350th
Shaheedi Dihara
Dhan Dhan Dhan
Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji

1. Books

Lessons from the Bani of
Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji

Mukat Panth was first published by Sant Giani Naranjan Singh Ji, Patiala in 1975 to commemorate the 300th Shaheedi (martyrdom) anniversary of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji. Now, 50 years later, the digital copy of the Punjabi version and its translation into English is dedicated to the 350th anniversary of the Shaheedi (martyrdom) of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji which is on 25th November 2025.

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3. KATHA ON SHAHEEDI OF DHAN

SRI GURU TEG BAHADUR SAHIB JI

This katha was done by Singh Sahib Giani Pritpal Singh Ji, Head Granthi, Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib, Patiala. It is an extract from the complete katha of the Gurpartap Suraj Parkash Granth, which is available at Katha Suraj Parkash.

4. SIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN THE LIFE OF
SRI GURU TEG BAHADUR SAHIB JI

1621

PERKASH: April 1 in Amritsar, Punjab.
Parents : Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji and Mata Nanki Ji.
Named Tyag Mal (meaning “Master of Renunciation”).
Sri Tyag Mal Ji was the youngest of six siblings.
His father, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, was 26 years old at this time. His mother, Mata Nanki Ji was 21 years old.

1626 : Age 5

Guru Sahib Ji received education in Gurmukhi, Hindi, Sanskrit, and Indian religious philosophy. Trained in archery and horsemanship by Baba Buddha Sahib Ji and learned swordsmanship from His father, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji.

1628 : Age 7

Battle of Sangrana : First battle of Sikhs with Mughals took place at Amritsar's Lohgarh fort after emperor Shah Jahan sent his general Mukhlis Khan to 'teach the Guru a lesson', but Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji was victorious.

1630 : Age 9

Battle of Rohilla : At Hargobindpura, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji defended the city against the local governor, Abdullah Khan, who was ultimately defeated in battle.

Guru Sahib Ji and family moved from Amritsar to Kiratpur. Sri Tyag Mal Ji (Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji) lived there for the next 14 years before moving to Bakala.

1631 : Age 10

Battle of Amritsar : At Gurusar. This happened after Bhai Bidhi Chand Ji recovered the two horses that belonged to Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji.

1632 : Age 11

MARRIAGE TO MATA GUJRI JI

Sri Tyag Mal Ji (Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji) married Mata Gujri Ji, who was nine years old.

1634 : Age 13

Battle of Kartarpur : The Fourth Battle took place in Kartarpur. The Sikhs were triumphant. The reclusive Sri Tyag Mal Ji participated in this battle, demonstrating great valour against the Mughal forces. Sri Tyag Mal Ji’s bravery was recognised during this battle. This lead to Him being called Teg Bahadur (Brave with the Sword).

1644 : Age 23

Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji (age 48) merged in the Eternal Light (Joti Jot) and passed on Guruship to 14-year-old Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji - the son of Baba Gurditta Ji and nephew of Sri (Guru) Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji.

Following the Joti Jot of His father Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, Sri (Guru) Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji retreated to Bakala (with mother Mata Nanki Ji and wife Mata Gujri Ji) for a period of focused meditation and contemplation.

Gurdwara Sahib at Bakala
where Guru Sahib Ji spent many years in meditation

1656 : Age 35

Grand nephew Sri (Guru) Har Krishan Sahib Ji, son of Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji and Mata Kishan ji, was born (Perkash).

1658 : Age 37

Delhi was facing a war of succession as emperor Shah Jahan was too frail to rule. Shah Jahan had four sons. After some political manoeuvring and wars, Aurangzeb emerged as the victor. He then executed his brothers, Dara Shikoh and Murad Bakhsh. Another brother, Shah Shuja fled, eventually seeking refuge in Arakan (Rakhine State, Myanmar). Aurangzeb placed his father under house arrest in the Agra Fort, where the patriarch spent the rest of his years.

With all rivals eliminated or subdued, Aurangzeb ascended the throne as the sixth Mughal Emperor, marking a significant shift in Mughal governance towards a less tolerant approach of other faiths which were often viewed as heretical by the ruling religious clergy.

1664 : Age 43

GURGADDI SRI GURU TEG BAHADUR SAHIB JI

After the Joti Jot of Sri Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji, a search for the next Guru Sahib Ji led to Bakala, where many claimants emerged. A wealthy trader named Makhan Shah Labana recognised Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji as the True Guru when he offered Him two gold coins, and Guru Sahib Ji reminded Makhan Shah of his vow to give five hundred coins. Subsequently, Guru Sahib Ji was formally appointed as the ninth Sikh Guru by a congregation in August 1664. Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji then left Bakala and headed to the area now called Sri Anandpur Sahib.

