Life and Teachings SARBANS DANEE SRI GURU GOBIND SINGH JI

Parkash Ustav was ON HIS 359th BIRTH ANNIVERSARY ON JANUARY 6, 2025  

Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji (1666-1708) the tenth spiritual teacher of the Sikhs is

reverently known as SARBANS DANEE i.e., a person who sacrificed his ‘sarbans’ whole

family for helping the oppressed persons and protecting a person’s right to profess the

religion of one’s own choice. He was born the only son of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib

(1621-1675) the Ninth Prophet Teacher of the Sikhs and Mata Gujri Ji on December 22,

1666 in Patna Sahib, Bihar. It may be mentioned that Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji at that

time was on a preaching tour of Assamand Bengal. At the place of His birth now stands

Takht Sri Harmander Sahib, which is one of the five honoured seats of Sikh religious

authority for the Sikhs.

While Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib was visiting the eastern states,Assam and

Bengal he left his wife Mata Gujri Ji at Patna Sahib, Bihar and went forward to Dhaka.

Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was travelling across Bengal and Assam when Bal Gobind Rai

Ji was born on December 22, 1666 at Patna Sahib, Bihar. At Dhaka Raja Ram Singh of

Amber, an old disciple who had been deputed on January 6, 1666 by Aurangzeb to lead

an expedition against the Ahoms(ethnic people)of Assam was waiting for Sri Guru Tegh

Bahadur Sahib to seek his blessings. Raja Ram Singh who was encamped at some

distance from Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib was clashing with the Ahom ruler

Chakradhvij Singh. Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib brought peace between the warring

forces and began his homeward journey late in 1669, the longest halt being at Patna

Sahib where he rejoined his family in 1670 and saw his son Bal Gobind Rai Ji for the first

time who was four years old. During the journey towards Punjab his family including Bal

Gobind Rai Ji stopped at Lakhnaur Sahib, District Ambala of Haryana, Mata Gujri Ji’s

ancestoral home. The family including Bal Gobind Rai Ji stayed at Lakhnaur Sahib for 6

months.In 1670 Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib directed his family to return to Punjab.

The family then left for Anandpur Sahib which was at that time called Chakk Nanki, in the

foot hills of Shivalik Hills where they reached in March 1672.

At Anandpur Sahib Bal Gobind Rai Ji was taught reading and writing Punjabi,

Braj, Sanskrit and Persian. Gobind Rai Ji grew up at Anandpur Sahib until the age of 9

years.

In 1675, when he was barely nine years of age that his tender heart had to bear

the pressure of a helpless group of 500 Kashmiri Pandits who approached his father Sri

Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, the Ninth Master of the Sikhs to save them from forcible

conversion to Islam by the then emperor Aurangzeb. Aurangzeb had issued very strong

orders to his faujdars to spread Islam in all nooks and corners of his territory even at the

cost of severe physical torture to those who resisted it. For this purpose he had

established an independent Department under a Director General. A large number of

persons who refused to accept Islam were killed everyday. Aurangzeb would not eat any

meal until janeoos, the sacred thread worn by Brahmins, weighing one and a quarter

maund were presented to him, meaning thereby that 2000-2500 Brahmins were being

converted to Islam before he ate any meal.

When this movement of conversion of Hindus to Islam reached its peak in

Kashmir, after knocking at many doors, a group of 500 Brahmins under the leadership of

Pandit Kirpa Ram Ji reached Anandpur Sahib, District Ropar, Punjab to seek help from

Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib. These Brahmins narrated to him all of their woeful tales

and told him that more than half of the Kashmiri Brahmins had already been forcibly

converted to Islam. A Kashmiri writer P.N.K. Bamzai in his book History of Kashmir

(2008) has given details about this incident of the 500 Pandits asking Sri Guru Tegh

Bahadur Sahib for help. After carefully listening to the cruelties meted out to the

Brahmins in Kashmir, while Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib was sitting in a reflective mood

his young barely nine-year old son Gobind Rai Ji asked him as to what was the reason

for his pensive mood. His father told him about the whole problem and as reported by

Kuir Singh in his book Gurbilas Patshahi Dasvin(1751) told him that 'Grave are the

burdens the earth bears. She will be redeemed only if a truly worthy person comes

forward to lay down his head. Distress will then be expunged and happiness ushered in'.

The young son innocently and promptly remarked that non could be worthier than his

father to make such a sacrifice. Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib felt happy at the brave

answer given by his young son because this answer had, in a way, supported the

decision that he had already taken in his mind i.e. to sacrifice himself to save the Hindu

community from extinction and provide freedom to everyone to profess the religion of

one's own choice. Thus, at an age of barely nine years by asking his father to save a

community from extinction by sacrificing his life and to uphold human values he (Gobind

Rai Ji) evinced the seeds of sacrifice for oppressive people.

Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib asked the Kashmiri Brahmins to go back and tell

the Suba of their area that they should try to convert him i.e. Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur

Sahibto Islam and if he is successful all of you will also accept that religion. Thus, at the

inspiration of his son Gobind Rai Ji, the Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib decided to

sacrifice his life for upholding a person's right to profess the religion of one's own choice.

Under the orders of Aurangzeb, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib was arrested at Sikandra,

District Agra, U.P. and subjected to various tortures. Finally, he was cruelly beheaded in

public view in Chandni Chowk, Delhi on 11 November, 1675. At the sacred site of his

sacrifice now stands Gurdwara Sri Sisganj Sahib. After his martyrdom, Sri Guru

Gobind Singh Ji who became the Tenth Guru on November 24, 1675 decided to take up

cudgels against Aurangzeb who was bent upon killing all those persons who stood in his

way of Islamikaran. Thus, Aurangzeb considered Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji as his chief

enemy because he was following the foot-steps of his father to save Hindus from

conversion to Islam.

As per order of Aurangzeb on November 11, 1675 Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib

was tortured and then beheaded. Out of the Sikhs only Bhai Uda Ji had seen the

martyrdom. He went to Bhai Nanu Ji house in Mohalla Dilwali Singhan shared his

sorrow. With this martyrdom the whole Sikh Community was disturbed. In addition to the

pain of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib’s martyrdom another pain was that Aurangzeb had

ordered that any body to shared who touches the sacred body of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur

Sahib his whole family will be killed.

In the house of Bhai Nanu Ji the Sikh gathered to share their sorrow-one of the

Sikhs said that Bhai Lakkhi Shah Wanjara Ji after coming from Narnaul is staying on the

other side of Jamuna River and he should be contacted. Bhai Lakkhi Shah Wanjara Ji

decided to take care of the sacred body and cremate it and Bhai Jaita Ji decided to carry

the sacred head of Guru Sahib to Kiratpur Sahib, District Ropar and with the remaining

he mortals started travel towards Kiratpur Sahib, District Ropar, Punjab. Bhai Jaita Ji

handed over the sacred head of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib to Gobind Rai Ji. He

blessed Bhai Jaita Ji. Gobind Rai Ji blessed the persons from Delhi who accompanied

by Lakkhi Shah Wanjara Ji.

On the night of 11 November, 1675 after that Bhai Jaita Ji started his onwards

journey to Kiratpur Sahib which took five days. On 16 November he handed over the

sacred head of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji to Gobind Rai Ji. In the mean time at nightfall

of 11 November 1675, a devout Sikh Lakkhi Shah Wanjara Ji helped by three of his sons

Nagahia, Hema and Harhi, not caring for the Mughal reprisal placed the headless trunk

in a cart and took it to his home in Raisina village, New Delhi. To avoid direct

confrontation with the Mughals, instead of an open cremation, he set fire to his whole

house and thus cremated the sacred headless body of the martyred Guru Sahib. At this

spot now stands Gurdwara Rakabganj Sahib, New Delhi.

Gobind Rai Ji immersed the mortal remains in the Satluj river with the sound of

Jaikaras DHAN DHAN SRI GURU TEGH BAHADUR JI! After that Sri Guru Gobind

Singh Ji addressed the Sikhs to remain calm at Akal Burga Sahib.

Gobind Rai Ji was married in 1677 to Mata Gujri Ji whose father wanted to

solemnize the marriage at Lahore. But due to adverse circumstances instead of Lahore,

the marriage took place in a temporary encampment in the village Basantgarh, 10 kms

north of Lahore Tehsil in Udhampur District, J&K 10kms north of Lahore which was

named Guru Ka Lahore. The marriage took place on June 21, 1677. At this time Sri Guru

Gobind Singh Ji was eleven years old and Mata Jito Ji 7 years old. But she went to her

in-laws house when she grew up: Three sons were born to Mata Jito Ji Jujhar Singh Ji

(March 14, 1691), Zorawar Singh Ji (November 17, 1696) and Fateh Singh Ji (February

25, 1699).

