Since the time goodness has tried to spread its mighty wings, evils have tried to destroy them in the fear of disappearing. The true Avatars and Saints sent by God lead masses on righteous path and teach them values of religions, but evils can’t bear it. This is the reason why evils try to torment the true Saints and Avatars to stop them from spreading goodness and God’s name. The true Saints and Avatars sacrifice themselves for the cause of humanity without even caring for themselves. In every religion, you will find stories of martyrs and sacrifices of true Saints and their devotees. They could have saved themselves from sacrifices with their divine powers, but they chose that path to show right path to humanity.
One of the true examples of sacrifices and martyrdom are Sikh’s tenth Guru, Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and HIS four Sahibzade (Guru Ji’s four sons) and Revered Mata Gujri Ji (Guru Ji’s revered mother). Guru Ji’s four sons were martyred in the month of Poh, around the end of month December. Even talking about their sacrifices and reading or watching their stories of martyrdom give us goosebumps. All of them were very young and yet were so brave and determined to save their religion that they did not bow in front of evils and did not even feel threatened. Such a bravery and their martyrdom make us all remember them even today and they will be remembered forever.
Two Elder sons of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji
Two elder sons (VaddeSahibzade) of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji were Sahibzada Baba Ajit Singh Ji and and Sahibzada Baba Jujhar Singh Ji. Shaibzada Baba Ajit Singh was 18 years old and Shahibzada Baba Jujhar Singh Ji was 16 years old during their martyrdom. They were martyred in the battle of Chamkaur on 8 Poh 554 Nanakshahi as per the Nanakshahi Calendar. In 2022, their martyrdom date is December 23 as per the English Calendar. It was a battle between lakhs of Mughal forces and several Sikh soldiers. Even after the Sikhs were greatly outnumbered, they did not let that scare them and fought like lions tearing apart their enemies. In their young age, Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s two elder sons were also making enemy pay for their evil deeds with their brave fight in this battle. They received proper training Sahibzada Baba Jujhar Singh Ji also came to fight in this battle after hearing the news of his eldest brother. in weapons since very young age. Guru Ji’s eldest son Sahibzada Baba Ajit Singh Ji used to participate in every battle fought by Guru Ji against the evil forces. When he was fighting in the battle of Chamkaur, he stayed out of reach of the enemies for hours. Hundreds of enemies encircled him during swordfight. He did not get scared at all and continued fighting with the same spirit until last breath. Guru Ji’s second eldest son, He fought in that battle with great courage and bravery and was martyred.
Two younger sons of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji
Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s two younger sons (ChhoteSahibzade) Sahibzada Baba Fateh Singh Ji and Sahibzada Baba Zorawar Singh Ji were martyred on 13 Poh 554 Nanakshahi as per Nanakshahi Calendar. In year 2022, this date falls on December 28 as per English Calendar. During their martyrdom, they were only 9 years old and 6 years old. In 1704 CE, Mughal forces besieged Anandpur Sahib and promised Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji through written oaths that if they leave Anandpur Sahib, they will not be harmed by Mughals. When Guru Ji, his family and Sikh companions left Anandpur Sahib, the Mughals breached their oath and a fierce fight started between them nearby river Sirsa. During this battle, Mata Gujri Ji and Chhote Sahibzade (Guru Ji’s youngest sons) separated from Guru Ji. On their way, Mata Ji and the eldest Sahibzade met Gangu, Guru Ji’s cook. He took them his home and betraying them, he had them arrested. They were taken to the Sirhind fort where they were kept in the cold tower by Mughal governor of Sirhind, Wazir Khan. He attempted to lure and force Chhote Sahibzades to renounce their religion. Despite his threats, the Sahibzades refused to renounce their religion and stayed calm. Seeing that they did not waver, Wazir Khan buried them in walls. After they fell unconscious, the executioners separated their heads from their torsos as per Wazir Khan’s orders. In such a young age, by giving such great sacrifices, they taught the whole world to never bow down in front of evils and tyranny. The events of their martyrdom are heartbreaking and make us feel angry on the cruelty of those who led such brutal events for the sake of land, power and money.
Conclusion
In Chaar Sahibzade’s memory, religious gatherings are organized at Sri Chamkaur Sahib and at Fatehgarh Sahib every year. There is an invaluable lesson to be learned from their great fortitude. We should never bow down in front of atrocities and threats and should confront them with full determination. No evils and no tyranny are allowed to suppress goodness no matter how strong they seem
