Context : PM Narendra Modi addressed an event in Kurukshetra, Haryana, marking 350 years of the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru.
Early Life and Lineage
- Identity: The ninth Guru of the Sikh religion.
- Birth Name: Born as Tyaga Mal; he was the youngest son of the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind.
- Title: Earned the title ‘Tegh Bahadur’ (Mighty of the Sword) from his father following his display of valour in battle against the Mughals.
Succession:
- Ascended as the ninth Guru in 1664, succeeding Guru Har Krishan.
- He was the father of Guru Gobind Singh, who later became the tenth Sikh Guru.
Key Contributions and Works
- Founding of Anandpur Sahib:
- Established the city of Anandpur Sahib in Punjab (located near the Sutlej River and Shivalik Hills).
- Significance: This city served as the residence for the last two Sikh Gurus and was the site where the Khalsa Panth was founded in 1699.
- Literary Contributions: Composed over 100 poetic hymns incorporated into the Guru Granth Sahib, covering themes of divinity, human attachment, and service.
- Protection of Rights: Actively resisted the forced religious conversions of non-Muslims, specifically championing the cause of Kashmiri Pandits.
Martyrdom
- Execution: Publicly executed (beheaded) in 1675 in Delhi on the orders of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb for refusing to convert to Islam.
- Significance: His sacrifice is revered as a supreme act of defense for religious freedom and human rights.
Memorials and Commemoration
- Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib (Chandni Chowk): Marks the specific site of his execution.
- Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib: Marks the site where his body was cremated.
- Shaheedi Divas: Observed annually on 24th November (per the Nanakshahi calendar) to honor his martyrdom.
