Abstract
Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth of the Ten Gurus of Sikhism, is revered for his courage, spiritual wisdom, and ultimate sacrifice for religious freedom. He was born in Amritsar in 1621, his original name was Tyag Mal. He earned the name Tegh Bahadur (“Brave Sword”) for his valor in battle. He is known as the “Shield of India” (Hind di Chadar) for defending the rights of Kashmiri Pandits against forced conversions to Islam. His martyrdom, at the hands of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, is a defining moment in Sikh history. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji contributed over 100 hymns to the Guru Granth Sahib, emphasizing themes of God, human attachments, and spiritual enlightenment.
Advocacy for Religious Freedom and his martyrdom:
He strongly opposed the forced conversions of Hindus and Sikhs during Aurangzeb’s reign and ultimately sacrificed his life to protect their religious freedom. Guru Tegh Bahadur was publicly beheaded in Delhi in 1675 for refusing to convert to Islam. He is remembered as a protector of humanity and a symbol of courage and sacrifice. His martyrdom is commemorated as Shaheedi Divas on November 24th (according to the Nanakshahi calendar). Guru Ji was steadfast in his beliefs in human liberty:-
ਭੈ ਕਾਹੂ ਕਉ ਦੇਤ ਨਹਿ ਨਹਿ ਭੈ ਮਾਨਤ ਆਨ ॥ (Salok M. 9, SGGS, 1427).
Bhai Kaahoo Ko Dhaeth Nehi Nehi Bhai Maanath Aan ||
One who does not frighten anyone, and who is not afraid of anyone else

ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਸੁਨਿ ਰੇ ਮਨਾ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਤਾਹਿ ਬਖਾਨਿ ॥੧੬॥
Kahu Naanak Sun Rae Manaa Giaanee Thaahi Bakhaan ||16||

• says Nanak, listen, mind: call him spiritually wise. ||16||

Among his Legacy, he contributed towards the building of Anandpur Sahib. He founded the city of Anandpur Sahib, which became a significant center for Sikhism, where the Khalsa Panth was later founded by his son, Guru Gobind Singh. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji also traveled extensively to spread the teachings of Sikhism and established community kitchens (langars) and wells for the benefit of the people.

Spiritual guidance about the importance of Gurmat Naam is highlighted by Guru Teg Bahadur Ji as given below :-

• ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ ਉਰ ਮੈ ਗਹਿਓ ਜਾ ਕੈ ਸਮ ਨਹੀ ਕੋਇ ॥ (Sloak M. 9, GGS. 1429).
  raam naam our mai gehiou jaa kai sam nehee koe ||
  I have enshrined the Lord’s Name within my heart; there is nothing equal to it.
  ਜਿਹ ਸਿਮਰਤ ਸੰਕਟ ਮਿਟੈ ਦਰਸੁ ਤੁਹਾਰੋ ਹੋਇ ॥੫੭॥੧॥
  jih simarath sankatt mittai dharas thuhaaro hoe ||57||1||
  Meditating in remembrance on it, my troubles are taken away; I have received the Blessed Vision of Your Darshan. ||57||1||
• ਹਰਿ ਕੋ ਨਾਮੁ ਸਦਾ ਸੁਖਦਾਈ ॥ (M. 9, SGGS. 1008).
  Har Ko Naam Sadhaa Sukhadhaaee ||
  The Name of the Lord is forever the Giver of peace.

ਜਾ ਕਉ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਅਜਾਮਲੁ ਉਧਰਿਓ ਗਨਿਕਾ ਹੂ ਗਤਿ ਪਾਈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Jaa Ko Simar Ajaamal Oudhhariou Ganikaa Hoo Gath Paaee ||1|| Rehaao ||
Meditating in remembrance on it, Ajaamal was saved, and Ganika the prostitute was emancipated. ||1||Pause||

• ਭੈ ਨਾਸਨ ਦੁਰਮਤਿ ਹਰਨ ਕਲਿ ਮੈ ਹਰਿ ਕੋ ਨਾਮੁ ॥ (M. 9, SGGS. 1427)
  Bhai Naasan Dhuramath Haran Kal Mai Har Ko Naam ||
  In this Dark Age of Kali Yuga, the Name of the Lord is the Destroyer of fear, the Eradicator of evil-mindedness.

