
A tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru, whose martyrdom defended the right to religious freedom (Photo: File)
The 350th Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is one of deep reflection upon a sacrifice that reshaped the spiritual and moral landscape of India. His stand for religious freedom was not just an act of defiance, but a declaration that dignity and faith belong to every individual, irrespective of their beliefs.
The fearless, meditative, and compassionate spirit of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Guru of Sikhism, was born in 1621. He did much traveling, spreading messages of equality and peace. His life thus reflected courage grounded in spiritual conviction.
His martyrdom refers to the moment he chose death over abandoning the rights of others. Guru Tegh Bahadur faced pressure from the Mughal Empire to convert, he refused and accepted execution so others might have free exercise of faith. His sacrifice remains one of history’s strongest statements against tyranny.
He was born Tyag Mal in Amritsar and was trained in scriptures, classical music and martial skills. The Guru lived during Aurangzeb's rule when religious coercion became particularly strong across the empire. His decision to defend Kashmiri Pandits brought him into direct conflict with the state.
He was arrested, tortured and repeatedly asked to convert, but remained firm. In 1675, he was beheaded in Delhi. Memorials at Sisganj Sahib and Rakab Ganj Sahib mark his final journey.
This milestone is not just a remembrance but a reminder of the values at the heart of his sacrifice: freedom of conscience, justice, and compassion. At a time when societies still struggle with intolerance, his message feels as urgent as ever.
The protection of Guru Tegh Bahadur extended to the Kashmiri Pandits, who gave him the title "Hind di Chadar," the Shield of India. He stood for the rights of a community outside his own, showing that true faith does not draw boundaries around humanity.
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Disclaimer: This article is for educational and historical understanding. Interpretations are based on widely accepted accounts and are not meant to challenge any faith or belief.