Guru Gobind Singh
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The poet
Guru Gobind Singh was born in 1666 in Patna.
The 10th Sikh preceptor, Guru Gobind Singh, is known to the world as a warrior-saint. But not many outside the faith are aware that he wrote 17 verse collections that are part of the `Dasam Granth', a religious text separate from the Guru Granth Sahib.
Hindi litterateur Lal Manohar Upadhyaya said that of the 17 verse collections, only one is in Punjabi. The rest are in Hindi, Braj and Persian, among other languages. “This shows the versatility of the poet Guru,“ Upadhyaya said, adding that it was time the Dasam Granth was translated into other Indian languages.
Guru Nanak Dev University (Amritsar) academic H S Bedi said the first historical account of the Hindi language was by a Frenchman, who'd described the Sikh guru as its great poet.
Jaap Sahib
The Times of India, Dec 20 2016
Kulbir Kaur
Jaap Sahib, composed by Guru Gobind Singh, is a salutation to the Almighty , the Creator as well as the Creation. Jaap Sahib is a celebration, a jalsa of the glory of God who, though He pervades even a blade of grass, cannot be comprehended, expressed, or understood just like love. `Thou pervadest everywhere in the form of love,' says Guru Gobind Singh.
God, like love, is impossible to describe or define. `The One, true, wise and pure Guru has no contour, countenance, colour, caste or lineage. No form, complexion nor any lines by which one may describe him. A Being limitless in might, fearless, luminous and steady ...who can describe all Thy names? The wise recounts only such of Thy attributes as are revealed by Thy works.' Jaap Sahib, with its 199 pauris or verses, is the morning prayer of the Sikhs and the first Bani of the Dasam Granth. It is a tribute to God with 1,000 names. Jaap Sahib is one of the five Banis that a Sikh must recite every day .The recitation leads to an inexplicable state of vismad, wonder, with the realisation of the supreme power of God and us, human beings as minuscule particles of His creation.Indeed, God is the greatest mystery . `Thou art unascertainable ... Thou art unattainable and sublime ... Thou art hidden among the hidden ... To Thee who art eternal, who art merciful. To Thee I bow again and again,' says Guru Gobind Singh.
Why name Him? Why define Him? Why give Him any shape?
Why confine Him to any place? The Creator is Akal timeless, formless, invisible. He is the King of kings, Moon of moons, God of gods, Sun of suns. He is eternal. He is constant. To identify Him with any religion, caste or sect is just unthinkable.
Jaap Sahib extols unity in diversity anek hai phir ek hai many forms yet One. All life, according to Guru Gobind Singh, is `Absolutely One'. Addressing God, he writes, `You appear in all forms and behold everything. You are like an ocean rippling with countless waves, unbroken and mysterious. You are the quintessence of all things yet unformed of the elements. You make all things flourish and then scatter away . To Thee I bow again and again. You are Almighty , Creator, whose hand is in all concerns of the world. You are multifarious and yet One.' `Jaap' means japna, to recite, repeat, chant; to utter His praises but also to understand and imbibe His attributes.A true Sikh tries to follow these in every day life. The Supreme Being is dayalam and kripalam merciful. He is light, love, beauty , truth, energy . He is the support of the lowly . God is ever-calm, without anxiety , without desire, free from pain, enjoyer of bliss, like the sky above the earth, calm and deep. Why to embroil in rituals and ceremonies? Embrace naam-simran, charity, seva and remain in chardi-kala (high spirits). He, the Creator, is the highest ideal. He is the only Truth.
Jaap Sahib, a masterpiece of love, devotion and energy , is an utsav of emotions. The Jaap Sahib is recited while preparing amrit for the khandedi-pahul ceremony . It purifies you. `God is ever the Supreme Truth, Supreme Consciousness and Supreme Bliss,' exclaims Guru Gobind Singh. God is the ultimate friend and it is to Him that we should appeal in times of distress.
Saint Soldier
S Ujal Singh Tulla , Saint Soldier "Daily Excelsior" 5/1/2017
Guru Gobind Singh Jee was born on 22nd December 1666 at “Patna Sahib now in Bihar. His father’s name was Guru Tegh Bahadur jee who is the 9th Guru of Sikhism. On his birth he was named “Gobind Roy.”
