu border, one of the first landmarks that catches your eye is a memorial dedicated to the Ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. This memorial, maintained by the Government of Delhi, stands on 11.87 acres of land. At its center is a 24-meter-high pylon surrounded by petals symbolizing the Guru’s strength. Three “C” shaped arches stand nearby, representing his three devoted followers, while tall stone monoliths carry inscriptions of the sayings of all ten Sikh Gurus.
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is remembered in history as a symbol of courage and sacrifice. During the reign of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, when Hindus were facing persecution and forced conversions, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji chose to stand for their right to practice their faith. His martyrdom is regarded as one of the greatest acts of selfless sacrifice in Indian history.
Early Life
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was born on April 1, 1621, in Amritsar, Punjab. His birth name was Tyag Mal, and he was the youngest son of Guru Hargobind Ji, the sixth Sikh Guru, and Mata Nanaki Ji. The family belonged to the Sodhi clan of Khatris. Guru Hargobind Ji had five sons and one daughter, and among them, Tyag Mal grew up to be remembered for his courage, principles, and deep sense of sacrifice.
Growing Up
From an early age, he was trained in swordsmanship, martial arts, and horse riding, developing both physical strength and discipline. Along with military training, Sikh education at the time also emphasized Theology, Philosophy, History, and Classical languages. At the age of four and a half years, Tyag Mal began his schooling under Bhai Buddha Ji, a revered teacher who had also guided Guru Hargobind Ji. This early blend of spiritual learning and martial training shaped his character and prepared him for the path he was destined to walk.
A Childhood Sakhi of Compassion
From his earliest days, young Tyag Mal was unlike other children. His heart was full of kindness, and he found joy in easing the pain of others. One day, while walking outside, he noticed a poor boy standing by the roadside. The boy’s eyes were fixed on Tyag Mal’s fine clothes, for he himself had nothing to wear.
Without hesitation, Tyag Mal removed his own shirt and gently placed it on the boy. The poor child’s face lit up with gratitude, while Tyag Mal quietly returned home. Seeing him without his shirt, his mother asked what had happened. With innocent simplicity, he replied, “I gave my shirt to that boy because nobody else was going to give him clothes. But I can always get another one from you.”
Even as a child, Tyag Mal’s compassion shone through. This small act reflected the spirit of selflessness that would later define him as Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the protector of the downtrodden and the shield of the oppressed.
Tyag Mal to Guru Tegh Bahadur
At the age of 14, Tyag Mal took part in the Battle of Kartarpur, fought against the Mughal forces of Emperor Shah Jahan, who was unsettled by the growing influence of Guru Hargobind Ji. In this battle, the young Tyag Mal displayed remarkable courage and skill, fighting alongside his father and brother. Impressed by his bravery, Guru Hargobind Ji gave him the name Tegh Bahadur, meaning “Brave Sword.”
His choice of the title Tegh Bahadur for himself led to the saying:
“Jis Ki deg, Us ki tegh.”
(one who is compassionate and charitable commands the sword)
The Lineage of Leadership
Guru Hargobind Ji often spoke highly of his son, saying, “He knows everything. Even knowing all, his heart is full of patience. He is the embodiment of all good qualities. There is no one like him in the world. It is because of these qualities that he is worthy of great respect.” Such words reflected the deep faith Guru Hargobind Ji had in Tegh Bahadur’s wisdom and character.
In 1644, Guru Hargobind Ji passed away, appointing his grandson Guru Har Rai Ji as the seventh Sikh Guru. Guru Har Rai Ji led the Sikh community for about 17 years until his early death at the age of 31. During his time, he openly supported Dara Shikoh, the liberal-minded Mughal prince, as the rightful successor to the throne instead of Aurangzeb. However, Aurangzeb defeated and killed his brothers in the war of succession and declared himself emperor. He then summoned Guru Har Rai Ji to his court.