On March 30, 1699 Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji instituted Khalsa. In an iron vessel

he prepared (Amrit Nectar). Mata Ji to Ji poured crystals in it. By doing so, Sri Guru

Gobind Singh Ji instituted 'Khalsa' to which he gave a concrete from on the Baisakhi day

of 1699 through initiation of Panj Piaras (five beloved ones) at Anandpur Sahib, District

Ropar, Punjab. In addition to maintaining five kakaars, the Sikhs were instructed to (i)

avoid adultery (ii) not to eat halaal (the meat of the animal killed in the muslim way) (iii)

avoid tobacco and (iv) not to have any relationship with those who consume tobacco or

indulge in female foeticide. The institution of Khalsa by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji further

infuriated the hilly chiefs who under the leadership of Raja of Bilaspur in whose territory

fell Anandpur Sahib he became very active to forcibly evict Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji

from his hilly citadel. During 1700-1704 they raided Anandpur Sahib many times but

yielded no fruit. Having been frustrated by their failures they requested Aurangzeb for

help to which he readily agreed. In May 1705, in collaboration with the contingents sent

under the imperial orders by the governor of Lahore and those of the faujdar of Sirhind

they invaded Anandpur Sahib and laid a siege to the fort. Inspite of scarcity of

ammunition and food caused by a prolonged battle Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and his

Sikhs gave a firm fight to these successive assaults. The attackers feeling helpless

cunningly gave an offer on solemn oath to Guru Sahib to provide safe exit to him if he

agreed to quit Anandpur Sahib. Guru Sahib accepted the offer. But during the night of 5--

6 December, 1705 as soon as Guru Sahib along with his four sons - Sahibzada Ajit

Singh Ji, Sahibzada Jujhar Singh Ji, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada

Fateh Singh Ji aged 18 years, 14 years, 9 years and 7 years respectively, his mother

Mata Gujri Ji and the other Sikhs started coming out of the town the hilly chiefs and

their Mughal allies started attacking them furiously. While crossing the rivulet Sirsa, a

tributary of river Sutlej on horseback, the two younger sons of Guru Sahib Sahibzadas -

Zorawar Singh Ji and Fateh Singh Ji along with Mata Gujri Ji got separated from the

rest of the family. At the place where they all got separated from each other, which is 12

kms south of Ropar now stands Gurdwara Sri Parivar Vichhora Sahib. Gangu, an old

cook of the family promised to take them safely to his village Kheri, now known as

Saherinear Morinda in Ropar District of Punjab. At night Gangu stole the bag of Mata

Gujri Ji which contained cash and precious items. But in the hope of a huge reward from

the Mughals he betrayed them and on the morning of December 7, 1705 handed them

over to Jani Khan and Mani Khan Ranghar, the officials of Morinda.

In the meantime, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji alongwith about forty Sikhs and his

two elder sons SahibzadasAjit Singh Ji and Jujhar Singh Ji had reached Chamkaur

Sahib which is 40 kms south-west of Anandpur Sahib. The imperial army and the army

of hilly monarchs had followed him closely. In Chamkaur Sahib, Guru Sahib established

his head-quarters in a garhi (a protected place) now known as Chamkaur Di Garhi where

now stands Gurdwara Sri Garhi Sahib. From this place Guru Sahib sent the forces

under the command of his elder sons SahibzadasAjit Singh Ji and Jujhar Singh Ji to

fight with the imperial army and the army of hilly monarchs. In the furious battle which

ensued on 7 December, 1705 at a nearby place both the elder sons of Guru Sahib

Sahibzadas Ajit Singh Ji and Jujhar Singh Ji attained martyrdom. To commemorate

their martyrdom Gurdwara Sri Qatalgarh Sahib, Chamkaur Sahib, District Roparhas

been constructed at this sacred site.

On December 8, 1705 Jani Khan and Mani Khan Ranghartook the two younger

Sahibzadas - Zorawar Singh Ji and Fateh Singh Ji aged 9 and 7 years respectively

and their paternal grandmother Mata Gujri Ji to Sirhind and handed them over to Wazir

Khan the faujdar of Sirhind who had just returned from the battle of Chamkaur Sahib full

of vengeance. Wazir Khan ordered that these two young sons of Guru Sahib be sealed

alive in a wall if they refused to accept Islam. As per Wazir Khan's orders on December

9, 1705 both the Sahibzadas were produced before him. He lured them with promises of

wealth and honour if they adopted Islam. But both of them rejected the offer bravely and

remained firm in their faith. Remaining staunch in his decision, Wazir Khan ordered that

they be sealed alive in a wall. As per his orders, on December 11, 1705 they were to be

paved with bricks standing on the ground at a place 5 kms north of Sirhind, which is now

named as Fatehgarh Sahib after the name of the youngest Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji.

However, in constructing the wall around them when the masons reached above the

chest height of the younger Sahibzada i.e. Fateh Singh Ji, it crumbled and they found it

impossible to complete it. The next day i.e. on December 12 the two Sahibzadas were

again given the choice to get converted to Islam or embrace death. They firmly chose

death and courageously faced the executioner's sword. On hearing the death of her

grandsons, Guru Sahib's mother Mata Gujri Ji died of shock.

