Page 33 - Gurmat Book 4
P. 33
Lesson 17: Shaheedi of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji
Aurangzeb wanted to convert all Hindus to Islam. He thought of a clever
plan. He decided if he could convert the revered Brahmin Pandits of
Kashmir, then millions of followers will convert with them. Pandits were
highly learned people and were respected by the masses. He threatened
them with conversion or death. The Pandits panicked. They ran to see Guru
Tegh Bahadur Ji at Chakk Nanaki and requested him to save them.
Hearing the serious nature of the conversation, Guru Ji’s 9 year old son
Gobind Rai Ji asked his father what the problem was. The Guru told his son
of the Pandits’ dilemma and said that it would take a holy man literally
giving up his life to stop these conversions. Gobind Rai responded ‘Who
would be holier than you to defend the faith of the Pandits?’
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji decided to stand up for the right of freedom of
religion and told the Pandits to tell Aurangzeb that if he could convert Guru
Tegh Bahadur Ji, they would all convert.
On 8th July 1675, Gobind Rai was made the Tenth Guru at the age of 9
years. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji left Anandpur for Delhi with 3 other Sikhs
who knew as well the danger they were to face, Bhai Sati Das, Bhai Mati
Das and Bhai Dayala Ji. Orders for his arrest had been issued by Emperor
Aurangzeb and he was arrested four days later at Ropar and sent to
Sirhind. They were kept in custody for four months. Guru Ji and his Sikhs
were tortured. Then he was put into an iron cage and taken to Delhi, where
he arrived on 4th Nov. 1675.
He was given a choice to show a miracle, convert to Islam or die. Guru Ji
th
and his Sikhs chose death. Guru Ji was beheaded on November 24 , 1675.
A severe storm came up after the execution and Bhai Lakhi Shah carried
Guru Ji’s body to his house, which he set on fire to cremate Guru's body.
Stepping Stones Gurmat Sikhia Book 4G 2023 Edition Page 31
