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Lesson 4: Shaheedi of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji

Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was the youngest of the five sons of the

Sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji and Mata Nanaki Ji. He was born on

April 1, 1621 and was named Tyag Mal. He was not like other children
his age. When he was young, he sat for hours in meditation. The

environment at home in Amritsar helped him develop appreciation
for a life of selfless service and sacrifice.

Bhai Gurdas Ji taught him Gurbani and Hindu texts. Baba Budha Ji

taught him archery and horsemanship. He was married to Mata Gujri
Ji at the age of 12 years.

Emperor Aurangzeb was worried about the rising power of the

Sikhs. Amritsar became a center of conflict with the Mughals. In

April 1634, there were clashes between the imperial army and the
Sikhs. Tyag Mal Ji showed his swordsmanship in that skirmish. He

was so brave and skilled at sword that his name was changed to
Tegh Bahadur by his father, Guru Hargobind Ji.

Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji became the ninth Guru on August 11, 1664.

Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji traveled extensively to meet the Sikh Sangat

living in faraway regions and spreading the message of the Sikh
Gurus. A son, Gobind Rai was born to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and Mata

Gujri Ji.

Aurangzeb, the Moghul emperor was cruel to Hindus of India. He

was forcefully converting them into Muslim faith. If anyone
resisted, they were killed. Muslims also collected religious tax called

zazia from Hindus. Diwali celebration was prohibited. He demolished
holy temples of Hindus and built masjids at their places.

On May 25, 1675, a group of terrified Kashmiri Pandits came to
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. They shared with him the horrific conditions

they were living under Aurangzeb. They wanted Guru Ji to help save

Sikh History and Gurmat Sikhia Book 6 2020 Edition Page 8