350th Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji

The Champion of Religious Freedom

Early Life and Birth

Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was born on April 1, 1621, in Amritsar to Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji and Mata Nanaki. He was originally named Tyag Mal. From an early age, he received rigorous training in martial arts, horsemanship, and swordsmanship, shaping him into a courageous and disciplined warrior.

The Title “Tegh Bahadur”

In the Battle of Kartarpur (1635), fought between the Sikhs and the Mughal forces, the young Tyag Mal displayed extraordinary bravery and unmatched skill with the sword. Impressed by his valor, his father, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, honored him with the title “Tegh Bahadur”, meaning Brave of the Sword.

Becoming the Ninth Sikh Guru

Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji later became the ninth Guru of the Sikhs. He traveled extensively to spread messages of peace, compassion, and spiritual awakening. His teachings emphasized freedom of belief, selfless service, and moral courage.

Supreme Sacrifice for Religious Freedom

On November 24, 1675, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was publicly executed in Delhi on the orders of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. He had stood firmly against forced religious conversions and defended the rights of all people—regardless of their faith—to practice their religion freely.
His martyrdom site is now marked by Gurdwara Sisganj Sahib in Chandni Chowk, Delhi.

350th Martyrdom Anniversary

This year marks the 350th anniversary of his supreme sacrifice. It is an occasion to reaffirm the timeless values he stood for—interfaith harmony, civic responsibility, and cultural unity. Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji remains an eternal source of inspiration for India’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

Commemorative Postage Stamp Release

To honor this historic milestone, the Department of Posts is proud to release a commemorative postage stamp marking the 350th Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. This stamp pays tribute to his unparalleled courage and his lasting legacy as the Protector of Humanity.