At his early age his parents shifted to Anandpur Sahib Punjab, where Gurujee learnt many languages like Sanskrit, Persian, Hindi and Punjbai. He also learnt so many skills, archery, horse riding Gatka etc., and became the master of these Skills in his early age.
During Guru Gobind Singh Jee’s life span India was ruled by different Pahari Rajas, small kings and Mughal Emperors.
The common men were victimized in different ways, conversion from one religion to another was practiced and had become a law and policy of the rulers of that time. They were converting poor and innocent people to other religion forcefully.
The caste system had destroyed the whole society, low caste people were treated worst than animals. They were not allowed to worship in temples or pray God at their own will. They were not allowed to pass through high caste areas, bazzars and roads freely.
The women were treated badly as slaves of men. The female child were brutally killed. They were also not allowed to worship or pray.
In short this was the situation before the birth of Dashmesh Pita Guru Gobind Singh Jee Maharaj. It is a fact that whenever cruelty crosses its limits, people suffer badly. As Almighty hears the voice of poor and innocent, it becomes legitimate to send such a personality, messenger or an Angel on this Earth who saves them, so was Guru Jee who sacrificed his whole family and himself for the whole country, for the nation and for the religion.
During that period Kashmir suffered the most as it was epicenter from where the conversion of religion took place as ordered by the Mughal Emperor.
At last a group of people from Kashmir decided to meet Guru Teg Bahadur the ninth Guru of Sikhs at Anandpur Sahib for help. Guru Jee was hurt to hear this story. He was disappointed and thought how to help them. It was not an easy job (the king was in full power), to fight against the king as it was to invite death at his door. In this moment Guru Gobind Roy a, 9 years old child entered the room. His father narrated him the whole story and said that it was a difficult task and needs great “sacrifice” of a great person as the king is very cruel and does not understand the language of truth, peace and humanity. Guru Gobind Roy smiled and replied,” if it needs a great sacrifice then father (pitajee) why you are not accepting it, who is superior than you? We have to save their lives and religion at any costy”. Guru Jee smiled at his son’s reply and promised to help the needy. On knowing that Guru Teg Bahadur was planning like this, the King was very angry with Gurujee. The king called Guru jee to Delhi, where their was exchange of words between Guru jee and the king and his courtiers. Guru jee replied politely, but the king became furious and ordered to behead Guru jee at Chandni Chowk Delhi where a big Gurdawara “SEIS GUNJ” is situated now a days. With the death of Guru ji all the responsibilities were on the shoulders of a young child Gobind Roy. It was clear that sovereignty is never handed over, it is realized through strength and when all means against tyranmy, oppression fail, it is legitimate to take sword to uproot the crime. To start his mission he collected people of different religions/ sects and exhorted them to fight against the crime and injustice. The duty of his followers was to defend the weak and innocent, to obey the saint and punish the Devil. Guru Gobind Roy said that brave is one who fights for Dharma (righteousness) peace, brother hood and humanity with any caste, colour creed and sex. He embraced the low caste sects of people and said,” I belong to these sects. It is because of this that in Sikhism there is no caste system.
One day a group of Sikhs came and told Gurujee to protect them. They told him that they found it very difficult to approach thee on account of the violence of king and his men. Some of our members were killed on the way, others were wounded and returned to their homes. To whom can we look for assistance but thee. This narration and supplication of those Sikhs was the clarion call to the conscience of Guru Gobind Singh the Great. The Guru invited all his followers to attend the great Baisakhi Fair at Anandpur Sahib.
Thousands of Sikhs all over country reached to attend this Baisakhi, what happened there is a well known miracle of 13th April 1699. On this day Guru Jee prepared the holy Amrit after the surprise sacrifice of Panj Piyara’s (five beloved persons one by one. It was a unique type of initiation in the religious history of the world.
Guru Gobind Singh Jee made five things essential to wear for a Sikh who shares Amrit, starting with the word “K” Kaish, Kanga, Kara, Karpan, Kacha each having its own meaning and function.