At the sacred site of the martyrdom of the two Sahibzadas Zorawar Singh Ji and

Fateh Singh Ji, Gurdwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib has been established. In the basement

of this Gurdwara the wall which was constructed on December 11, 1705 is still in

existence though with certain changes. The pilgrims who had visited this sacred place

60 years ago tell that at that time the original wall which was made of small Sirhindi

bricks joined with lime mortar was in existence and the crack which had occurred on one

side of wall while the masons were constructing it, was also visible. But now this wall has

been painted with a shining paint which has concealed its original form. The name of the

city as well as the District is named Sri Fateh Sahib. Thousands of devotees visit this

holy place every day and have 'darshan' (holy glimpse) of this wall. During 2004, being

the tercentenary year, over one million pilgrims visited this holy place during December

24-26, visited Gurdwara Sri Qatalgarh Sahib, Sri Chamkaur Sahib during December 21-

23 to pay homage to the two elder sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Sahibzadas - Ajit

Singh Ji and Jujhar Singh Ji, who sacrificed their lives in a battle at this place.

Thus, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji sacrificed his whole family - his father, his mother

and four sons for preserving human values and throughout his life even in the face of

ordeals continued his struggle against repression. On April, 1685 Sri Guru Gobind Singh

Ji went to Paonta Sahib in Himachal Pradesh, a city which he had established on the

bank of river Yamuna. At this place he did creative writings in which he preached

goodwill and equality. He preached to worship' One Supreme God', discard idolatry and

superstitions. The caste ridden Rajput chiefs of Shivalik hills felt threatened by his

increasing power and decided to join hands and help the Muslim ruler in combating his

activities. It was here that on September 18, 1688 under the leadership of Raja Fateh

Chand of Garhval, U.P. the hilly monarchs attacked Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji at

Bhangani 10 kms north-east of Paonta Sahib but were badly worsted. After this, in view

of the repressive policies of Mughals and antagonism of the hilly Rajas he returned to

Anandpur Sahib and fortified it. During this period he was involved in many battles which

include the battles at Nadaun which took place on March 20, 1691 and at Hussainiwala

which took place on February 20, 1696.

Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji (1666-1708) faught 21 battles against the Mughal

Emperor Aurangzeb (1618-1707) and the kings of Shivalik hills.

After Chamkaur Sahib going westward towards Dina and Kangar Sri Guru

Gobind Singh Ji stayed at village Lamman-Jatpura in District Ludiana of Punjab. It was

at this place that he learnt about the sad demise of his two younger Sahibzadas and

Mata Gujri Ji. On hearing about these deaths, he uprooted a dab plant and said that now

the roots of Mughals have been uprooted.

After that he went to Talwandi Sabo, District Bathinda and with Bhai Mani Singh Ji

as his amanuensis he prepared the final copy of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

In addition to his sacrifices, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji will always be respected for

his religious writings including Sri Dasam Granth Sahib, a holy book written by him

consisting of 1428 pages.

Every incident of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s life reveals his love for humanity,

help of the down-trodden and upholding a person's freedom to follow the religion of

one's own choice.

After this Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji decided to travel toward the south to spread

the message of Sikhism. Wazir Khan of Sirhind who was still full of fury had already

dispatched two pathans Jamshed Khan and Wasil Beg to kill him. These two pathans

followed Guru Sahib secretly and overtook him at Nanded Sahib in Maharashtra. One of

them stabbed Guru Sahib on the left side below the heart as he lay resting in his

chamber in the evening. Guru Sahib immediately struck him down with his sabre and

killed him. The second pathan was killed by his devotees. The wound of Guru Sahib was

stitched and seemed to have been healed. But one day as he tried to pull a stiff bow, the

wound broke out which ended up being fatal and on 7 October, 1708 after bestowing

Guruship on Sri Guru Granth Sahib, he left for his heavenly abode.

Before leaving for his heavenly abode Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji instructed the

Sikhs (i) to avoid halaal (ii) maintain no relationships with those who eat halaalor indulge

in female foeticide and (iii) keep the langars (community kitchens) ever open and (iv) to

consider Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as their last Guru

In 2017, on January 5, 350th birth anniversary was celebrated all over the world

with great pomp and show. Millions of Sikhs and non-Sikhs participated in the jubilant

activities organised as part of this programme. The cooperation given by the

Government and the people of Bihar in these celebrations was commendable.

This year i.e., in 2025 the 359th Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji is

being celebrated on January 6 with great pomp and show by the Sikh Sangat all over

the world.

DHAN DHAN SRI GURU GOBIND SINGH JI!

Dr. Amrit Kaur Retd. Professor Punjabi University Patiala, Punjab