Guru Tegh Bahadur Jayanti
A respectful and complete guide to the life, sacrifice, and legacy of the Ninth Sikh Guru, celebrated as Guru Tegh Bahadur Jayanti.
Introduction & Early Life
Guru Tegh Bahadur was the ninth Sikh Guru, renowned for his bravery, spiritual teachings, and unwavering commitment to freedom of conscience.
Born in 1621 as Tyaga Mal, Guru Tegh Bahadur was chosen as the ninth Guru in 1664, after the passing of Guru Har Gobind. His name "Tegh Bahadur" signified his qualities as a warrior ("tegh" meaning sword) and his personal bravery.1
Unlike many other rulers of his time, he focused on spiritual teachings and social welfare, traveling widely across India, preaching peace, equality, and devotion, and helping the poor and oppressed.
Teachings & Travels
Guru Tegh Bahadur traveled extensively to spread the message of Sikhism emphasizing devotion to God, protection of human rights, and community service.
He visited regions including Bengal, Assam, Bihar, and Varanasi, establishing langars (community kitchens), opening wells for clean drinking water, planting trees, and encouraging acts of kindness and charity among followers.2
His spiritual compositions are included in the holy Sikh scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, where he emphasizes humility, meditation on God’s name, and defending righteousness.
Martyrdom & Significance
Guru Tegh Bahadur is revered as a martyr who sacrificed his life to protect religious freedom and the rights of all people to practice their own faith.
During the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, religious persecution and forced conversions increased. Guru Tegh Bahadur courageously stood against this oppression, sheltering those facing forced conversion to Islam.3
He was arrested and executed in 1675 in Delhi after refusing to convert to Islam. His martyrdom is remembered as a supreme sacrifice for the right of individuals to freedom of conscience and religion. This act earned him the title "Hind Di Chadar" (Shield of India).4
Sikh places like Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib and Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib mark his execution and cremation sites in Delhi, where annual commemorations occur on 24 November, known as Shaheedi Divas (Martyrdom Day).
Observance and Celebrations
Guru Tegh Bahadur Jayanti is celebrated with religious ceremonies, prayers, and community service events across Sikh communities worldwide.
On Jayanti, Sikhs gather in gurudwaras to recite prayers, sing hymns composed by the Guru, and participate in Kirtan (devotional singing) sessions. Processions and community langars highlight the spirit of equality and selfless service.5
The day is both a celebration of his birth and a solemn remembrance of his sacrifice, inspiring faith, courage, and commitment to human rights among followers.
Legacy & Impact
Guru Tegh Bahadur’s life and sacrifice profoundly shaped Sikh identity and the broader ideals of religious tolerance and human rights in India.
His martyrdom galvanized Sikh resistance against tyranny, setting the stage for the formation of the Khalsa by his son, Guru Gobind Singh, and emphasizing the defense of justice as a core Sikh value.6
Guru Tegh Bahadur’s teachings and courage continue to inspire generations, not only within Sikhism but also in the global struggle for the protection of individual freedoms and equality.
Key Takeaways
Guru Tegh Bahadur’s Jayanti is a day to honor bravery, spiritual wisdom, and the timeless fight for freedom of conscience and human dignity.
He was a spiritual leader who lived with deep compassion, social responsibility, and fearlessness amidst oppression.
His ultimate sacrifice reminds the world that protecting religious freedom and human rights is a universal obligation transcending all boundaries.
The annual commemoration reinforces values of equality, courage, and peaceful resistance, resonating in both Sikh teachings and humanity's broader conscience.