Guru Jee’s followers were increasing day by day and now he was able to fight against the cruel king and other small kings. It was due to Guru Jee mission that a Muslim peer Budhoo Shah along with his two brothers four sons and seven soliders joined Guruji’s company. Guru Jee fought so many battles, one among them was named ‘WAR OF BAINGANE” where Guru jee lost his two elder sons in the battle field and younger two were arrested put in Jail with their old grand mother and were finally brick walked till death. Guru jee throughtout his life fought against cruelty, uprooted crime. He preached man’s desire of salvation through struggle for the whole mankind. He said, “dying is the privilege of brave person, provided if they die for humanity acceptable to God and not for their self benefits.”
Guru jee was a great saint and a messenger of God with unlimited hidden spiritual power but never tried to expose it as he was thinking it a great sin and weakness of a person and showed the world to live like a common man.
Her was a great philosopher military genius, a legislator, statesman, and religious guide. In the struggle and endeavours of his whole life, he did not seek any reward or profit nor left any property for his heirs and not allowed any construction at his birth or death place.
Guru jee wrote many religious books in different languages like, Jap Sahib, Chopayee Shbadhajaray and Dasam Granth but put separated Sh. Guru Granth Sahib for its respect and honour.
At last he ordered that Guru Granth Sahib shall be the last Guru of Sikhism and stopped the race of Guru Sahiban to avoid conflicts and doubts.
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Poet-Warrior
Ashok Vohra, Revolutionary Poet-Warrior, Guru Gobind Singh, Jan 4, 2017: The Times of India
Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last guru of the Sikhs, was a great warrior. He was also a scholar of Punjabi, Braj, Sanskrit and Persian languages. In his autobiographical book, `Bachitar Natak' (Wondrous Drama) he states that the purpose of his birth was “to advance righteousness, to emancipate the good, and to destroy all evil-doers, root and branch“.
The Guru preferred to call himself “servant of the Supreme being who has come to behold the wonderful drama of life“. To dissuade his followers from calling him God, or Son of God, he categorically stated “those who call me God, will fall into the deep pit of hell“.
Like Advaita Vedanta, the Guru in his Japji Sahib states that, “God has no marks, no colour, no caste, and no ancestors, no form, no complexion, no outline, no costume, and is indescribable. He is fearless, luminous and measureless in might. He is the King of kings, the Lord of the prophets. He is the sovereign of the universe, gods, men and demons.“
In his talks the Guru synthesised the spirit of piri or sainthood, with miri, a soldier or householder's life. He had soldier or householder's life. He ha natural talent for poetic composition. He used his poetic genius first as a means of revealing the divine principle and articulating his personal vision of the Supreme Being. Secondly , he used it to preach love and equality and a strictly ethical and moral code of conduct. Thirdly , he used the poetic method to infuse in the minds and hearts of his followers the spirit of fighting oppression in order to restore justice, peace, righteousness (Dharma) and to uplift the less privileged.
In his first and only composition in Punjabi `Chandi di Var', written in 1684, he depicted the legendary contest between gods and demons as described in the Markandeya Purana. He chose warlike themes for his compositions to infuse martial spirit among his followers to prepare them to stand up against injustice and tyranny . Guru Gobind Singh justified taking up the sword and waging just war to establish divine justice but only when all other means of reconciliation with the oppressor have failed.
The sword was neither a symbol of aggression, nor was it a tool to be used for self aggrandisement. “The sword,“ he said, “was to be treated as the emblem of self-respect and was to be used only in self-defence, resort.“ In his `Zafarnamah' as a last resort.“ In his `Zafarnamah' written in Persian he recommended, “When all other means have failed, it is but lawful to take to the sword.“ The Adi Granth compiled by his great-grandfather Guru Arjan Dev, was dictated by Guru Gobind Singh from his memory as the original was lost in war.He included in it songs composed by his father, Guru Teg Bahadur.
The creation of the Khalsa is the greatest accomplishment of the Guru.During the baptising ceremony , the Guru set a unique example of baptising himself by coming down on his knees like others.
