Hind-di-Chadar: Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji
Ishpreet Kakkar,New Delhi: Nestled between a church and a mosque lies Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib which is of supreme importance to the Sikhs. This is the place where the dismembered body of the protector of mankind, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was cremated. He was the ninth guru of Sikhism, his sacrifice laid the foundation of Sikhism and left the legacy for us that we should be able to follow our own faith, religion, and ideals rather than be coerced into one.
This sacrifice dates back to around 300 odd years, when a delegation of 500 Kashmiri pandits led by Pandit Kripa Ram approached the youngest son of Guru Hargobind Singh Ji at Anandpur Sahib to protect them from the ruthless orders of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, who ought to convert India into an Islamic country. This momentous event took place during the 17th century when the autocratic ruler pressurized the natives to convert to Islam or else be ready to be beheaded.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the son of the ninth guru persuaded him to go to Delhi and try to dissuade the ferocious ruler from this religious imposition. “Unless a holy man lays down his head for the sake of the poor Brahmins, there is no hope for their escape from imperial tyranny.” These were the words of this holy man who voluntarily offered to be executed to save the Kashmiri Pandits’ religious freedom for refusing to convert to Islam. Subsequently, he was decapitated in front of a massive crowd at the orders of Aurangzeb. This self-sacrifice took place on 24th November, 1675 at Chandini Chowk, Old Delhi.
At this place, Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib was established to commemorate the persecution of Hind-di-Chadar. This guru was a symbol of valour and conviction and the Gurudwara is the insignia of the martyrdom of this benevolent guru. Every year, 24th November is venerated as the “Shaheedi Diwas” of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, and the key takeaway from this event that this was the first-ever martyrdom for human rights in the world. The teachings of this guru continue to fill everyone with the spirit of love and unity.