The Supreme Sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur!

On 24 November 1675 at Chandni Chowk, Delhi one of the most extreme event occurred that made a deep impact on the future course of Sikhism, which is the religion of the Sikhs. The ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur performed the supreme sacrifice for the protection of many humans. The basic motif was to protect the rights to practice his or her religion without any interference. This may not matter to anyone, people may say that it was so small and it has no relevance nowadays, but in 1675, when Mughals were converting Hindus into Muslims. That time Guru Tegh Bahadur stood for the rights and protection of so many Hindus. Before him, many thousands killed for refusing to change into a Muslim.

It is really, difficult to give one’s life for the sake of other person. People may say that they know many people who have sacrificed their lives for the society, but that was not as big as the sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur. Guru Ji not only protected the right of Sikh people, but also the rights of non-Sikhs, especially Kashmiri Pandits. Kashmiri Pandits were those scholars, who threatened with the conversion to Islam under the terrorism of Aurangzeb. Aurangzeb not only converted a number of non-Muslim, but also conducted a large-scale demolition of the religious places of non-Muslims. He slaughtered a number of people, just because they did not accept the demand of Aurangzeb. A number of Kashmiri Pandits approached Guru Tegh Bahadur, so that he can provide protection to them. This kind of sacrifice was not record in the history of human life before. Guru Ji made a firm decision that changed the moral commitment level, dedication and sacrifice offered by the devotee of God. The Guru made a tough judgment to risk down his life, to protect the rights of the Hindus so that they can follow their religion without any stress.

Aurangzeb and his army humiliated Guru Ji so much. However, he did not give up his values. He protected his principles and rights of Hindus until his last breath. On 24 November 1675, after so much humiliation and cruelty, Guru Ji was martyred. He had to sit on a warm “Tava” and, then his head was, beheaded in broad daylight in the middle of Chandni Chowk. Today, that place in Chandni Chowk, known as Gurudwara Sis Ganj in Delhi. His sacrifice is a major and a prime example of Sikh principles. This sacrifice roused the Hindus from their submissive silence and gave them the strength to know the power of self-respect and sacrifice.

He also termed as “Hind-di-Chadar” or the shield of India.

I respect Guru Ji sincerely; it was he, who protected Hindus at the time of need. We have to learn from the effort of Guru Ji, to protect our society and motherland. The true meaning of selflessness can be, learned from his life at any time.