He laid down a strict social, moral, dietary and personal code of conduct for his followers. He said that the Khalsa should be a classless and ritual-free society in which there is gender parity .His teachings promote tolerance, justice and equality .
Creator of the “Khalsa Panth”
Inder Jeet S. ‘Prince , Creator of the “Khalsa Panth” "Daily Excelsior" 5/1/2016
Guru Gobind Singh Ji, son of great martyr Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and great grandson of Guru Arjun Dev Ji, (Both sacrificed their lives for the sake of ‘Hindu’ dharma) was born at Patna Sahib (Bihar) in 1666 AD. Guru Ji was only nine years old when he was entrusted to shoulder the heavy responsibilities of Guruship, after Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib’s martyrdom whom he himself had sent to Delhi to oppose the tyranny of the ruler. Guru Teg Bahadur Ji had gone to Delhi to meet Emperor Aurangzeb to espouse the cause of Kashmiri Pandits and advocate for the grant of religious freedom. Guru Ji instead was asked to imbrace “Islam or face death. Guru Ji was executed on the orders of emperor in Chandni Chowk Delhi.
The 10th Guru felt the need of strengthening the Indian nation. Guruji implored his followers to bring with them good quality weapons and horses while coming to see him. Guru Ji started recruiting the Khasla army, equipped it with up-to-date armaments and imparted training of all tactics.
Guru Ji also felt the need to overhaul the psychology of the superstitious and slavery stricken people. To achieve this goal, Guru Ji created “Khalsa” on the Baisakhi day of 1699. Guru Ji introduced a new form of baptism, the water used in baptism, instead of being stirred with the Guru’s toe, was now to be stirred with’Khanda’ (a double edged sword), and the Sikhs initiated were to be called Singhs (Lions) or “Khalsa” (The master’s own) They were to wear in future 5 K’s i.e. ‘Kara’ (an iron bangle), ‘Kangha’ (a comb), ‘Kesh’ (uncut hair), ‘Kachhera’ (short drawer) and ‘Kirpan’ (a sword). The first five who came forward at the call of the Guru at Anandpur Sahib on ‘Baisakhi’-day of 1699 were called “Panj Pyaras” (Lord’s beloveds). Ironically, the Ist ‘Panj Pyaras’ belonged to different parts of the country and totally different castes. They were Bhai Daya Ram, a Khatri of Lahore, Bhai Dharam Dass, a Jat of Hastnipur (Delhi), Bhai Mohkam Chand, a washerman of Dwarka, Bhai Sahib Chand a barber of Bidar and Bhai Himmat Rai a water carrier of Jaganath Puri.
The ‘Khalsa’ thus born was inspired by a sense of divine mission to right the wrongs of the world and in the discharge of his duties, no fear of earthly power was to stand in the way. This raising of the Indian spirit from servility, which had dominated it for centuries brought about a great change in the tone of the national character. Even those people who had been considered as the dregs of humanity were changed, as if by magic into something rich and strange, the like of which India had never seen before the sweepers, barbers and confectioners who had never touched the sword became under the stimulating leadership of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, doughty warriors, who never shrank from fear and who were ever ready to shed their own blood where the safety of a least creature of God was in danger. Even their outward appearance underwent a marvellous change. They came to be regarded as the models of physical beauty and stateliness of character.
Throughout his life Guru Ji fought against injustice and tyranny. The manner in which Guru Ji sacrificed the lives of his father, his mother, his beloved associates whom he regarded his own flesh and blood and all the four sons at the altar of duty towards his motherland is an example which will remain unparalleled in history for generations to come.
Guru Ji’s elder two sons were martyred while fighting with the enemy in “Chamkaur Sahib” while the younger two aged 8 and 6 were bricked alive on the orders of Governor of Sirhind in the X’ mass week of 1704.
