Guru Tegh Bahadur's Martyrdom Day 2021: The day marks the death anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. He was the ninth Sikh Guru and second Sikh martyr, who sacrificed his life for a religion not his own.
Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom Day is also observed as Shaheedi Diwas.
He was the father of the tenth Guru, Gobind Singh. He undertook the supreme sacrifice for the protection of the most fundamental of human rights.
In the late seventeenth century, a delegation of 500 kashmiri pandits led by Kripa Ram approached Guru Tegh Bahadur at Anandpur Sahib to tell him about the forcible conversions done at the hands of Iftikhar Khan.
The Guru agreed to help the kashmiri pandits and commented that such an act can only be stopped if someone is ready to sacrifice himself for the righteous cause.
To this, his son Guru Gobind Singh, replied who bigger than you is the protector of Dharma.
He said to the delegation of kashmiri pandits, go and tell Aurangzeb if he can convert the Guru, all kashmiri pandits will follow the suit.
His Words meant that kashmiri Pandits can follow their religion without any threat.
The Guru was subsequently arrested in Ropar and later on brought as a captive to Delhi and presented before the mughal emperor.
Aurangzeb asked the Guru to convert to Islam, which he straight away refused.
Three of his devotees: Bhai Sati Das, Bhai Mati Das and Bhai Dayala were butchered in front of him.
The Guru stood his ground and continued his refusal to convert to Islam.
Hence the following day in 1675, he was publicaly beheaded at Chandini Chowk on the orders of the then Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb as he had opposed the policy of religious persecution being enforced at that time.
The sites of his execution and cremation were later turned into Sikh holy places- Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib & Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib.
His followers all over the world remember the sacrifice he made for human values and religious freedom.
Guru Tegh Bahadur, who was a poet, a thinker and a warrior, carried Guru Nanak's and other Sikh Gurus' message of sanctity forward. He travelled across the Indian subcontinent to spread Sikhism's message.
His term as the ninth sikh Guru spanned from the year 1665 till his death in 1675.
There are 115 hymns of Guru Tegh Bahadur in the holy book, Guru Granth Sahib.
The Sikh Guru is remembered for his selfless service to the people. He also set up the community kitchens (langar) for the local people.
The holy city Anandpur Sahib was founded by Guru Tegh Bahadur.
As a tribute to him, one of the All India hockey tournaments has been named the "All India Guru Tegh Bahadur Gold Cup".
Guru Tegh Bahadur carried forward the message and light of sanctity of Guru Nanak and other Sikh Gurus. He was a warrior, a thinker, and a poet.
He traveled through the Indian subcontinent to spread the message of Sikhism. He had also set up many preaching centres where people can pray and share their thoughts.