Instead, the Guru sent his elder son, Ram Rai, carrying a copy of the handwritten Adi Granth. When Aurangzeb questioned Ram Rai about verses he thought were critical of Muslims, Ram Rai altered their meaning to avoid angering the emperor. This act of weakness deeply disappointed Guru Har Rai Ji, who disowned him and refused to see him again. Before his passing, Guru Har Rai Ji appointed his younger son, Har Krishan Ji, as the eighth Guru of the Sikhs at the tender age of five.
The Succession After Guru Har Krishan Ji
After the passing of Guru Hargobind Ji, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji moved to the town of Bakala, where he lived in silence and deep meditation for nearly 20 years. His life of solitude came to an end with the untimely death of the eighth Guru, Guru Har Krishan Ji, who passed away at the young age of eight. On his deathbed, he revealed that his successor lived at Bakala by uttering the words ‘Baba Bakale’.It is believed that Guru Har Krishan Ji contracted smallpox while serving and comforting his ailing followers.
After the passing of Guru Har Krishan Ji, word spread among Sikhs that the next Guru was to be found at “Baba Bakale.” This announcement, however, led to confusion. In the village of Bakala, as many as twenty-two men declared themselves to be the rightful successors. Among them, the most determined was Dhir Mal, the elder son of Gurditta (Guru Hargobind Ji’s eldest son). He based his claim on the principle of primogeniture, the idea that the eldest son should inherit leadership. But such a principle was never part of Sikh tradition.
From the time of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, succession had always been decided by merit, devotion, and the ability to carry forward the Guru’s mission. Amidst these false claims, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji remained unaffected. He continued his life of meditation and simplicity in Bakala, absorbed in prayer and service, untouched by the scramble for power around him.
The Recognition of the Ninth Guru
In 1664, the five Sikhs entrusted by Guru Har Krishan Ji to carry his message of succession arrived in Bakala. A large congregation was held, where the respected priest Gurditta placed a sacred coconut and five copper coins before Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, formally declaring him the ninth Guru of the Sikhs. With great humility, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji accepted these symbols, affirming his loyalty to the house of Guru Nanak. However, this did not end the disputes; several false claimants continued to challenge his authority, conspiring to weaken his position.
One of the most famous accounts of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s recognition as the ninth Sikh Guru is linked to a wealthy trader named Makhan Shah Labana. He had once promised to offer 500 gold coins to the Guru after surviving a dangerous shipwreck. When he reached Bakala, where many were claiming to be the Guru, he decided to test them. To each claimant, he offered just two gold coins, believing that only the true Guru would know of his secret promise.
Every claimant accepted the two coins without question, until Makhan Shah finally met Tegh Bahadur Ji. When he placed the two coins before him, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji blessed him but gently reminded him that his true offering was 500 coins. Astonished, Makhan Shah immediately placed the remaining coins at the Guru’s feet. Overjoyed at having found the true Guru, he rushed to the rooftop and shouted to the people, “Guru ladho re! Guru ladho re!” which means, “I have found the Guru! I have found the Guru!”
Following this, in August 1664, a group of Sikhs formally appointed Tegh Bahadur Ji as the ninth Guru under the leadership of Diwan Dargha Mal. Like the Gurus who succeeded Guru Arjan Dev Ji after his martyrdom, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was accompanied by armed bodyguards for protection. Despite this, he himself lived a life of great simplicity and humility.
Spreading The Message Of Guru Nanak
Once he became Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji undertook long journeys to spread the teachings of Sikhism. He traveled extensively across the Indian subcontinent, visiting places such as Assam, Patna, Dhaka (in present-day Bangladesh), Orissa, Chittagong, and Agartala. Through these travels, he preached the message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and established Sikh congregations, known as sangats, strengthening the community’s spiritual and social foundations.