ਨਿਸਿ ਦਿਨੁ ਜੋ ਨਾਨਕ ਭਜੈ ਸਫਲ ਹੋਹਿ ਤਿਹ ਕਾਮ ॥੨੦॥
Nis Dhin Jo Naanak Bhajai Safal Hohi Thih Kaam ||20||
Night and day, O Nanak, whoever vibrates and meditates on the Lord’s Name, sees all of his works brought to fruition. ||20||

• ਜਿਹਬਾ ਗੁਨ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਭਜਹੁ ਕਰਨ ਸੁਨਹੁ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ॥ (M. 9, SGGS. 1427).
  Jihabaa Gun Gobindh Bhajahu Karan Sunahu Har Naam ||
  Vibrate with your tongue the Glorious Praises of the Lord of the Universe; with your ears, hear the Lord’s Name.

ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਸੁਨਿ ਰੇ ਮਨਾ ਪਰਹਿ ਨ ਜਮ ਕੈ ਧਾਮ ॥੨੧॥
Kahu Naanak Sun Rae Manaa Parehi N Jam Kai Dhhaam ||21||
Says Nanak, listen, man: you shall not have to go to the house of Death. ||21||

Guru Teg Bahadur Ji guides us regarding the close vicinity of Waheguru who is accessible on giving up one’s urge for greed (Maya) and self ego (ahankar) etc:-

• ਕਾਹੇ ਰੇ ਬਨ ਖੋਜਨ ਜਾਈ ॥? (M. 9, SGGS. 684).
  Kaahae Rae Ban Khojan Jaaee ||
  Why do you go looking for Him in the forest?

ਸਰਬ ਨਿਵਾਸੀ ਸਦਾ ਅਲੇਪਾ ਤੋਹੀ ਸੰਗਿ ਸਮਾਈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Sarab Nivaasee Sadhaa Alaepaa Thohee Sang Samaaee ||1|| Rehaao ||
Although he is unattached, he dwells everywhere. He is always with you as your companion. ||1||Pause||

• ਜਿਉ ਸੁਪਨਾ ਅਰੁ ਪੇਖਨਾ ਐਸੇ ਜਗ ਕਉ ਜਾਨਿ ॥ (M. 9, SGGS. 1427).
  Jio Supanaa Ar Paekhanaa Aisae Jag Ko Jaan ||
  Like a dream and a show, so is this world, you must know.

ਇਨ ਮੈ ਕਛੁ ਸਾਚੋ ਨਹੀ ਨਾਨਕ ਬਿਨੁ ਭਗਵਾਨ ॥੨੩॥
Ein Mai Kashh Saacho Nehee Naanak Bin Bhagavaan ||23||
None of this is true, O Nanak, without God. ||23||

• ਜਿਹਿ ਮਾਇਆ ਮਮਤਾ ਤਜੀ ਸਭ ਤੇ ਭਇਓ ਉਦਾਸੁ ॥ (M. 9, SGGS. 1427).
  Jihi Maaeiaa Mamathaa Thajee Sabh Thae Bhaeiou Oudhaas ||
  One who renounces Maya and possessiveness and is detached from everything

ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਸੁਨੁ ਰੇ ਮਨਾ ਤਿਹ ਘਟਿ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਨਿਵਾਸੁ ॥੧੮॥
Kahu Naanak Sun Rae Manaa Thih Ghatt Breham Nivaas ||18||