1665 : Age 44

The Founding of Chakk Nanki (later called Sri Anandpur Sahib).

In April 1665, Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji decided to establish a new town that would serve as a centre for Sikh spirituality and governance. This decision came after Guru Sahib Ji received a request from Rani Champa of Bilaspur (Kahlur), who sought to keep Guru Sahib Ji close, due to her admiration for His spirituality and leadership.

Old photo of Sri Anandpur Sahib

The site chosen for Chakk Nanki was strategically located between several villages (Lodipur, Mianpur, and Sahota) and was surrounded by natural defences like rivers and hills. This location provided not only safety from probable Mughal invasions but also fertile land suitable for agriculture.

On June 1665, Bhai Gurditta Ji (son of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji) laid the foundation stone at the place now known as Guru Ke Mahal. The town was named Chakk Nanki in honour of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji’s mother, Mata Nanki Ji. During the initial months following its establishment, construction of basic infrastructure (such as houses for visitors) commenced.

August 1665 - Departure from Chakk Nanki (Sri Anandpur Sahib).
Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji set out from Chakk Nanki for a missionary tour aimed at strengthening the Sikh community and establishing new preaching centres. He was accompanied by several devoted Sikhs, including Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji, Bhai Sangtia Ji, Bhai Dayal Das Ji, and Bhai Jetha Ji.

1666 : Age 45

PERKASH SRI GURU GOBIND SINGH SAHIB JI

Continued missionary activities while travelling through Mathura, Agra, Allahabad, Etawah, Kanpur, Fatehpur, Benaras (Varanasi), and Sasaram before reaching Patna in May 1666. Many from the entourage, including Mata Gujri Ji's brother (Mama Kirpal Ji) stayed on with Mata Gujri Ji in Patna. Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji continued missionary tour to Bengal and Assam. Along the journey, Guru Sahib Ji stopped at various places and did Parchaar. Guru Sahib Ji’s son, Sri Gobind Rai Ji (later Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji) was born (Perkash) in Patna to Mata Gujri Ji on Poh Sudi 7, 1723 Bikrami.

Takth Sri Patna Sahib
Perkash (birth) place of
Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji

1669 : Age 48

Emperor Aurangzeb issued a general order to destroy Hindu temples and places of learning of the infidel kaafirs (non-Muslims), as well as to suppress the teaching of, and public practice of their religion.

Accompanied by Raja Ram Singh of Amber, who was on a military expedition against the Ahom kingdom in Assam, Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji reached Dhubri.

While in Dhubri, Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji acted as a mediator between Raja Ram Singh and the Ahom ruler Chakradhwaj Singh. His efforts lead to negotiations that prevented bloodshed between the two forces.

1670 : Age 49

April 1670 : Departure from Assam
After successfully mediating peace between Raja Ram Singh and the Ahom ruler Chakradhwaj Singh in Assam, Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji began His return journey towards Punjab.

Upon leaving Assam, Guru Sahib Ji travelled back to Patna, where He reunited with His family after an extended period away. His son, Sri Gobind Rai Ji, was about 4 years old at this time.

After a short stay at Patna, Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji left for Chakk Nanki (Sri Anandpur Sahib). The rest of Guru Sahib Ji’s family remained behind. Sometime later, His family began their journey back to Punjab after having spent several years in Patna. They travelled over 1,000 miles, stopping at various towns along the way.

1672 : Age 51

Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji undertook another extensive tour across the Malwa region of Punjab. He visited several villages and towns such as Patiala, Bhiki, Talwandi, Bathinda, and others.

During this time, Guru Sahib Ji worked on social upliftment initiatives such as digging wells and promoting agriculture among impoverished communities.

1674 : Age 53

Request for help by Kashmiri Pandits

During the reign of Aurangzeb, thousands of Hindu temples were destroyed and countless more were damaged.

During this time of severe persecution under the Mughal governor Iftikhar Khan, who was enforcing forced conversions to Islam among the Hindu population in Kashmir, a delegation of approximately 500 Kashmiri Pandits, led by Kirpa Ram Dutt, sought Guru Sahib Ji’s assistance and guidance at Chakk Nanki (Sri Anandpur Sahib). They were deeply distressed by the atrocities they faced and believed that only a significant sacrifice could halt the oppression they were enduring.

Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji listened to their plight and ultimately decided to take a stand against the tyranny of Aurangzeb.

Guru Sahib Ji advised the Pandits to tell the Mughal authorities that if they wanted to convert them to Islam, they should first convert Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji.

Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji’s reply to the Kashmiri Pandits was a courageous challenge to the Mughal authorities: if they could convert Him, then they could proceed with converting all Hindus. This act of defiance underscored His dedication to protecting their right to practice their religion freely.

Aurangzeb sent his messengers to invite Guru Sahib Ji to Delhi with the intention of converting Guru Sahib Ji. Guru Sahib Ji replied that He will go to Delhi Himself.

A short time later, Guru Ji left Anandpur Sahib and headed towards Agra, stopping at various places along the way. During that period, Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji wrote Gurbani and taught the masses important lessons about the impermanence of worldly life and encouraged a focus on spiritual growth over material attachment. This understanding is crucial for achieving inner peace and realising one's connection with God. A total of seven months passed in this way.

After seven months, Aurengzeb ordered the arrest of Guru Sahib Ji. Guru Sahib Ji notified the authorities of His presence in Agra while on His way to Delhi.

1675 : Age 54

Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji was arrested along with five of His followers - Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji, Bhai Dayal Das Ji, Bhai Gurditta Ji and Bhai Udo Ji.

During their imprisonment, Guru Sahib Ji and His five followers faced extreme torture designed to force them into renouncing their faith. The methods included physical beatings and psychological torment.

Guru Sahib Ji’s refusal to perform miracles or show signs of divine favour further enraged His captors. Instead of succumbing to fear or despair, He maintained a calm demeanour and encouraged dialogue about spirituality with His torturers. His steadfastness became a source of inspiration to many who witnessed the torture.

While in prison, Guru Sahib Ji appointed His only son as the next Guru. Sri Gobind Rai Ji inherited Guruship at age 14.

TORTURE AND MARTyrDOM OF three SIKHS to intimidate Guru Sahib Ji.

Bhai Mati Das Ji was the first amongst the three to be executed. He was tied between two posts and asked if he had any last words. His request was simple: “I request only that my head be turned towards my Guru as I am executed.” As he stood there, he began reciting Sri Japji Sahib. The executioners then sawed him in half from head to loins while he continued chanting Sri Japji Sahib until his last breath.

Bhai Sati Das Ji was executed shortly after his brother. He was wrapped in cotton wool and set ablaze while being tortured in front of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji. Even as flames engulfed him, he remained steadfast in his faith and continued to recite the Waheguru Mantar until he succumbed to the fire.

Bhai Dayal Das Ji faced a particularly gruesome execution method; he was boiled alive in a cauldron of hot water, in the same way that Sri Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji had been boiled. Despite the extreme pain inflicted upon him, he maintained his composure and continued reciting Sri Japji Sahib and Sri Sukhmani Sahib until he attained martyrdom.

The martyrdom of these three Sikhs exemplify their profound dedication to their faith and serve as a powerful testament against religious oppression.

The events surrounding their torture highlight the extreme measures taken by Aurangzeb’s regime against those who resisted conversion and stood firm in their beliefs.

Shaheedi Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji

Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji was imprisoned in an iron cage. This cage was designed to be restrictive, preventing Him from moving. Guru Sahib Ji was subjected to severe torture while confined within this cage. The cage served not only as a physical restraint but also as a psychological tool intended to break His spirit and force Him into submission. Guru Sahib Ji was also deprived of food and water. Despite these harsh conditions, Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji remained steadfast in His faith and principles.

The Mughal authorities offered Guru Sahib Ji various temptations and rewards if He would convert to Islam, which He categorically refused. He was subjected to physical beatings and other forms of cruelty intended to coerce Him into abandoning His beliefs.

Ultimately, when the torture did not have the desired effect, Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji was presented with three options by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb:

1. Embrace Islam: The first option was for Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji to convert to Islam and, in return, receive the highest honours in the emperor's court and to become the Chief Pir of the Islamic Religion.


2. Perform Miracles: The second option required Guru Sahib Ji to perform miracles, which were considered a fundamental characteristic of a true prophet according to Islamic beliefs.


3. Accept Death: The third option was to accept death if Guru Sahib Ji refused to comply with the first two demands.

Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji declined both the conversion and the performance of miracles, ultimately choosing the path of martyrdom by accepting death rather than compromising His principles or faith.

Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji was executed at Chandni Chowk, Delhi. Guru Sahib Ji’s age was about 54 years and 7 months.

Events that happened after the Shaheedi

Following Guru Sahib Ji’s beheading, the Mughal authorities intended to send a strong message by displaying His body as a deterrent against dissent. They planned to cut Guru Sahib Ji’s body into pieces and hang it at various gates around Delhi. However, this plan was thwarted by an unexpected natural event—a severe dust storm that enveloped the area, causing chaos and confusion among those present.

In this tumultuous situation, Bhai Jaita Ji (later known as Bhai Jiwan Singh Ji), managed to retrieve Guru Sahib Ji's severed head from the execution site. He took great risks to ensure that it would not fall into the hands of the Mughal authorities. This act was crucial as it preserved the sanctity and honour of Guru Sahib Ji.

Cremation of Guru Sahib Ji's body:

Simultaneously, another devotee named Bhai Lakhi Shah took it upon himself to recover Guru Ji's body. He cleverly transported Guru Sahib Ji’s body in a cart under the guise of delivering lime for construction work at the Red Fort. To ensure that the cremation could take place without attracting attention from Mughal authorities, he brought Guru Sahib Ji’s body back to his home in Raisina and set his house on fire, creating an impression that it was an accidental fire. Some years later, Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib was built at the place where Bhai Lakhi Shah Ji cremated Guru Sahib Ji’s body.

Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib
where Guru Sahib Ji’s body was cremated.

Journey to Anandpur Sahib:

Bhai Jaita Ji began a perilous journey to deliver Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji’s head to Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji. To evade capture by Mughal soldiers who were pursuing him, Bhai Jaita Ji travelled through various villages while keeping Guru Sahib Ji’s head concealed.

Arrival at Anandpur Sahib:

After several days of travel filled with danger and uncertainty, Bhai Jaita Ji successfully reached Sri Anandpur Sahib. There, he presented Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji’s severed head to Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji in a solemn ceremony attended by many followers. The reunion was marked by deep grief and also immense respect for the sacrifice made by Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji.

Final Resting Place:

Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji’s severed head was eventually cremated with full honours in Anandpur Sahib at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib. This act symbolised not only respect for Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji but also reinforced Guru Sahib Ji’s legacy as a martyr for religious freedom and human rights.

Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib (Sri Anandpur Sahib)
where Guru Sahib Ji's head was cremated

Additional Information

Mata Gujri Ji was 51 when she became a widow. She lived on for another 30 years (till age 81), when she witnessed the martyrdom of the Chote Sahibzade. Her father-in-law was Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, her husband was Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji, her son was Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib and grandsons were the four Sahibzades.

Mata Nanki Ji was 77 years old when her son was martyred. She lived on for another three years (till age 80). She was the daughter-in-law of Sri Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji, wife of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, mother of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji, grandmother of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji and great grandmother of the four Sahibzades.

Aurangzeb continued to rule for three decades more. His zeal for destroying non-Muslim ways continued. He went on to impose a tax on non-Muslims and destroy many more places of worship. He was eventually chastised by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji for breaking an oath he swore on the Quran and for the killing of the younger Sahibzade. When Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji sent His "Declaration of Victory (Zafarnama)” to Aurangzeb, it served not only as a critique but also as a catalyst for introspection within Aurangzeb. It forced him to confront the consequences of his actions against Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji and others throughout his rule. Ultimately, the Zafarnama caused Aurangzeb to regret his actions. He died with regret in his heart.

Spiritual Aspect

Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji’s Bani is included in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Guru Sahib Ji's teachings emphasise the importance of spiritual realisation, selflessness, and the pursuit of truth. His messages advocate for a life of detachment from material possessions and worldly pleasures while fostering compassion and justice for all, with the message: "Frighten no one, Fear no one.”

Legacy

Following His execution, the sacrifice of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji is commemorated annually as a symbol of religious freedom and resistance against oppression.

Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib (Delhi)
where Guru Sahib Ji's Shaheedi took place

Today, several memorials commemorate these significant events: Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib (Delhi) marks the site where Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji was executed. Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib is built over where Bhai Lakhi Shah Ji cremated Guru Sahib Ji’s body. Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib (Anandpur Sahib) marks where Guru Sahib Ji’s head was cremated.

These Gurdwaras serve as reminders of Guru Sahib Ji’s supreme sacrifice for religious freedom and continue to inspire countless devotees today. Guru Sahib Ji became the first ever spiritual leader in history to sacrifice His life; to protect ANOTHER religion.