In November 1665, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji set out from Punjab with his family and devoted companions. His journey took him through sacred towns like Pehowa, Kurukshetra, Delhi, Mathura, Brindaban, and Agra, before reaching Allahabad. There, at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati, he stayed for nearly six months. Guru Gobind Singh Ji later described this episode in Bachitar Natak, recalling how his father visited holy sites, performed acts of charity, and lived with deep humility during his travels.
“Mur pit purab kiyas payaanaa,
Bhaant bhaant ke tirath Nana
Jab eh Jat tribaini bhaye
Punn daan din karat bitae.”
(Dasam Granth, p. 142)
(In this passage, Guru Gobind Singh Ji recounts that his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, travelled eastward, visiting many sacred places. Upon reaching Tribaini (Prayag), he paused there, dedicating his time to charity, service, and acts of humility.)
From Allahabad, the Guru continued his mission, visiting Mirzapur, Benaras, Sasaram, and Gaya, before arriving in Patna in November 1666. He later accompanied Raja Ram Singh to Dacca and Assam, where he spent over two years guiding communities and encouraging harmony before returning to Patna in 1671.
When he moved back toward Punjab, Guru Ji chose not to settle in Kiratpur, which had become mired in rivalries and discord. Instead, he was drawn to the serene beauty of the Shivalik foothills near the village of Makhowal, along the banks of the Satluj.
In 1672, he purchased land from the Raja of Bilaspur and founded a settlement named Chak Nanaki, in honor of his mother Mata Nanaki. Captivated by the peace and divine presence he felt in the area, the Guru renamed the town Anandpur—“the city of eternal bliss.” This city would later become a spiritual and cultural center for Sikhs under the guidance of his son, Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
The Mughal ruler overpowers people
At this time, Aurangzeb sat on the throne of the Mughal Empire. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s mission of spreading Sikh philosophy coincided with a period of harsh religious policies under Aurangzeb’s rule. As Dr. Trilochan Singh notes in his book Guru Tegh Bahadur: Prophet and Martyr, “The persecution of the Hindus was the most momentous feature of Aurangzeb’s reign. Although Aurangzeb had a lot of Hindu blood in him, he hated the Hindus everywhere except in the army, where the might of the Rajput warriors was indispensable, and in the harem, where the beauty and loyalty of the Hindu princess enchanted even his puritan and ascetic mind to the point of romantic madness. His principal queen, Nawab Bai, the mother of his successor, Bahadur Shah, was a Hindu princess of Kashmir.”
In Guru ji’s words,
ਕਾਹੇ ਰੇ ਬਨ ਖੋਜਨ ਜਾਈ ॥
Why do you go looking for Him in the forest?
ਸਰਬ ਨਿਵਾਸੀ ਸਦਾ ਅਲੇਪਾ ਤੋਹੀ ਸੰਗਿ ਸਮਾਈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Although he is unattached, he dwells everywhere. He is always with you as your companion.
ਪੁਹਪ ਮਧਿ ਜਿਉ ਬਾਸੁ ਬਸਤੁ ਹੈ ਮੁਕਰ ਮਾਹਿ ਜੈਸੇ ਛਾਈ ॥
Like the fragrance which remains in the flower, and like the reflection in the mirror,
ਤੈਸੇ ਹੀ ਹਰਿ ਬਸੇ ਨਿਰੰਤਰਿ ਘਟ ਹੀ ਖੋਜਹੁ ਭਾਈ ॥੧॥
The Lord dwells deep within; search for Him within your own heart, O Siblings of Destiny.
Acting Against The Atrocities Of Aurangzeb
Aurangzeb ordered the forced conversion of Brahmins from the major centers of learning such as Kurukshetra, Haridwar, Kashmir, and Benares. He believed that if the Brahmins, who were the custodians of knowledge and teaching, were converted, Hinduism itself would collapse. His policy of religious persecution struck fear across society, leaving Hindus in despair.
