Guru Tegh Bahadur

Why in news?

The Vice-President of India addressed an Interfaith Conclave in New Delhi, commemorating the 350^th martyrdom anniversary of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.

• Guru Tegh Bahadur is the 9^th of 10 Sikh Gurus (1664–75).
• He was preceded by Guru Har Krishan Sahib and succeeded by Guru Gobind Singh Sahib.
• Early Life –
  • He was born on April 1, 1621, in Amritsar as Tyag Mal, the youngest son of Guru Hargobind Ji (6^th Sikh Guru).
  • He was trained in scripture, music, horse riding, and swordsmanship.

Key Contributions 

• Hymns – His 115 hymns (Salokas) are included in the Guru Granth Sahib.
• He founded the town of Anandpur in 1672.
• Nirbhau & Nirvair – He questioned the tradition of worshipping at the graves of pirs and faqirs and urged his followers to be Nirbhau (fearless) and Nirvair (without envy).
• Wider audience – His sermons, delivered in a mix of Sadukhri and Braj languages, were widely understood from Sindh to Bengal.
• Concept of One God – He often alluded to Panchali (Draupadi) and Ganika in his preaching and declared that Hindustan could regain its piety if it took refuge in one God.
• Universal Brotherhood – He advocated against religious discrimination, caste-based discrimination, and untouchability and promoted equality and dignity for all.
• Religion as Duty – Emphasised that religion is not merely a belief system but a duty to uphold justice and morality.
• He promoted the principle of "Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam" (the world is one family).
• Execution – During Aurangzeb’s reign, Guru Tegh Bahadur resisted forced conversions of Kashmiri Pandits.
• He was arrested and brought to Delhi, and Aurangzeb ordered the public execution of the Guru on November 11, 1675, after he refused to embrace Islam.
• Gurdwara Sis Ganj – On the site of his execution, Gurdwara Sis Ganj was built in 1783.
• Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib – Historic Sikh shrine in New Delhi, built at the site where his body was cremated after his martyrdom in 1675.
• Titles –
  • He earned the title “Tegh Bahadur” (master of the sword) after his valour in the Battle of Kartarpur (1634).
  • Also, honoured with the title ‘Hind Di Chadar’ - a universal symbol of supreme sacrifice and moral courage.
  • Preferred to be remembered as “Deg Bahadur” (master of hospitality), symbolising compassion alongside courage.
• Spiritual Characteristics – He emphasised non-violence and taught the importance of maintaining principles in both happiness and sorrow.
• Cultural Impact – He is considered a pivotal figure in preserving religious diversity. He inspired future generations of Sikhs and Indians.

Sri Gur Bilas Patshahi Dasmi is a biography of Guru Gobind Singh by Kavi Sukha Singh, written in 1797.

References

PIB | 350^th Martyrdom Anniversary of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji