Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji — The Ninth Guru

Early Life

From Meditation to Martyrdom

Born on 1 April 1621 in Amritsar. He was the youngest son of Guru Hargobind Ji. Originally named Tyag Mal (Master of Renunciation), he was renamed Tegh Bahadur (Mighty of the Sword) after displaying exceptional bravery in the Battle of Kartarpur at age 13.

After his father’s passing, he spent nearly 20 years in deep meditation at Bakala. Following Guru Har Krishan Ji’s cryptic indication “Baba Bakale,” a search led to Bakala where 22 imposters claimed to be the Guru. A merchant named Makhan Shah Lubana, guided by his own prayer test, found the true Guru and proclaimed “Guru ladho re!” (I have found the Guru!).

Teachings & Contributions

Fearlessness and Inner Strength

Composed 115 hymns in the Guru Granth Sahib, including the Salok Mahalla 9 — profound verses on detachment, inner strength, and the transient nature of the world
Founded the city of Anandpur Sahib (City of Bliss) in the foothills of the Himalayas, which would become the birthplace of the Khalsa under the Tenth Guru
Traveled extensively across India — to Dhaka (Bangladesh), Assam, Bengal, Bihar, and other regions — establishing Sikh congregations across the subcontinent
Emphasized the philosophy of fearlessness and inner strength: “Bhay kahoo ko det nahi, nahi bhay manat aan” (He who frightens none and is not frightened by anyone)
Championed the right to freedom of religion and conscience for ALL people, not just Sikhs

Key Events

Moments That Shaped a Faith

Discovery at Bakala

When 22 imposters set themselves up as Guru at Bakala, Makhan Shah Lubana devised a test. He visited each claimant and offered two gold coins (having silently promised 500 to the true Guru). Each imposter accepted the two coins. When he reached Tegh Bahadur Ji, the Guru quietly said, “You offered 500, but bring only 2?” Overjoyed, Makhan Shah climbed to the rooftop and shouted, “Guru ladho re!” (I’ve found the Guru!).

The Kashmiri Pandits’ Plea (1675)

A delegation of Kashmiri Hindu Brahmins (Pandits), led by Pandit Kirpa Ram, came to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji in desperation. Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb had ordered the forced conversion of all Kashmiri Hindus to Islam, with death as the alternative. While the Guru was contemplating the gravity of the situation, his young son Gobind Rai (the future Guru Gobind Singh Ji), just 9 years old, asked why he looked troubled. When told the situation, the child said, “Who better than you to protect them, Father?”

The Martyrdom (1675)

Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji challenged Aurangzeb: “Convert me first, then all of India will follow.” He was arrested and brought to Delhi with three companions — Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das, and Bhai Dayala Ji. The three were brutally executed before the Guru’s eyes: Bhai Mati Das was sawn in half alive, Bhai Dayala Ji was boiled in a cauldron, and Bhai Sati Das was wrapped in cotton and set on fire. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was then publicly beheaded at Chandni Chowk, Delhi, on 11 November 1675. He did not flinch, did not convert, and did not renounce his faith.

Legacy

A Sacrifice Unparalleled in History

Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is called “Hind di Chadar” (Shield of India) because he gave his life to protect the religious freedom of Hindus — a people of another faith. His sacrifice is unparalleled in human history: he died not for his own beliefs, but for the right of others to practice theirs.

Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Chandni Chowk, Delhi, marks the site of his martyrdom. His sacrifice directly led to the creation of the Khalsa by his son, Guru Gobind Singh Ji.