The Beheading of Guru Tegh Bahadur

The cruel emperor Aurangzeb tried everything in his power to convert the Hindus into Muslims. The task was first tried with the Kashmiri Brahmins because it was thought that if they converted, the rest of the people would follow. There was talk that they might easily be persuaded by bribes. Also, several Muhammadan countries were nearby and if all else failed, they could be overcome by force. During this time, the Brahmins had a vision that in this last age of the Kali Yug, Guru Nanak was spiritual king and would protect the right of freedom of worship. Guru Teg Bahadur was ninth in the line of Guru Nanak and lived at Anandpur. They resolved to go to him and ask for his protection. After a hard very Journey, the Brahmins arrived at the Guru's court and told him their sad story. They said, "Your very name has the power to bring comfort to those in need. The purpose of your life is to protect religion. Please help us to save our faith." The Guru sat silently absorbed with their request. His son, young Gobind Rai, came in and, seeing his father sitting quietly, went up to him. The Guru said nothing, but tenderly embraced the boy. Gobind Rai said to him, "Papaji, you are so quiet. What is the matter?" The Guru looked upon his son with compassion and said, "The Kashmiri Brahmins have come to find the holiest man in the land. If he is willing to give his life for their faith, they will be freed from the tyranny of the emperor." The boy gazed at his father and said, "Papaji, you are the holiest in the land."

When Guru Teg Bahadur heard these words from his son, he foresaw all that was to happen. He told the Kashmiri Brahmins to go to Delhi with a proposal for the emperor: "Guru Teg Bahadur, ninth Sikh Guru, is now seated on the throne of the great Guru Nanak. First make him a Muslim and then all the people, including ourselves, will adopt the faith." So began the course of events which led to the martyrdom of Guru Teg Bahadur. In the end, as he was about to be beheaded, he tied a small note on a string around his neck. With a knowing look, he told the watching crowd that he was about to perform the miracle they had all been waiting for. This string had magical powers: it would prevent the executioner from cutting off his head. Up, then down swung the executioner's axe. Off came Guru Teg Bahadur's head. When his head was severed, the note was read. It said, "I gave my head, but not my faith."