The year 2025 marks a momentous occasion in Sikh history—the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru who laid down his life to protect religious freedom and human dignity. As India and the global Sikh community prepare for grand commemorations, including a historic three-day Kirtan Darbar at Delhi's Red Fort (November 23-25, 2025) and nationwide Nagar Kirtans, this blog explores the remarkable life, teachings, and supreme sacrifice of a man who came to be known as "Hind Di Chadar" (Shield of India).
Early Life: From Tyag Mal to Tegh Bahadur
Born on April 1, 1621, in Amritsar, Guru Tegh Bahadur was the youngest of five sons of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji (the sixth Sikh Guru) and Mata Nanaki. Originally named Tyag Mal due to his ascetic and contemplative nature, he displayed a profound spiritual inclination from childhood, spending long hours in meditation rather than play.
His education was comprehensive and remarkable. Under the tutelage of the revered Bhai Gurdas, he mastered Gurmukhi, Hindi, Sanskrit, and Indian religious philosophy. Simultaneously, Baba Budha trained him in martial arts—swordsmanship, archery, and horsemanship. This dual training in spirituality and warfare would define his legacy.
At just 13 years old, Tyag Mal distinguished himself in the Battle of Kartarpur against Mughal forces, displaying extraordinary bravery and skill with the sword. His fearless valor earned him the name "Tegh Bahadur" (Mighty of the Sword). In 1632, he was married to Mata Gujri at Kartarpur, a union blessed with the birth of their son, Gobind Rai (later Guru Gobind Singh Ji), on December 22, 1666, in Patna.
Becoming the Ninth Guru
Following the passing of the eight-year-old Guru Har Krishan in 1664, succession became uncertain. The young Guru had only uttered "Baba Bakala" before his death, referring to his grand-uncle who was meditating in a basement (bhora) at Bakala. After navigating multiple claimants to guruship, Guru Tegh Bahadur was installed as the ninth Sikh Guru on March 20, 1665.
Founding Anandpur Sahib: The City of Bliss
One of Guru Tegh Bahadur's most enduring contributions was the founding of Anandpur Sahib. In June 1665, following the death of Raja Dip Chand of Bilaspur, the Guru attended the cremation ceremony. The dowager queen, Rani Champa, offered him land, hoping he would establish a Sikh center in her state. Guru Ji purchased land comprising the villages of Lodhipur, Mianpur, and Sahota for Rs 500.
On June 19, 1665, Baba Gurditta Randhawa laid the foundation stone at the site of the ancient ruins of Makhowal. The Guru named the new town Chakk Nanaki after his beloved mother, Mata Nanaki. This peaceful settlement would later be renamed Anandpur Sahib (City of Bliss) by his son, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and become a pivotal spiritual and historical center of Sikhism.
Spiritual Teachings and Gurbani
Guru Tegh Bahadur's spiritual wisdom is immortalized in 115 hymns (some sources mention 116 including Salokas) composed in 15 ragas, which Guru Gobind Singh Ji later included in the Guru Granth Sahib at Damdama Sahib. His teachings emphasize:
Detachment and Equanimity: His most celebrated hymn begins with the verse:
ਜੋ ਨਰੁ ਦੁਖ ਮੈ ਦੁਖੁ ਨਹੀ ਮਾਨੈ।
ਸੁਖ ਸਨੇਹੁ ਅਰੁ ਭੈ ਨਹੀ ਜਾ ਕੈ ਕੰਚਨ ਮਾਟੀ ਮਾਨੈ॥
Translation: That person who, in the midst of pain, does not feel pain; who is not affected by pleasure, affection, or fear; and who looks alike upon gold and dust—such a person attains spiritual liberation.
Inner Divine Presence: Another powerful teaching asks:
ਕਾਹੇ ਰੇ ਬਨ ਖੋਜਨ ਜਾਈ।
ਸਰਬ ਨਿਵਾਸੀ ਸਦਾ ਅਲੇਪਾ ਤੋਹੀ ਸੰਗਿ ਸਮਾਈ॥
Translation: Why do you go looking for Him in the forest? Although unattached, He dwells everywhere. He is always with you as your companion.
His philosophy promoted Jiwan Mukti (liberation while living)—achieving spiritual freedom by overcoming ego, greed, lust, anger, and attachment to worldly pleasures.
The Supreme Sacrifice: Martyrdom for Religious Freedom
The defining moment of Guru Tegh Bahadur's life came in 1675. The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, abandoning the tolerance of his predecessors, unleashed a brutal campaign of religious persecution against non-Muslims, particularly targeting Hindus in Kashmir for forced conversion to Islam.
In May 1675, a delegation of Kashmiri Pandits, led by Pandit Kirpa Ram, traveled to Chakk Nanaki (Anandpur Sahib) to seek the Guru's intervention. They recounted horrific tales of oppression under the governorship of Iftikhar Khan. The Pandits had first sought divine guidance at the Amarnath shrine, where they reportedly received a vision instructing them to seek help from the ninth Sikh Guru.
A Historic Decision
Guru Tegh Bahadur made a momentous decision—one unprecedented in human history. He agreed to challenge Aurangzeb's tyranny, advising the Kashmiri Pandits to tell the Mughal authorities that they would convert to Islam only if the Guru himself did so. This was the first time in history that a religious leader agreed to sacrifice his life for the freedom of people belonging to a different faith—one whose practices, like idol worship and caste system, he did not personally follow.
