Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji: The saint-soldier who gave their head, not their principles

Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Guru of the Sikhs, was a divine light during one of the darkest chapters in India’s history. Born in 1621 at Amritsar Sahib to Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji and Mata Nanaki Ji, Guru Sahib was raised in the tradition of Miri-Piri — embodying both spiritual wisdom and temporal strength. Guru Sahib was trained in both Shastar and Shastar — the sword and the word.

Guru Sahib spent much of their life in quiet contemplation of Sri Akaalpurkh (especially at Baba Bakala Sahib), humility, and deep meditation. Yet when the time came, they stood taller than emperors — not only with weapons or armies, but with Dharam, a commitment to righteousness.

A Historic Stand for Truth and Freedom

In the 1600s, Mughal emperor Aurangzeb began an aggressive campaign to forcibly convert Hindus to Islam. When a group of 500 Kashmiri Hindu Pandits, led by Pandit Kirpa Ram, arrived in Anandpur Sahib seeking protection, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji listened — not just with their ears, but with divine vision.

Guru Sahib’s stand was not about defending one religion over another — it was about the right of every soul to walk their own spiritual path. This was true Sikhi in action — seeing the Divine Light in all.

The Shaheedi of Guru Sahib

Guru Sahib presented themselves in Delhi to uphold the right of all people to practice their faith freely. Refusing to convert or perform miracles to save themselves, Guru Sahib accepted Shaheedi with complete surrender to Akaal Purakh’s will (Bhana).

In November 1675, at Chandni Chowk in Delhi, Guru Sahib was publicly asked to be beheaded — a brutal act meant to instill fear. But instead of fear, it sparked a wave of spiritual awakening. With complete faith and surrender, Guru Sahib ji accepted the will of Satguru (Akaalpurkh; Almighty), and give their sacred sis(head) in shaheedi, not for personal cause, but to upload righteousness and protect the religious freedom of others.

The Mughal empire thought They had silenced a voice, but instead, They gave rise to a roar that would never fade. Guru Sahib’s Shaheedi laid the foundation for the Khalsa Panth — fearless, sovereign, and rooted in Gurmat.

350th Shaheedi Purab

In 2025, we commemorate 350 years since the supreme sacrifice of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji — a moment in history that continues to guide and awaken the Sikhi spirit. Guru Sahib Ji gave their sis (head), but never compromised their principles. It was not a political act. It was a divine stand for truth, justice, and freedom of conscience.

While the world around us may forget its history, we as the Sikh Panth remember through action, remembrance, and reflection. This year, it is not just about looking back. It’s about moving forward — together.

1 Lakh Jaap – A Global Call for Sikh Sangat

SAF International is humbled to launch a global campaign to mark this historic 350th Shaheedi Purab. This is a time for the Panth to pause, reflect, and unite. A time to draw closer to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji — not just through remembrance, but through transformation.

Over the coming months, we invite the global Sangat to engage in:

• Paath and Jaap: Paath and Jaap: Let us collectively complete 1 Lakh Chaupai Sahib Jaaps
• Learning and Reflection: Learning and Reflection: Explore Guru Sahib Ji’s life, Their travels, Their Bani, and Their message through articles, videos, and virtual gatherings.
• Walking the Path of Sikhi: Walking the Path of Sikhi: Who knows how many hearts will awaken? How many will feel the pull to keep their kesh, take steps toward Sikhi, or even receive Amrit to walk proudly as the Khalsa?

We cannot measure this campaign by numbers alone. The impact lies in how many minds turn toward Gurmat, how many homes begin vibrating with Naam-simran, and how many lives shift toward the path of Chardi-Kala.

As we bow our heads to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, may we rise with the courage to live in their footsteps.