ਤਿਲਕ ਜੰਵੂ ਰਾਖਾ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਤਾ ਕਾ ॥ ਕੀਨੋ ਬਡੋ ਕਲੂ ਮਹਿ ਸਾਕਾ ॥
Thilak janjoo rakha prabh taaka. Keeno baddo kaloo meh saka.
He protected the forehead mark and sacred thread (of the Hindus) which marked a great event in the Iron age.
ਸਾਧਨ ਹੇਤਿ ਇਤੀ ਜਿਨਿ ਕਰੀ ॥ ਸੀਸੁ ਦੀਆ ਪਰ ਸੀ ਨ ਉਚਰੀ ॥੧੩॥
Saadhan haeth eithee jin karee. Sees dheea par sea n oucharee. 13.
For the sake of saints, he laid down his head without even a sound.
ਧਰਮ ਹੇਤਿ ਸਾਕਾ ਜਿਨਿ ਕੀਆ ॥ ਸੀਸੁ ਦੀਆ ਪਰ ਸਿਰਰੁ ਨ ਦੀਆ ॥
Dharam haeth saka jin keyaa. Sees dheea par sirar n dheea.
For the sake of Dharma, he sacrificed himself. He laid down his head but not his creed.
ਨਾਟਕ ਚੇਟਕ ਕੀਏ ਕੁਕਾਜਾ ॥ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਲੋਗਨ ਕਹ ਆਵਤ ਲਾਜਾ ॥੧੪॥
Nattak chaatak keyae kukaja. Prabh logan keh avath laja.
The saints of the Lord abhor the performance of miracles and malpractices and freely accept His Will. 14.
By: Jasman Padam
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is remembered for his everlasting presence in Sikh history, and is a symbol of sacrifice and fighting for what is right. Guru Ji illustrated the power of honoring Waheguru in times of pain and struggle, and demonstrated a deep respect for the Lord. On November 11, 1675, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was executed in Delhi for not complying to the demand of the Mughals to convert. Hindu pandits had come to Guru Ji asking for help after they were threatened by the Mughals to convert to Islam. After a suggestion from Gobind Rai, Guru Ji made the decision to sacrifice himself for the greater good. This was a turning point in our history, not only because Guru Ji had sacrificed himself, but because Guru Sahib sacrificed himself after being approached by people of another religion. Gobind Rai was prepared to give up his father to protect the religions of everyone. Thus, proving the role of interfaith communities in our religion provides us the courage to stand up for something that is for the whole of humanity.
Gobind Rai with Guru Tegh Bahadur
Another notable example is the story of “Bandi Chhor Divas”. Guru Hargobind Ji was held by Jahangir at Gwalior Fort for many months, and when offered release, he refused stating that he wanted the rest of the 52 unfairly imprisoned Rajas to also be released. They were allowed to leave, but only the ones that could hold on to Guru Ji. A special shawl was made that had 52 strings to hold onto for each of the Rajas. Establishing that the Sikhs were not there to protect the dignity of just one religion, but the dignity and the rights of the human race. When Guru Gobind Singh Ji was young, Guru Ji was asked to asked to touch one of either two pots. One had sweets made from a Hindu and the other from a Muslim. Guru Ji touched both pots, offering equal respect for both religions.