Arrest, Torture, and Execution
In July 1675, Guru Tegh Bahadur set out for Delhi. He was arrested at Malikpur Ranghran near Ropar on July 27 and imprisoned in Sirhind. Four months later, in November 1675, he was transferred to Delhi and presented before Aurangzeb with an ultimatum: convert to Islam, perform a miracle to prove divine favor, or face death.
The Guru refused both conversion and miracle-performance. To break his resolve, his three devoted companions were brutally tortured to death before his eyes:
- Bhai Mati Das was sawn in two
- Bhai Dayal Das was boiled alive in a cauldron
- Bhai Sati Das was wrapped in cotton and burned alive
Even witnessing these atrocities, Guru Tegh Bahadur remained in deep meditation, unwavering in his faith. On November 24, 1675 (some sources cite November 11), he was publicly beheaded at Chandni Chowk, Delhi, on Aurangzeb's orders. The site of his martyrdom is now marked by Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib.
Bhai Jaita Singh courageously retrieved the Guru's severed head and carried it to Anandpur Sahib, where Guru Gobind Singh (then nine years old) performed the last rites.
Hind Di Chadar: The Protector of Humanity
For his unparalleled sacrifice, Guru Tegh Bahadur earned the eternal title of "Hind Di Chadar" (Shield of India). Yet scholars argue his sacrifice transcends regional or religious boundaries—he stood for universal human rights, freedom of conscience, and religious tolerance for all of humanity.
His martyrdom awakened Hindus from passive silence, inspired the creation of the Khalsa by his son Guru Gobind Singh, and set a precedent that Sikhs are duty-bound to protect the rights and freedoms of all faiths.
350th Martyrdom Anniversary Celebrations in 2025
The 350th anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur's martyrdom is being commemorated with unprecedented grandeur across India and the world.
Major Events
Three-Day Kirtan Darbar at Red Fort, Delhi (November 23-25, 2025)
The Delhi government is hosting a historic Kirtan Darbar at the iconic Red Fort, featuring eminent Ragi Jathas, devotional singers, and scholars from India and abroad performing Gurbani kirtan. The Red Fort holds deep symbolic significance—it stands near the site where Guru Ji made his supreme sacrifice.
A light and sound show curated by the Union Ministry of Culture will illuminate the fort's walls, depicting Guru Tegh Bahadur's life, philosophy, and ultimate sacrifice using advanced visual effects and narrative storytelling. The show will also be held across 11 districts of Delhi via mobile vans.
A temporary museum inside the Red Fort will showcase key moments from the Guru's life, along with the release of a coffee table book chronicling his contributions to humanity.
Punjab Celebrations (November 1-25, 2025)
The Punjab government has organized extensive commemorations:
- Light and Sound Shows across all 23 districts from November 1-20, depicting the Guru's life and his devoted disciples
- Four Grand Nagar Kirtans starting November 19-20 from Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir), Takht Damdama Sahib, Faridkot, and Gurdaspur, converging at Anandpur Sahib on November 22
- Historic Punjab Vidhan Sabha Session at Anandpur Sahib on November 24—the first time the state assembly will convene outside Chandigarh
- Drone show at Anandpur Sahib depicting the Guru's life and supreme sacrifice
- Sarv Dharam Sammelan (Interfaith Conference) symbolizing the Guru's message of harmony
- Blood donation camps and a mega plantation drive of 3.50 lakh saplings statewide
Other Commemorations
- Maharashtra has allocated Rs 95.35 crore for programs across the state, including Nanded, Nagpur, and Kharghar
- Haryana is organizing various programs from November 1-25, culminating in a state-level event in Kurukshetra on November 25, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend
- Indian Railways will display Guru Tegh Bahadur's Shlokas at railway stations and operate special commemorative trains
- The central government will release a special postal stamp to mark the occasion
Academic and Cultural Initiatives
The Delhi government has announced the establishment of an academic chair in Guru Tegh Bahadur's name at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University to promote research on his teachings. Additionally, the renovation of Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital in East Delhi will be fast-tracked with modern medical facilities.
Legacy and Timeless Message
Guru Tegh Bahadur's life embodies the Sikh principles of Nirbhau (fearlessness) and Nirvair (freedom from enmity). His teachings continue to inspire millions to:
- Live a truthful, ethical life
- Stand against injustice and oppression
- Respect the religious freedom of all
- Practice Sarbat da Bhala (welfare of all humanity)
His martyrdom was not merely a religious event but a universal stand for human rights, conscience, and dignity. As poet Senapat called him "the protector of the whole creation"—truly, his sacrifice was for all of humanity.
Conclusion
As we mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji in 2025, we are reminded that his message transcends time, geography, and faith. His supreme sacrifice for the Kashmiri Pandits set an unprecedented example of interfaith solidarity and moral courage. The grand celebrations—from the Red Fort Kirtan Darbar to Nagar Kirtans across India—are not merely tributes but calls to recommit ourselves to his ideals: defending freedom, upholding justice, and serving humanity with love and fearlessness.
May Guru Tegh Bahadur's eternal light continue to guide us toward a world where every person can live with dignity, free from fear and oppression.