The Dasmesh Guru fought as many as 14 battles but never fought for any territory or wordly power, or against any religion or sect, but had set himself against injustice, oppression and intolerance. Among his followers and admirers were Hindus as well as Muslims. Many staunch followers of Islam had aligned themselves with him against the imperial forces fighting on his side, Pir Budhun Shah sacrificed four of his sons and a number of his disciples in the battle of Bhangans. The Muslim ruler of Maler Kotla Nawab Sher Mohammed Khan raised a strong protest against the execution of Guru Sahib’s two minor sons at Srihind. Thus, people of different faiths were attracted to the Guru whose teachings were that all men were equal and that, though the outer forms were different the fundamental truth was the same everywhere.
As a great social and religious reformer, Guru Gobind Singh Ji kept up the tradition of Sikh Gurus who had launched a crusade against superistion, polytheism, idol-worship, infanticide caste system addictions and host of other evils. Apart from agitating the minds of the people against social maladies and malpractices. Guru Ji retained and fostered positive values like the spirit of service (“Sewa”) and sacrifice as incalcatted by the previous Gurus. Guru Ji strictly exhorted his followers to lead pure and pious life.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji had a very distinctive personality. Besides being a fearless soldier and far-sighted commander in the battle-field, Guru Ji was an intellectual and philosopher in the company of sages and seers, national patriot to the core that happily he may sacrifice his whole family at the altar of his mother-land.
Guru Ji was a flawless master of a number of languages like Arabic, Persian, Brij, Sanskrit Hindi and Punjabi. Guru Ji chose a wide range of themes to inspire new spirits in the hearts of those who had remained the very dregs of society for a number of centuries.
Guru Ji had 52 renowned poets at his Royal Court and got the old Puran and Shastras and deeds of ancient heroes translated into Hindi and Punjabi. Guru Ji wrote his autobiography in verse entitled “Bachitra-Natak” “Jaap Sahib,” “Akal-Ustat”, “Chandi-Di-War,” “Choubis-Avtaar”, “Shabad-Hazare” and “Gyan-Prabodh” are some of his famous works. “Zafar-Nama” (Epistle of victory), the letter written in persian script which was despatched to the Emperor Aurangzeb is still read with great reverance.
King Bahadur Shah the elder son of Aurangzeb ascended the throne of Mughal empire after the death fo Aurangzeb with the active assistance of Sikh army. Now, Guru Ji was guest of Bahadur Shah and accompanied the latter to his march to the south to suppress the rebellion of his younger brother Kam Baksh. At Nanded Sahib in Maharashtra, Guru Ji was fatally stabbed by the agents of Nawab of Srihind and left for his heavenly abode on Oct 7, 1708.
But before this, Guru Ji proclaimed that “from today on the Guru Granth Sahib Ji (The holy book of the Sikhs), is the Guru and it should be regarded as the embodiment and visible form of all the 10 Gurus.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji was a true son of India who throughout his life span thought for the country, fought for the country and sacrificed his all for the country. He strived hard for achieving his goal of establishing “Dharma” and uprooting the evil forces. It was his strong desire to see his country free, prosperous and peace loving and it was his Khasla Panth who fulfilled his ambition later on and accomplished the noble work set forth by the 10th master.
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By Inder Raj Ahluwalia, January 8, 2022: The Times of India
His entire life a saga of selfless sacrifice, nobleness of thoughts and actions, and supreme belief in justice and dharma, Guru Gobind Singh was a guru and apostle.
In his life span of merely forty-odd years, the Guru left behind a priceless legacy of beliefs and principles that have shaped Sikh thinking and behaviour and are of great relevance today.
Guru Gobind Singh’s life was one big struggle. His father, Guru Tegh Bahadur, was martyred in Delhi to save Kashmiri pandits, and he had the mortification of seeing all four of his sons killed, the elder two in battle, and the younger two bricked alive. Almost his entire life was spent fighting off the intrigues of the hill chiefs of north India and the ruling sultans. He lived on the edge yet continued undaunted in his quest for dharma.
With martial considerations in mind, and to promote the cause of dharma, the Guru created the Khalsa, pure, on Baisakhi day in 1699. This was a new order of followers, a spiritual and social entity rather than a politically dynamic force. Calling the Khalsa pure and his very own, he thus gave a form to the concept of the ‘warrior saint’, which he had championed all his life.
The Khalsa were ordained to believe in one God, shun rituals and superstitions, seek respect for women, and consider everyone equal. The Guru’s overall message was that one should look upon all persons as deserving of kind treatment, having a license to lead a peaceful and dignified existence.
These virtues propagated by the Guru are precisely the beliefs the world needs today.
Despite his turbulent life, the Guru was a great patron of the arts. At Paonta Sahib, he meditated, composed poetry and wrote much of the ‘Dasam Granth’. At Anandpur Sahib, he created the Khalsa. The Guru has inspired millions to look beyond their own, limited vision.
As human beings, we tend to ‘take’. The Guru taught us to ‘give’ rather than ‘take’. Because that is precisely what he always did. His presence keeps us going. Whenever one feels lonely, one only has to think of how he might have felt losing his entire family, and all loneliness tends to disappear. When tense or depressed, just think of all the problems he faced. Yearning for homely comforts, you just have to recall how he managed in his harsh surroundings, and suddenly your home starts to appear more comfortable.
Guru Gobind Singh left us with a great gift – the ‘Guru Granth Sahib’ – which he designated our ‘eternal Guru’. This ensures blessings for humanity at any Gurdwara in the world.
He wasn’t just a Guru for the Sikhs but also a saviour of other communities, instilling in them a sense of pride and dignity. His new order was a mission to ‘do right’. He did it right till the end and paid for his beliefs and ideals with his life, and that of his family. Four of the five Sikh ‘Takhts’, thrones, commemorate Guru Gobind Singh, for if ever anyone deserved a throne, it is him.
The martyrdom of the Sahibzadas
Chhote Sahibzade
Martydom of Chote Sahibzada
Dr Mandeep Singh Azad, Dr Kawardeep
“In Putran Ke Sees Par, Vaar Diye Sut Chaar, Chaar Muye Toh Kya Hua, Jeevat Kahin Hazaar”
“I have sacrificed my four sons for Sikh Panth, So, what if my four sons are dead, when thousands of my Gursikhs are alive”
These are the words of Guru Gobind Singh Ji after he lost his four younger Sahibzada. Guru Gobind Singh Ji ,10th Guru of Sikhs is known for his supreme sacrifice of his whole family just for his country and nation. As the year approaches the end, the global world Sikh community commemorates the martyrdom of youngest in the history of the world. This month is to mourn and sadness for whole nation and especially sikh community who lost there beloved Sahibzada to cruel rulers. A martyr is one who chooses to suffer death rather than renounce his faith. To sacrifice one’s life to uphold dharma has been an integral part of the Sikh faith. A shahid or martyr, by his supreme sacrifice for the right cause, bears testimony to its truth and to his own commitment to it. To ensure justice and to see that no one is oppressed is enjoined as a duty of every Sikh. As says the Guru, “Listen O mind, that person who fears nothing nor gives anyone cause to fear, has alone obtained true knowledge.” Sikh history is replete with incidents of martyrdom and the Sikh gurus set the example for the Sikhs by sacrificing their life. Among the supreme martyrs are four sons of Guru Gobind Singh, char sahibzade. The “vaade sahibzade” or the older sons, aged 18 and 14, died fighting a battle at Chamkaur Sahib. The younger sons, “chotte sahibzade” attained martyrdom at the ages of six and nine.
