Bhai Mati Das, his brother Bhai Sati Das, and Bhai Dayala Ji were devoted Sikhs who accompanied Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji to Delhi in 1675. Refusing to abandon their faith, they were put to death shortly before the Guru's own martyrdom. They are remembered in the daily Ardas for their steadfastness.
Life
Bhai Mati Das and Bhai Sati Das were brothers from Kariala, near Jhelum in western Punjab. Their family had served the Gurus for generations, and both brothers were close to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, helping with the Guru's affairs and correspondence. Bhai Dayala Ji was another long-serving Sikh of the Guru's household, known for his devotion. All three were known for their learning, humility and steady service.
In 1675, when Kashmiri Pandits sought the Guru's help against forced conversion, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji chose to stand for their freedom of belief. He set out towards Delhi and was arrested with a few companions, including these three. In Delhi they were pressed to give up their faith and accept conversion. The Guru's companions knew the danger they faced, but chose to stay beside him.
All three refused. Historians and Sikh tradition agree that each was put to death in Chandni Chowk in a cruel manner, in front of the Guru, in the hope that the Guru would be frightened into giving way. Tradition tells that they remained calm to the end, reciting Gurbani and remembering Waheguru. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji himself was martyred at the same place shortly afterwards. Their sacrifice is remembered in the daily Ardas and at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi, and a nearby museum and memorials in Chandni Chowk honour Bhai Mati Das.
Why Sikhs remember Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das
- They are among the first Sikh martyrs remembered by name, giving their lives alongside their Guru.
- Their calm faith under pressure became a model for later generations of Sikhs.
- Their sacrifice is part of the story of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's stand for the freedom of conscience of all people.
Key events
- 1675
Journey with the Guru Historical record
They accompany Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji towards Delhi and are arrested with him.
- 1675
Refusing to give up faith Historical record
In Delhi they are pressed to convert and refuse.
- 1675
Martyrdom in Chandni Chowk Historical record
All three are put to death shortly before the Guru's martyrdom.
- 1675
Reciting Gurbani to the end Traditional account
Tradition tells they remained calm, reciting Gurbani.
For children
Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das and Bhai Dayala Ji were faithful friends of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. They travelled with the Guru to Delhi. There, powerful people told them to give up being Sikhs. They said no, calmly and bravely, and gave their lives. They kept saying Waheguru's name with peace in their hearts. Sikhs remember them in Ardas every day.
Lessons for today
Steadiness under pressure
They stayed calm and kind in the hardest moment. Remembering Waheguru can give you steadiness when things are frightening.
Standing with others
They stood beside their Guru, who stood for other people's freedom. Loyalty to what is right can mean standing up for those unlike you.
Places connected with this life
- Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib, Delhi
In Chandni Chowk, marking the place of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's martyrdom, near where his companions were martyred.
Further reading & sources
- Harbans Singh (ed.), The Encyclopaedia of Sikhism, Punjabi University, Patiala
- Khushwant Singh, A History of the Sikhs, Oxford University Press
- J. S. Grewal, The Sikhs of the Punjab (The New Cambridge History of India), Cambridge University Press