• says Nanak, listen, mind: God abides in his heart. ||18||
• ਜਿਹਿ ਪ੍ਰਾਨੀ ਹਉਮੈ ਤਜੀ ਕਰਤਾ ਰਾਮੁ ਪਛਾਨਿ ॥ (M. 9, SGGS, 1427).
  Jihi Praanee Houmai Thajee Karathaa Raam Pashhaan ||
  That mortal, who forsakes egotism, and realizes the Creator Lord

ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਵਹੁ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਨਰੁ ਇਹ ਮਨ ਸਾਚੀ ਮਾਨੁ ॥੧੯॥
Kahu Naanak Vahu Mukath Nar Eih Man Saachee Maan ||19||

• says Nanak, that person is liberated; O mind, know this as true. ||19||
• ਜੋ ਪ੍ਰਾਨੀ ਨਿਸਿ ਦਿਨੁ ਭਜੈ ਰੂਪ ਰਾਮ ਤਿਹ ਜਾਨੁ ॥ (M. 9, SGGS. 1427).
  Jo Praanee Nis Dhin Bhajai Roop Raam Thih Jaan ||
  That mortal who meditates and vibrates upon the Lord night and day – know him to be the embodiment of the Lord.

ਹਰਿ ਜਨ ਹਰਿ ਅੰਤਰੁ ਨਹੀ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਾਚੀ ਮਾਨੁ ॥੨੯॥
Har Jan Har Anthar Nehee Naanak Saachee Maan ||29||
There is no difference between the Lord and the humble servant of the Lord; O Nanak, know this as true. ||29||

Conclusion

In conclusion, the entire Bani of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji beautifully sums up his Spiritual legacy on the Gurmat Guidance for the Humanity. His advices are handy to steer through the life journey in a meaningful way at all stages of one’s life and to achieve the ultimate goal of life i.e. the merger with Akalpurakh. However, Guru Ji cautions us as well about the difficult Spiritual Path (Marg) ,which is accessible only by Gurmukhs:-

• ਬਾਲ ਜੁਆਨੀ ਅਰੁ ਬਿਰਧਿ ਫੁਨਿ ਤੀਨਿ ਅਵਸਥਾ ਜਾਨਿ ॥ (Sloak M. 9, SGGS. 1428).
  baal juaanee ar biradhh fun theen avasathhaa jaan ||
  Childhood, youth and old age – know these as the three stages of life.
  ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਹਰਿ ਭਜਨ ਬਿਨੁ ਬਿਰਥਾ ਸਭ ਹੀ ਮਾਨੁ ॥੩੫॥
  kahu naanak har bhajan bin birathhaa sabh hee maan ||35||
  Says Nanak, without meditating on the Lord, everything is useless; you must appreciate this. ||35||
• ਜਿਹ ਘਟਿ ਸਿਮਰਨੁ ਰਾਮ ਕੋ ਸੋ ਨਰੁ ਮੁਕਤਾ ਜਾਨੁ ॥ (Slok M. 9, SGGS, 1428).
  jih ghatt simaran raam ko so nar mukathaa jaan ||
  That person, who meditates in remembrance on the Lord in his heart, is liberated – know this well.
  ਤਿਹਿ ਨਰ ਹਰਿ ਅੰਤਰੁ ਨਹੀ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਾਚੀ ਮਾਨੁ ॥੪੩॥
  thihi nar har anthar nehee naanak saachee maan ||43||
  There is no difference between that person and the Lord: O Nanak, accept this as the Truth. ||43||
• ਜੋ ਉਪਜਿਓ ਸੋ ਬਿਨਸਿ ਹੈ ਪਰੋ ਆਜੁ ਕੈ ਕਾਲਿ ॥ (Salok M. 9, SGGS. 1428).
  jo oupajiou so binas hai paro aaj kai kaal ||
  Whatever has been created shall be destroyed; everyone shall perish, today or tomorrow.
  ਨਾਨਕ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਨ ਗਾਇ ਲੇ ਛਾਡਿ ਸਗਲ ਜੰਜਾਲ ॥੫੨॥
  naanak har gun gaae lae shhaadd sagal janjaal ||52||
  O Nanak, sing the Glorious Praises of the Lord, and give up all other entanglements. ||52||
• ਜੋ ਨਰੁ ਦੁਖ ਮੈ ਦੁਖੁ ਨਹੀ ਮਾਨੈ ॥ (M. 9, SGGS. 633).
  Jo Nar Dhukh Mai Dhukh Nehee Maanai ||
  That man, who in the midst of pain, does not feel pain,

