Historical Gurdwaras of Delhi

Author : MK Pal

Publisher : Niyogi, Rs595

Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib stands where Guru Tegh Bahadur sacrificed his life for the well-being of Brahmins. Excerpts

Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib is considered to be one of the most sacred shrines for the reason that it is a monument dedicated to the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur who, in the words of Guru Gobind Singh (10th Sikh Guru), gave away his life for the protection of the religious symbols of Hindus. The Guru was beheaded here on November 11, 1675.

Muhgal emperor Aurangzeb’s reign was marked by the persecution of Hindus. He was told by his advisors that if he wanted to convert Dar-ul-Harb into Dar-ul-Islam, he should first convert the Brahmins of the country, as they were the exponents of the Hindu religion. Once they are converted, it would be easy to establish Dar-ul-Islam in the country. Aurangzeb was convinced, and he issued orders that the Brahmins be converted with lightening speed.

The troubled Brahmins of north India are said to have appealed to some Hindu leaders, but they expressed their helplessness. Ultimately, about 500 Brahmins representing various centres of learning, from Banaras to Srinagar, under the leadership of Pandit Kripa Ram proceeded to Anandpur where Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Guru, was then residing. Encouraged by his young son, Gobind, Guru Tegh Bahadur advised the Pandits to go to Aurangzeb and tell him that they, together with all the Brahmins were ready to embrace Islam, if Tegh Bahadur was first converted. The emperor was highly gratified to know this. He then issued summons from Agra for the Guru to present himself in his court.

When the Guru reached Delhi, he was put in chains and ordered to be tortured until he would accept Islam. The Emperor also ordered that, if the Guru refused to obey his order, his devoted followers were to be tortured to death in his presence. He did this with the belief that the Guru would get terrified on seeing these horrific scenes and would embrace Islam. When all attempts to persuade the Guru to accept Islam failed, Aurangzeb ordered that the Guru be executed in public at Chandni Chowk.

The executioner waved his sword and cut off the Guru’s head. The mutilated body was left in Chandni Chowk unattended and none dared claim it for fear of Mughal reprisal. At nightfall, the severed head of the Guru was lifted by Bhai Jaita, a Rangreta, a low caste who secretly carried it to Anandpur for cremation. It is said that a great storm hit the city that day and filled everyone’s eyes with dust. The whole of Delhi was struck with terror. Some cried in helplessness, some screamed and beat their chests out of unbearable agony.

On the site where Guru Tegh Bahadur was martyred, stands Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib. It is located in Chandni Chowk, the most prosperous business centre of Delhi. The trunk of the pipal tree under which the Guru was martyred has been preserved. The well from which the Guru took water for his bath while in prison and before his martyrdom still exists in the same place.