On 24th November 2025, the 350th martyrdom day of Guru Teg Bahadur was observed

On 24th November 2025, the 350th martyrdom day of Guru Teg Bahadur was observed.Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was born on April 1, 1621, at Guru Ke Mehal in Amritsar, as the youngest child of Guru Hargobind Ji.He was originally named Tyag Mal, meaning one capable of great sacrifice.Baba Buddha was entrusted with overseeing his upbringing and overall development.His character was shaped by Guru Hargobind Ji’s doctrine of Miri and Piri and the calm, spiritual nature of his mother.His son, Guru Gobind Singh, later became the tenth Sikh Guru.

Spiritual Identity and Guruship

¨     Tyag Mal was given the title “Tegh Bahadur”, meaning Mighty of the Sword, by Guru Hargobind Ji for his remarkable bravery in the Battle of Kartarpur.

¨     He later became the ninth Guru of the Sikhs, known as Guru Tegh Bahadur.

¨     He was deeply committed to spreading Guru Nanak’s message, travelling to sacred places across northern and eastern India.

¨     The Guru made the ultimate sacrifice for the religious freedom of the Kashmiri Pandits, refusing to convert to Islam under the tyranny of the Mughal Empire.

Founding of Anandpur Sahib

¨     Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji felt spiritually drawn to the serene surroundings near Makhowal, located in the Shivalik foothills.

¨     In 1672, he purchased land from the Raja of Bilaspur and established the settlement, Chak Nanaki.

¨     This place was later renamed Anandpur, meaning the city of eternal bliss, in recognition of its spiritual and natural tranquillity.

¨     Teachings and Contributions: He composed 116 shabads and 15 ragas, which are preserved in the Adi Granth.

Martyrdom

¨     Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was executed in Delhi on the orders of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in the year 1675.

¨     The sites of his execution and cremation are marked by Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib and Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib in Delhi.

¨     His martyrdom is observed as Shaheedi Divas, traditionally commemorated on November 24, the historic day marking the sacrifice of the ninth Sikh Guru.

Sikhism

¨     Sikhism is a monotheistic religion founded in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent by Guru Nanak in the late 15th century.

¨     It emphasizes equality, truthful living, and devotion to one God, while rejecting superstitions and blind rituals.

¨     Sikhs believe in a single, all-encompassing God, whom they refer to as Waheguru, and follow the teachings of ten human Gurus, with the final, living Guru being the sacred scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib.