Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (1621–1675) was the ninth Sikh Guru and the second Sikh martyr. He is known as Hind di Chadar — the Shield of India — for sacrificing his life to protect the religious freedom of Hindus.
Key Contributions
- Travelled extensively across India, establishing Sikh communities and spreading the message of compassion and fearlessness
- Founded the city of Anandpur Sahib in Punjab
- When Kashmiri Pandits appealed for protection from forced conversion under Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji stood up for their right to practice their faith
Martyrdom In 1675, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was publicly beheaded in Chandni Chowk, Delhi, by order of Aurangzeb for refusing to convert to Islam. He gave his life not for his own faith, but for the freedom of another — an act unparalleled in human history. Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi marks the site of his martyrdom.
Bani in SGGS Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji composed 116 hymns, many of which deal with detachment, mortality, and surrender to God's will. His bani was added to SGGS by Guru Gobind Singh Ji.