Guru Tegh Bahadar Ji – Hind Di Chadar

Guru Tegh Bahadar Ji, born on 18th April 1621 in the house of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib and Mata Nanaki Ji, had earned the title of Tegh Bahadar by showing his skill as a sword player in the battle of
Kartarpur. By the time, he ascended the spiritual throne of Guru Nanak.
Aurangzeb’s determination to
convert all the Hinuds to Islam had become well known. His lieutenants at places were torturing Hindus
and forcing them to accept Islam. Kashmir was one such place, where Kashmiri Brahmins were feeling
helpless. Thus, they thought of approaching Guru Tegh Bahadar Ji and went to Ananadpur Sahib under
the leadership of Pandit Kirpa Ram. Guru Ji assured them that they will be protected to follow their own
religion.
When Aurangzeb came to know of this action of the Brahmins and Guru Ji’s gesture, he called
Guru Ji to Delhi. Guru Ji, along with his fearless followers named Bhai Dayala Ji, Bhai Mati Das Ji and
Bhai Sati Das Ji along with many more devoted Sikhs proceeded to Delhi to protect people against this
forcible conversion. The emperor gave two choices to Guru Ji, to show any miracle or accept Islam. He
refused both. Therefore, he along with his followers was beheaded in public at Chandni Chowk, Delhi on
November 24, 1675 at the age of 54 years. A magnificent Gurdwara named Sri Sis Ganj Sahib stands there,
where this great martyrdom took place. The people of India honoured him by giving an epitaph ‘Hind-
Di-Chadar’ which means, a great savior for one’s freedom of faith as it is a fundamental right of everyone.