In response, a group of around 500 Brahmins decided to seek help and guidance from Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. They chose a respected Kashmiri scholar, Kripa Ram Ji, to lead their delegation. He described to the Guru the cruelty, suffering, and torture Hindus faced for refusing to abandon their faith. Moved by their plight, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji assured them, saying, “Now that you have come all the way for help and protection, you will certainly get it.”
At that time, the Guru’s young son, Gobind Rai (later Guru Gobind Singh Ji), was only nine years old. Having listened to the Brahmins’ plea and the pain they shared, he asked his father who would step forward to defend the Hindus in this time of crisis. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji explained that such a situation called for the highest sacrifice. Without hesitation, young Gobind Rai replied, “Father, who is greater than you in these dark times? Who else can take on this task of guiding the Emperor towards peace, unity, and harmony? If a sacrifice is needed, who else but you, O revered Guru, can offer your life for this cause?”
Standing Tall For The People
During his tenure, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji knew that the future of the Sikh Panth would remain in strong and capable hands. He asked Kripa Ram Ji to deliver a message to Aurangzeb: if the emperor could succeed in converting him, then the entire Hindu community would willingly embrace Islam. Aurangzeb was overjoyed at this challenge. He believed that convincing or forcing just one man would fulfill his dream of turning India into Dar-al-Islam, a land ruled by Islamic law.
With full resolve, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji set out for Delhi, accompanied by his devoted disciples, Diwan Mati Das, Bhai Dayal Das, Bhai Sati Das, and Bhai Gurditta. In Delhi, Aurangzeb tried every possible way, from persuasion to threats, but he could not shake the Guru’s faith. On his way, he was arrested at Ropar along with his close companions and taken to Delhi. For months, he was confined in prison and pressured to perform miracles or embrace Islam. He refused both, choosing instead to stand firm in his principles. Enraged, he ordered the execution of the Guru’s companions in front of him, hoping it would weaken his resolve.
Sadly, Bhai Dayal Das was boiled alive in a cauldron, Bhai Sati Das was wrapped in cotton and burned, and Bhai Mati Das was sawn into pieces. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was forced to witness these brutal killings, yet his spirit remained unshaken. His faith stood tall like the Himalayas and deep like the ocean, unbroken by cruelty or fear.
Martyrdom Of Guru Ji
In November 1675, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was beheaded in Chandni Chowk, Delhi, by the order of Emperor Aurangzeb. Today, Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib stands at that very spot, a living reminder of the Guru’s supreme sacrifice. Nearby, Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib marks the place where his body was secretly cremated by a devoted follower who even set fire to his own house to protect the Guru’s remains from Mughal hands. These shrines continue to inspire generations with the story of his courage.
After his martyrdom, the Guru’s head was carried with great courage by Bhai Jaita (later known as Bhai Jiwan Singh) to Anandpur Sahib, where it was cremated with honor. His body was taken by another devotee to Rakab Ganj in Delhi, where it was consigned to flames in defiance of Aurangzeb’s orders. These acts of devotion ensured that the Guru’s sacrifice was remembered for all time. His martyrdom is unparalleled in history—a selfless act to protect the freedom of faith. Even today, Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib and Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib in Delhi stand as powerful symbols of unshaken faith, reminding both Sikhs and Hindus of the price paid to uphold dharma and human dignity.
Guru Ji believed in,
“Give up your head, but forsake not those whom you have undertaken to protect. Sacrifice your life, but relinquish not your faith."
Gurudwaras In Memory
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is remembered both as the founder of Anandpur Sahib and as the savior of the Kashmiri Pandits, who turned to him for protection when they were being forced to abandon their faith under Mughal rule. His sacrifice was not for one community alone—it became a symbol of the universal right to practice one’s religion freely. After his execution in Delhi, Sikhs and devotees built gurdwaras at places connected with his martyrdom, keeping alive the memory of his courage and compassion.
Among these, Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi stands at the site of his execution. Close by, Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib was built where a devoted follower set fire to his own house so that the Guru’s body could be cremated without falling into Mughal hands. In Punjab, another Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib marks the place where his severed head, brought there by Bhai Jaita (later known as Bhai Jiwan Singh) in defiance of the Mughal authorities, was cremated with dignity. These sacred shrines continue to tell the story of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s ultimate sacrifice.
In Guru ji’s words,
ਘਟ ਘਟ ਮੈ ਹਰਿ ਜੂ ਬਸੈ ਸੰਤਨ ਕਹਿਓ ਪੁਕਾਰਿ ॥
ghat ghat mai har ju basai santan kahio pukaar.
The dear Lord lives in each and every heart, the saints have spoken this truth.
ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਤਿਹ ਭਜੁ ਮਨਾ ਭਉ ਨਿਧਿ ਉਤਰਹਿ ਪਾਰਿ ॥12॥
kahu naanak tih bhaj manaa bhou nidh otreh paar
Says Nanak meditate and vibrate upon God, and you shall be taken across the terrible world ocean.
Reference Links:
Medium - The Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji https://medium.com/@suhelsinghrandhawa/the-marytrdom-of-guru-tegh-bahadur-ji-and-the-story-of-aurangzebs-oppression-pracheen-panth
Explores Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s martyrdom as a stand against Aurangzeb’s oppression, symbolizing sacrifice for religious freedom and human dignity.
Sikhnet - The Stillness of Sri Teg Bahadur
https://www.sikhnet.com/news/stillness-sri-teg-bahadur-sikh-history-animated
Highlights young Guru Tegh Bahadur’s quiet strength and stillness, encouraging recognition of deeper qualities in children.
Campus Chronicle - The life and legacy of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji: The Ninth Guru
https://campuschronicle.in/the-life-and-legacy-of-guru-tegh-bahadur-ji-the-ninth-guru/
Presents Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s life, teachings, travels, and martyrdom, emphasizing his sacrifice for religious freedom and human dignity.
Haryanaraj Bhavan - Martyrdom of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur: A Scintillating Tale of Sacrifice
Honours Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s supreme sacrifice as Hind Di Chadar, upholding religious freedom, unity, and India’s cultural heritage.
Kids Kiddle - Guru Tegh Bahadur facts for kids
https://kids.kiddle.co/Guru_Tegh_Bahadur
Gives insight into Guru Tegh Bahadur’s life, travels, sacrifice for religious freedom, and enduring legacy in a child-friendly format.
Sikhnet - Full Timeline of the Life of Guru Teg Bahadur
https://www.sikhnet.com/news/full-timeline-life-guru-teg-bahadur
A chronological overview of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s life, highlighting his spiritual journey, travels, founding of Anandpur Sahib, and supreme sacrifice for religious freedom.
Sikhnet - Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur: An Overview of His Life and Bani
https://www.sikhnet.com/news/sri-guru-tegh-bahadur-overview-his-life-and-bani
An overview of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s life, hymns, and martyrdom, highlighting his spiritual legacy and defense of religious freedom.
Britannica - Guru Tegh Bahādur
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Guru-Tegh-Bahadur
Outlines the life of Guru Tegh Bahadur, emphasizing his hymns, defense of religious freedom, and martyrdom under Aurangzeb.
SGTB Khalsa - Guru Tegh Bahadur: Life and Legacy
https://sgtbkhalsadu.ac.in/about/historical-perspective/sgtb
Traces the college’s journey from a refugee school in 1951 to a leading Delhi University institution, inspired by Guru Tegh Bahadur’s values of resilience, learning, and service.
Sikh Heritage - Guru Tegh Bahadur 1621-1675 A.D. The Ninth Guru
https://sikhheritageeducation.com/guru-tegh-bahadur1621-1675-a-d-the-nineth-guru/
A detailed biography of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji that covers his early life, spiritual training, travels across India, and courageous defense of religious freedom.