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The birth of Guru Tegh Bahadur, who is the youngest son of Bibi Nanki and Guru Hargobind took place on April 18, 1621. This is an auspicious occasion for the Sikhs.

Guru Tegh Bahadur was trained in the martial arts and fought with his father in several battles. But after the battle at Kartarpur in 1634, he decided to renunciate life and meditate. Although, initially he did not succeed his father as the Guru as his father felt he was not a leader of men, eventually he became the Guru. He led most of life in renunciation and prayer.

How Guru Tegh Bahadur Became Guru?
Guru Tegh Bahadur’s father appointed his grandson Guru Har Rai as his follower, who in turn appointed his son, Guru Harkrishan as his follower. The latter fell sick in 1664 and said the person to succeed him was “Baba Bakala”. After his death many Sikhs went in search of new guru to Bakala village. A rich merchant said he would offer five hundred gold coins to the new Guru, provided his goods reached his home destination safely. His wish was fulfilled and went to the village to visit the Guru and pay his respects. When the merchant came across the Guru, he found him meditating. He placed two of his gold coins in front of the Guru and realized that this humble man was his Guru. Eventually, he became the successor of Guru Harikrishan. People then went to meet him and seek his blessings. He traveled to well known Sikhism centers such as Tarn Taran, Goindwal, Khadur Sahib and Amritsar. He wrote several hymns.

Celebration of Guru Tegh Bahadur Martydom
This is a one day affair celebration which are held in several Gurudwaras. He is honored by all the Sikhs for his resistance against the Muslims.

Guru Tegh Bahadur is remembered by all the Sikhs on his birthday for his resistance against the Mughal ruler, Aurangzeb’s attempt to convert him to Islam. The Sikhs visit the Sis Ganj gurudwara, the place where he was beheaded, which is located in Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi.