Sikhs around the world commemorate Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom day on November 24th each year. This day is known as Guru Tegh Bahadur Shaheedi Diwas.
Who is Guru Tegh Bahadur?
Guru Tegh Bahadur was the ninth guru of the Sikhs and the leader of Sikhs from 1665 until his beheading in 1675. He was born in Amritsar, Punjab, India in 1621 and was the youngest son of Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh guru. He is known as Hind Ki Chadar, which translates to “India’s Shield”. People across the country pay homage to the ninth guru on this day and remember his great struggle.
The Celebration of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s Martyrdom Day (Guru Tegh Bahadur Shaheedi Diwas)
Guru Tegh Bahadur’s Martyrdom Day (Guru Tegh Bahadur Shaheedi Diwas) is celebrated every year on November 24 by Sikhs and other communities who respect his sacrifice. On this day, people visit the gurdwaras, the Sikh places of worship, and pay their respects to the guru. They listen to the recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib and the kirtan, the singing of the hymns. They also participate in the langar, the community kitchen, where free food is served to everyone regardless of their caste, creed, or religion. They also donate to charity and help the needy.
Guru Tegh Bahadur’s Martyrdom Day (Guru Tegh Bahadur Shaheedi Diwas) is also a day to reflect on the values and teachings of the guru. He taught the people to be fearless, truthful, and compassionate. He taught them to respect all religions and to stand up for justice and human rights. He taught them to live in harmony and peace with each other. He taught them to serve God and humanity with devotion and humility.
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The Life and Teachings of Guru Tegh Bahadur
Guru Tegh Bahadur was a learned spiritual scholar and a poet whose 115 hymns are included in the Guru Granth Sahib, the main text of Sikhism. He taught the people to be fearless, truthful, and compassionate. He taught them to respect all religions and to stand up for justice and human rights. He taught them to live in harmony and peace with each other. He taught them to serve God and humanity with devotion and humility.
The Challenge of Aurangzeb and the Persecution of Non-Muslims
In 1669, the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb departed from the policy of tolerance practised by his predecessors and unleashed instead a policy of religious persecution against non-Muslims. He imposed a tax on non-Muslims, demolished their temples and schools, and forced them to convert to Islam or face death. Many Hindus, especially the Kashmiri Pandits, faced the threat of extinction. They approached Guru Tegh Bahadur for help and guidance.
The Sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur for Religious Freedom
Guru Tegh Bahadur decided to stand up for the rights of the oppressed and challenged Aurangzeb’s tyranny. He declared that he would sacrifice his life if Aurangzeb could convert him to Islam. He was arrested along with some of his companions and taken to Delhi. There, he was tortured and pressured to abandon his faith and accept Islam. He refused to do so and remained steadfast in his beliefs.
He was publicly executed by beheading on November 24, 1675 at Chandni Chowk, Delhi. His body was secretly cremated by a Sikh devotee named Lakhi Shah Vanjara, who set his house on fire to avoid detection. His head was taken by another Sikh devotee named Bhai Jaita and brought to Anandpur Sahib, where his son and successor Guru Gobind Singh received it with reverence.
Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom was a unique and unprecedented event in human history. He gave his life not for his own people or religion, but for the people of another faith who were being oppressed and persecuted. He showed the world the true meaning of tolerance, compassion, and courage. He inspired millions of people to fight for their rights and dignity. He is revered as a hero and a saint by Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike.
Gurdwaras that are associated with Guru Tegh Bahadur’s Martyrdom
Some of the important gurdwaras that are associated with Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom are Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib and Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib in Delhi. These gurdwaras mark the places of execution and cremation of Guru Tegh Bahadur. They are decorated with flowers and lights and visited by thousands of devotees on this day. Processions are also taken out in various cities and towns, where people carry the portraits of the guru and sing his praises.
Significance of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s Martyrdom Day
Religious Freedom Advocacy: Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom symbolizes an unwavering commitment to the principles of religious freedom, inspiring generations to stand against oppression.
Unity in Diversity: The Guru’s teachings promote unity among people of diverse backgrounds, fostering a world where differences are celebrated, not persecuted.
Legacy of Sacrifice: Sikhs worldwide commemorate this day to honor the Guru’s sacrifice, finding strength and guidance in his enduring legacy.
Conclusion
Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom stands as a beacon of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the principles of truth, justice, and equality . His ultimate sacrifice for the sake of religious freedom serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of oppression and persecution.
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Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
Q.1: When is Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom day?
Ans: Guru Tegh Bahadur’s Martyrdom Day is observed every year on November 24. This day is also called Shaheedi Diwas.
Q.2: Why did Guru Tegh Bahadur die?
Ans: Guru Tegh Bahadur died because he refused to convert to Islam under the orders of Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor, who was persecuting the non-Muslims. He chose to sacrifice his life for the sake of religious freedom and human rights.
Q.3: Was Guru Teg Bahadur’s martyrdom the first-ever martyrdom for Human Rights in the world?
Ans: Some scholars and historians have claimed that Guru Teg Bahadur’s martyrdom was the first-ever martyrdom for human rights in the world. They argue that he was the first person to lay down his life for the rights of people of another faith, who were facing oppression and genocide. They also argue that he set an example of tolerance and pluralism that was rare in his time.
Q.4: Who is Guru Tegh Bahadur Jayanti 2022?
Ans: Guru Tegh Bahadur Jayanti 2022 is the 400th birth anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh guru. It will be celebrated on April 18, 2022. On this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release a commemorative coin and postage stamp in honor of the guru. .
