Faith in humanity – The Hindu

Spiritual leaders who not only stood steadfast in their faith, but also stood as a beacon of courage during testing times are universally revered. One such leader was Guru Tegh Bahadur, said Prof. Kumool Abbi in a lecture.

He has been an epitome of valour, bravery, courage, fortitude and fearlessness. Devout and spiritual, his holiness is reflected in the 115 shabads he has contributed to the sacred Guru Granth Sahib. He is also credited with 15 ragas and his bhagats are ascribed with seventy-two bani compositions,

Born in 1621, as the youngest son of Guru Hargobindji, he received his initial training from Bhai Gurdas in scriptures and languages, including Sanskrit, Gurmukhi and Hindi; he learnt the art of weaponry from Baba Bhudda. At the age of 13 when he courageously fought the Moghuls, thus proving his mettle, his name, which was Tyagi Mal, was rechristened as Tegh Bahadur.

Guru Tegh Bahadur travelled across the country to the farthest pockets and was much admired; he is believed to have travelled to Puri, Guwahati, Mathura, Agra, Benares and Patna among others. These travels highlight the range and impact of Guru Tegh Bahadur’ reach and spiritual insights.

He is revered for his sacrifice for religious tolerance, pluralism, inclusiveness, harmony and peace. When approached by a delegation led by Kirpa Das at Chak Nanki, who sought his intervention as they were being forced to convert to another religion, he benevolently granted the Kashmiri Brahmins his protection. He boldly proclaimed to the pundits to inform the emperor that if he succeeded in converting Tegh Bahadur to his faith, all of them would follow suit; otherwise, he should leave them alone. This was regarded as an act of defiance and challenge to his rule by Aurangzeb.

Guru Tegh Bahadur was martyred in Delhi after being tortured for five days along with Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Satti Das and Bhai Dyala. At this site now stands the Holy Gurudwara, Sis Ganj Sahib. It was his ultimate sacrifice which earned him the title Hind ki Chadar. He is venerated as an upholder of human rights as a core principle of Sikh values, as evidenced by his display of compassion and moral courage to maintain the integrity, diversity and syncretical values of the country.