ਸੁਖ ਸਨੇਹੁ ਅਰੁ ਭੈ ਨਹੀ ਜਾ ਕੈ ਕੰਚਨ ਮਾਟੀ ਮਾਨੈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Sukh Sanaehu Ar Bhai Nehee Jaa Kai Kanchan Maattee Maanai ||1|| Rehaao ||
Who is not affected by pleasure, affection or fear, and who looks alike upon gold and dust;||1||Pause||

ਨਹ ਨਿੰਦਿਆ ਨਹ ਉਸਤਤਿ ਜਾ ਕੈ ਲੋਭੁ ਮੋਹੁ ਅਭਿਮਾਨਾ ॥
Neh Nindhiaa Neh Ousathath Jaa Kai Lobh Mohu Abhimaanaa ||
Who is not swayed by either slander or praise, nor affected by greed, attachment or pride;

ਹਰਖ ਸੋਗ ਤੇ ਰਹੈ ਨਿਆਰਉ ਨਾਹਿ ਮਾਨ ਅਪਮਾਨਾ ॥੧॥
Harakh Sog Thae Rehai Niaaro Naahi Maan Apamaanaa ||1||
Who remains unaffected by joy and sorrow, honor and dishonor;||1||
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ਆਸਾ ਮਨਸਾ ਸਗਲ ਤਿਆਗੈ ਜਗ ਤੇ ਰਹੈ ਨਿਰਾਸਾ ॥
Aasaa Manasaa Sagal Thiaagai Jag Thae Rehai Niraasaa ||
Who renounces all hopes and desires and remains desireless in the world;

ਕਾਮੁ ਕ੍ਰੋਧੁ ਜਿਹ ਪਰਸੈ ਨਾਹਨਿ ਤਿਹ ਘਟਿ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੁ ਨਿਵਾਸਾ ॥੨॥
Kaam Krodhh Jih Parasai Naahan Thih Ghatt Breham Nivaasaa ||2||
Who is not touched by sexual desire or anger – within his heart, God dwells. ||2||

ਗੁਰ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਜਿਹ ਨਰ ਕਉ ਕੀਨੀ ਤਿਹ ਇਹ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਪਛਾਨੀ ॥
Gur Kirapaa Jih Nar Ko Keenee Thih Eih Jugath Pashhaanee ||
That man, blessed by Guru’s Grace, understands this way.

ਨਾਨਕ ਲੀਨ ਭਇਓ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿਉ ਜਿਉ ਪਾਨੀ ਸੰਗਿ ਪਾਨੀ ॥੩॥੧੧॥
Naanak Leen Bhaeiou Gobindh Sio Jio Paanee Sang Paanee ||3||11||
O Nanak, he merges with the Lord of the Universe, like water with water. ||3||11||

• ਜਨ ਨਾਨਕ ਇਹੁ ਖੇਲੁ ਕਠਨੁ ਹੈ ਕਿਨਹੂੰ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜਾਨਾ ॥੨॥੧॥
  Jan Naanak Eihu Khael Kathan Hai Kinehoon Guramukh Jaanaa ||2||1||
  O servant Nanak, this is such a difficult game; only a few Gurmukhs understand it! ||2||1||

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kirpal2singh@yahoo.com
Published in the Sikh Review, November, 2025, p.30.