While describing the importance of the land of Chamkaur, Allah Yaar Khan Jogi penned these immortal lines in his historical account.” Bas Ek Hii Hind Mein Tirth Hai Yatra Ke Liye, Katai Baap Ne Betey Jahan Khuda Ke Liye””There is only one place of worship in this part of the world where a father sacrificed his sons for humanity”. At the age when kids are supposed to play with toys, the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh, Sahibzaada Fateh Singh(Age 5) and Sahibzaada Zorawar Singh (Age 9) attained martyrdom at Sirhind, Punjab. They along with their grandmother Mata Gujri Ji were tortured for days and were bricked alive. Ajit Singh, the eldest son of Guru Gobind Singh, was born on January 25, 1687. He was taught Sikh theology, history and philosophy as well as martial arts like swordsmanship, horse-riding and archery. He fought his first battle when he was only 12 years of age. Ajit Singh laid down his life fighting heroically in the battle of Chamkaur. The second sahibzada, Jujhar Singh, born on March 14, 1691, was fearless and a great warrior. He also, like his brother, sacrificed his life, fighting for a noble cause. Zorawar Singh, the third son of Guru Gobind Singh, born on November 17, 1696, was only nine years of age when he attained martyrdom. Fateh Singh, the youngest son, was born on February 25, 1699 but lost his mother in 1700. He was very close to his grandmother, Mata Gujri, who brought him up inculcating typical Sikh values.When all appeasement failed, the then Governor of Sirhind ordered their execution by bricking them alive. Mata Gujri Ji, their grandmother, was all aware of the times ahead and with a heavy heart dressed up the young warriors like grooms. Their unshaken faith, courage, steadfastness and determination was of such high order they did not budge an inch despite several threats meted out and allurements offered over a three-day period to break their faith and spirit. They walked backwards through the small door so they would enter the court without their head bowed towards their tormentors. Their grandmother who had accompanied them gave them courage to stay the path. There is no parallel to such martyrdom in the annals of human history. The governor refused to do their last rites on their land and said the land would have to be bought and laid with gold coins. A local Diwan Todar Mal sold his property to do so; his successive generations are revered till today in Punjab. There is a Diwan Todar Mal Marg today in Fatehgarh Sahib. Historians believe this is the most valuable place in the world. Diwan Todar Mall (who was himself a Hindu) had bought the place by laying 7800 gold coins on the ground. According to the price of gold, the value of these 4 square meters of land is 2,50,00,000,000 (2.5 billion).Thus, the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh stood strong to the true principles of Sikhism and sacrificed their lives for Humanity. We need to even prepare ourself to even understand the Greatness of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. The world has never seen a man, a divine messenger, a warrior, a prophet, a poet, a emperor as great as Guru Gobind Singh Ji. We have may hear great stories of sacrifice but among all the sacrifice made by Guru Gobind Singh Ji stands tall of all. Sacrifing your whole family for your nation is something which is seen very less .Guru Gobind Singh Ji ,10th Guru of Sikhs is known for his supreme sacrifice of his whole family just for his country and nation Till date, the the true adherent of sikhi in Anandpur Sahib and Sirhind, commemorate these days by sleeping on the floor, without any blanket. They bare the same cold harsh winter just like the way our Sahibzaade and Mata Gujri witnessed it. Martyrs are source of inspiration and symbol of heroism, courage and extreme devotion in every religious tradition. They play influential role in deciding the fate of their communities. Their death for religious cause encourages the future generation to fight for religious cause. Martyrdom is a central concept in Sikhism. In Sikhism, martyrdom is the culmination of one’s devotion and fulfilment of socio-religious obligations.
A true Sikh accepts death for the sake of religion and coutry as a divine blessing and divine command of the Supreme Being. He is always ready to die for upholding the eternal message of Sikh Gurus. In Sikh history, there are countless martyrs, who sacrificed their life in their struggle against foreign invaders and barbaric rulers. The Sikh martyrs had opposed the political absolutism, religious fundamentalism and violation of human rights. Sikh Gurus laid down the supreme sacrifices for the sake of victims of political tyranny and religious bigotry and they suffered unendurable persecution. They fought for religion and liberation of vulnerable, demoralized people, suffer death in their holy struggle against political oppressors, and choose death at the time when they were asked to choose between life and death.
The story of the Sahibzadas’, needs to be disseminated far and wide within India and across the world as a true example of standing up for what is just and righteous. Effort needs to be directed towards this end by the Sikh community and its institutions as also by the Indian government and other cultural bodies of the nation. There is a need of institute studies, create literature and make all efforts to disseminate the historical facts in a manner that they motivate all humanity.Even thinking of about the courage of such young Sahibzada of guru who sacrificed their life but did not bow in front of wrong brings goose bumps and tear in the eyes of us all .In addition to mourn the martyrdom of sahibzade we should all learn from their sense of belief in God and love for country and religion that we all should also teach to our younger generation.
