Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, youngest son of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, founded Anandpur and travelled widely, strengthening distant sangats. In 1675 he was executed in Delhi for refusing to give up his faith, together with Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das and Bhai Dayala. Sikhs remember him as Hind di Chadar, who gave his life for others' freedom of belief. His bani was added to the scripture by Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
- Born
- 1621, Amritsar
- Birth name
- Tyag Mal
- Parents
- Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji and Mata Nanaki Ji
- Guruship
- 1664–1675
- Martyrdom
- 1675, Chandni Chowk, Delhi
- Family
- Wife Mata Gujri Ji; son Gobind Rai (Guru Gobind Singh Ji)
Life
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was born in 1621 in Amritsar, the youngest son of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji and Mata Nanaki Ji, and named Tyag Mal. Tradition tells that his courage in the battle of Kartarpur in 1635 earned him the name Tegh Bahadur, "brave of the sword". He married Mata Gujri Ji.
For many years he lived quietly at Bakala in meditation. After Guru Har Krishan Ji's words "Baba Bakale", several claimants set themselves up there as Guru. Sikh tradition tells that the trader Makhan Shah Lubana, having vowed an offering to the Guru, found the true Guru in Tegh Bahadur and announced it from a rooftop.
As Guru he founded Chak Nanki, which grew into Anandpur, and travelled widely — through Punjab, to Bihar, Bengal and Assam — strengthening sangats. His son Gobind Rai was born at Patna in 1666 while the Guru was on these travels.
Sikh sources relate that in 1675 a delegation of Kashmiri Pandits, led by Pandit Kirpa Ram, came to Anandpur seeking help against forced conversion, and that the Guru resolved to stand for them. This account comes mainly from Sikh tradition and later historical writing; historians discuss the wider political reasons for his arrest, but all agree he died rather than abandon his faith.
The Guru was arrested and taken to Delhi. His companions Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das and Bhai Dayala were executed in front of him, and in 1675 the Guru was beheaded at Chandni Chowk. Tradition tells that Bhai Jaita carried his head to Anandpur, and Lakhi Shah Vanjara cremated his body by setting his own house alight.
Historical context
Under Aurangzeb, pressure on non-Muslim communities grew, including the destruction of some temples and, later, the reimposition of the jizya tax. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's martyrdom — for the freedom of people outside his own community to follow their faith — is among the most significant events in Sikh history and in the story of religious freedom in India.
Major contributions
Founding Anandpur
He founded Chak Nanki, which grew into Anandpur Sahib — later the birthplace of the Khalsa.
Travels and sangats
His long journeys east strengthened Sikh communities across northern and eastern India.
Defence of freedom of conscience
Sikh tradition holds that he gave his life to defend the Kashmiri Pandits' right to their own faith — a stand for freedom of belief for all.
His bani
His shabads and saloks, on detachment, fearlessness and the passing nature of the world, were added to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji by Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
Important events
- 1621
Birth in Amritsar Historical record
Born Tyag Mal to Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji and Mata Nanaki Ji.
- 1635
Battle of Kartarpur Traditional account
Tradition tells that his bravery in this battle earned him the name Tegh Bahadur.
- 1664
Recognised at Bakala Traditional account
Makhan Shah Lubana finds the true Guru among many claimants and proclaims him.
- 1665
Founding of Chak Nanki Historical record
He founds the settlement that grows into Anandpur Sahib.
- 1666
Birth of Gobind Rai at Patna Historical record
His son, the future Guru Gobind Singh Ji, is born while the Guru is travelling in the east.
- 1675
The Kashmiri Pandits Traditional account
Sikh accounts describe Kashmiri Pandits led by Kirpa Ram seeking the Guru's help against forced conversion.
- 1675
Martyrdom in Delhi Historical record
After Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das and Bhai Dayala are executed, the Guru is beheaded at Chandni Chowk.
Teachings & Gurbani
Fear no one, frighten no one
He described the wise person as one who frightens no one and fears no one — the balance of courage and gentleness he lived out to the end.
ਭੈ ਕਾਹੂ ਕਉ ਦੇਤ ਨਹਿ ਨਹਿ ਭੈ ਮਾਨਤ ਆਨ ॥
Bhai kaahoo kau det neh neh bhai maanat aan.
One who frightens no one, and is afraid of no one —
ਜੋ ਕਿਸੇ ਨੂੰ ਡਰਾਉਂਦਾ ਨਹੀਂ, ਅਤੇ ਕਿਸੇ ਤੋਂ ਡਰਦਾ ਨਹੀਂ —
Freedom from anxiety
He taught that nothing in this world is permanent, so we need not be consumed by worry — trust in the Divine brings steadiness.
ਚਿੰਤਾ ਤਾ ਕੀ ਕੀਜੀਐ ਜੋ ਅਨਹੋਨੀ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਇਹੁ ਮਾਰਗੁ ਸੰਸਾਰ ਕੋ ਨਾਨਕ ਥਿਰੁ ਨਹੀ ਕੋਇ ॥੫੧॥
Chintaa taa kee keejeeai jo anahonee hoe. Ihu maarag sansaar ko naanak thir nahee koe.
Worry only about what is not meant to happen. This is the way of the world, says Nanak — nothing here is permanent.
ਚਿੰਤਾ ਸਿਰਫ਼ ਉਸ ਦੀ ਕਰੋ ਜੋ ਹੋਣਾ ਹੀ ਨਹੀਂ। ਨਾਨਕ ਆਖਦੇ ਹਨ, ਇਹੀ ਜਗਤ ਦੀ ਰੀਤ ਹੈ — ਇੱਥੇ ਕੁਝ ਵੀ ਸਦੀਵੀ ਨਹੀਂ।
Lessons for modern life
Stand up for other people's rights
He defended people who did not share his faith. Protecting the freedom of others is part of Sikh duty.
Courage with calm
Fearlessness is not aggression. It can be quiet, steady and principled.
Loyal friends matter
Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das and Bhai Dayala stood with their Guru. True companionship is tested in hard times.
Relevant places
- Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib
Marks the place of his martyrdom. - Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib
Where his body was cremated. - Gurdwara Baba Bakala Sahib
Where he lived in meditation and was recognised as Guru. - Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib, Anandpur Sahib
Where his head was cremated, in the town he founded.
Further reading & sources
- Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji
- The Encyclopaedia of Sikhism, Punjabi University Patiala (ed. Harbans Singh)
- J.S. Grewal, The Sikhs of the Punjab (Cambridge University Press)