9) GURU TEGH BAHADUR SAHIB JI

ਤੇਗ ਬਹਾਦਰ ਸਿਮਰਿਐ ਘਰਿ ਨਉ ਨਿਧਿ ਆਵੈ ਧਾਇ ॥
Then I remember Guru Tegh Bahadur, though whose Grace the nine treasures come running to my house.

(Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Sri Dasam Guru Granth Sahib Ji)

The ninth manifestation of Sri Akaal Purakh is Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. Formerly known as Baba Tyag Mal and born on 21 April 1621 in Amritsar. Guru Ji was named ‘Tegh Bahadur’ by Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji after showing his bravery in battle against the Mughals.

During a period where many people had proclaimed themselves as the Guru, Baba Makhan Shah had promised to pay 500 gold coins to the Satguru. Baba Ji went to all the fake Gurus and gave two coins to them knowing that the Satguru would be aware of his promise of 500 coins. He finally reached Guru Ji who were residing in Bakala and gave them two coins. Guru Ji blessed them and remarked that he hadn’t fulfilled his initial promise of 500 gold coins. Baba Ji ran upstairs and shouted ‘Guru ladho re, Guru ladho re’ (I have found the Guru, I have found the Guru).

Guru Ji travelled far and wide to further preach the teachings of Satguru Nanak Ji. Guru Ji’s compassion was so profound that he had sacrificed himself in order to save the Kashmiri Brahmans. The Kashmiri Brahmans were facing persecution from the Mughals, a plan orchestrated by Aurangzeb to convert the Hindu masses to Islam through converting the Brahmans. Guru Ji’s stance in this situation was one only a being with infinite compassion could have. Guru Ji’s stance was that if the Mughals managed to convert him, then so would the Brahmans. Guru Ji then left Anandpur to Delhi along with three Sikhs, Bhai Mati Daas, Bhai Sati Daas and Bhai Dayal Daas.

Guru Ji were taken to a high security jail in Delhi. Bhai Sati Daas was burnt alive, Bhai Mati Daas was sawn into pieces and Bhai Dayal Daas was thrown into a cauldron of boiling water. Such was the bravery of the three Sikhs that they remained loyal to the Guru even in such tyrannical moments. Guru Ji were beheaded and Bhai Jaita took Guru Ji’s head to Anandpur where the young Guru Gobind Rai would cremate it.

Guru Ji’s Akaal Chalana took place in 11 November 1675. Guru Gobind Singh Ji (then known as Guru Gobind Rai) was picked as the next Guru on 29 March 1676.