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Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji

ਤੇਗ ਬਹਾਦਰ ਸਿਮਰਿਐ ਘਰਿ ਨਉ ਨਿਧਿ ਆਵੈ ਧਾਇ ॥

I remember Guru Tegh Bahadur, through whose remembrance the nine treasures come running to my home.

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

Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji is the ninth embodiment of Sri Akaal Purakh. Previously known as Baba Tyag Mal, they were born on 21 April 1621 in Amritsar. Guru Ji was bestowed the name 'Tegh Bahadur' by Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji after displaying bravery in battle against the Mughals.

During a time when many self-proclaimed Gurus had emerged, Baba Makhan Shah had made a promise to offer 500 gold coins to the true Guru. Baba Ji visited all the impostor Gurus and gave them two coins each, knowing that the true Guru would be aware of his pledge of 500 coins. Finally, he arrived at Guru Ji's presence in Bakala and presented them with two coins. Guru Ji blessed him and pointed out that his original promise of 500 gold coins remained unfulfilled. Baba Ji hurried upstairs and exclaimed, "Guru ladho re, Guru ladho re" (I have found the Guru, I have found the Guru).

Guru Ji traveled extensively to spread the teachings of Satguru Nanak Ji. Their compassion was so profound that they sacrificed themselves to protect the Kashmiri Brahmans. The Brahmans were facing persecution from the Mughals, orchestrated by Aurangzeb to convert them and the Hindu masses to Islam. Guru Ji's response in this situation showcased infinite compassion. They believed that if the Mughals could convert them, the Brahmans would also be converted. Guru Ji then left Anandpur for Delhi, accompanied by three Sikhs: Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das, and Bhai Dayal Das.

In Delhi, Guru Ji was imprisoned in a highly secure jail. Bhai Sati Das was burned alive, Bhai Mati Das was sawn into pieces, and Bhai Dayal Das was boiled in a cauldron of water. The bravery of these three Sikhs remained unwavering, even in such tyrannical moments, as they stayed loyal to the Guru. Guru Ji was beheaded, and Bhai Jaita carried Guru Ji's head to Anandpur, where the young Guru Gobind Rai would perform the cremation.

Guru Ji's passing occurred on 11 November 1675, and on 29 March 1676, Guru Gobind Singh Ji (then known as Guru Gobind Rai) was chosen as the next Guru.

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