InIndian history, Guru Shri Tegh Bahadurs personality shines resplendent like abright constellation. He was born in Amritsar to Guru Hargobindji and Nankijion Krishna Panchami in the Baisakhi month. As per the Nanakshahi calendar, GuruTegh Bahadurs 400th birth anniversary falls on May 1 this year.
GuruTegh Bahadurji was born into a tradition that challenged Mughals of CentralAsia that had occupied vast tracts of Indian territory. He is a symbol oftenacity, sacrifice and his life is a wonderful example of physical and mentalvalour.
Infact, Shri Tegh Bahadur's life stands out as one of the greatest experiments incharacter-building. By reining in one's negative instincts, even ordinary mencan follow the path of dharma. Those who are trapped in the chakravyuha ofblasphemy, avarice and pride cannot remain stable in crisis.
Whilstthe behaviour of ordinary men changes in the midst of joy and sorrow, men ofgreat attainment rise above these considerations. Guruji proclaimed that oneshould be beyond "praise and slander, look upon gold and iron alike"and not be "touched by pleasure or pain, greed, emotional attachment andegotistic pride" (Shlok Mahalla 9 - page 1426 onwards of the Sri GuruGranth Sahib).
Inhis teachings, Guruji exhorted, "One should neither frighten away anyonenor be scared of anyone". The greatest fear is the fear of death, thatgoads a person renounce his values and turn a coward. Guruji said, "Icannot forget the fear of dying, and this worry has torched my body".
Throughhis preachings and selfless work, Guruji sought to create a society in whichone could walk the path of dharma, free from worry and fear. Guruji's life isperhaps the finest example of attaining the four purusharthas (goals of humanexistence) e dharma (righteousness), artha (wealth), kama (desire) and moksha(liberation).
Hesuccessfully demonstrated excellent human values in his family and the societywhilst accomplishing the goals of artha and kama in his domestic life. Heattained martyrdom for the cause of dharma. He envisions hope and trust even inthe worst of crises. Guruji famously said, "I have regained my power, mybonds are broken and all options are open on to me."
GuruTeghBahadurji's thoughts and actions had such an inspiring impact that theybroke the bonds shackling the country and unlocked the path of liberation. Hismessages in the Braj language is a unique exposition of Bharatiya culture,philosophy and spirituality.
Guruji'sabode, Anandpur Sahib, emerged as a centre of mass struggle against theinjustice and atrocities of the Mughals. Aurangzeb wanted to make HindustanDarul-Islam. Kashmir, an intellectual and spiritual centre, was his key target.
Thepeople of Kashmir approached Guruji for guidance, following which he held alengthy discussion. Situation everywhere was grave. How could the cruel Mughalambitions be frustrated was the question.
Therewas only one route e a great man would have to martyr himself to protect hisnation and the faiths of her people. Through this sacrifice, a tide of publicconsciousness would galvanize the nation and shake the walls of the foreignMughal empire. Who would make this sacrifice? This quandary was resolved byGuruji's son, Shri Govind Rai, who asked his father if there was anyone whocommanded more respect and stature than him.
Aurangzeb'sarmy imprisoned Guruji along with his three disciples and brought them toDelhi, where they were subjected to inhuman torture and pressurised to convertto Islam. All kinds of alluring assurances were made. But, Guruji stood firm onthe path of dharma. Angered by his defiance, the Mughals forced Guruji to watchas his disciples were tortured in Chandni Chowk e Bhai Mati Das was ripped witha saw, Bhai Diyala was drenched in boiling oil and Bhai Sati Das was tied andburnt in a heap of cotton.
TheMughal regime probably felt that he would be frightened by the treatment metedout to his disciples. Guruji knew that the very essence of dharma was to fightinjustice and tyranny. As Guruji did not waver, the qazi ordered theexecutioner to behead him. This act of martyrdom led to a reawakening acrossthe nation. On the martyrdom of his father, tenth guru Shri Govind Singh said,
"Heprotected the tilak (mark on the forehead) and janevu (sacred thread). Hismartyrdom is a significant event of the Kali Yuga. For the sake of saints, helaid down his head without even a sigh."