There is a slogan written on the main gate of the ‘House of Commons’ of England: ‘Though I do not agree with your views but I will sacrifice my life to get you a right to express your views with freedom.’
But we do not find any example in the history of mankind where such a sacrifice had been given except that of the ninth Nanak, Guru Teg Bahadur ji.
That unique event took place in November 1675, in Chandni Chowk, New Delhi. The Gurdwara ‘Shish Ganj Sahib’ stands in his pious memory at that place. The Guru ji and his three disciples laid down their lives to defend a faith that they didn’t even believe. It was the most significant incidence in the history of mankind that a Prophet sacrificed his life to save the followers of other religion.
He was firstly asked to convert to Islam. He was put to jail for three months and tortured. Then his three close Sikhs, Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das and Bhai Dayala ji were martyred in most heinous manner to frighten the Guru ji. Lastly, when every effort and technique including royal offers and allurements failed, he was beheaded in full public view. The executioner and the people were astonished at the composure with which the Guru ji met the deadly sword. He was completely in peace as the executioner prepared to strike him.
Bhai Jaita ji, a devout Sikh lifted the head of the Guru ji and carried to Anandpur Sahib to the tenth Guru. Bhai Lakhi Shah Vanjara cremated the body at his house at Rakabganj, New Delhi. There stands the Gurdwara ‘Rakab Ganj Sahib’ adjacent to the Parliament building in New Delhi.
It’s Causes:
Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb issued a general order to demolish Hindu temples and put down their religious practices. He started forcible conversions too. He targeted specially the high class Brahmins and expected others to follow. Some terror-stricken Brahmins from Kashmir came to Guru ji to seek his guidance and protection. Guru ji stood against the cruel and unjustified rule of the Emperor.
He gave away his life to protect the spirit of the people that was dying under the oppressive and fanatic policies of the ruler. His sacrifice was against aggression and injustice. This was the first supreme sacrifice for the cause of freedom of religion, faith and beliefs which to date is unique, in human history.
It’s Impact:
This event infused a new spirit among the people. This inspired them to rise for the fundamental rights of liberty, justice and equality. It filled a great sense of fearlessness into the oppressed people of India. Finally, the movement so evolved blossomed into the fruit of ‘Khalsa’ that played an important role in redefining the fate of India.
It’s Relevance:
Guru ji’s life and sacrifice shows that he had a keen interest and concern in issues of social consciousness of his times. He was totally unlike the so-called saints of his times and today, who remain indifferent and unconcern of temporal affairs and sufferings of mankind.
The message of his life and sacrifice is more relevant today in the multi dimensional societies of modern world. Guru ji’s life and martyrdom advocates freedom of belief and practices. His great sacrifice stands for the social cohesion and individual freedom.
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