Gurgaddi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji

In Sikh history, the Gurgaddi Diwas (the day of assuming the Guru's throne) holds profound significance. This sacred occasion commemorates the moment when Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji was bestowed with the Guruship as the ninth Nanak. Born in 1621 CE in Amritsar, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji was the grandson of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji and the son of Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji. His childhood name was Tyag Mal. From a young age, he displayed deep spiritual inclination, bravery, and a compassionate heart.

Historical Background

After the passing of Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji, the Guruship was passed to his younger son, Sri Guru Harkrishan Sahib Ji, who was then a young child. Sri Guru Harkrishan Sahib Ji, while in Delhi, was asked to identify his successor. According to Sikh tradition, he uttered the words "Baba Bakale," indicating that the next Guru would be found in the village of Baba Bakala. At that time, many individuals claiming to be the Guru set up their own seats in and around Baba Bakala, creating confusion among the Sikhs.

Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, who had been living in quiet meditation and detachment at Baba Bakala, was not initially recognized by the Sikh community as the next Guru. However, the devout Sikh Makhan Shah Lubana, a trader, was caught in a storm at sea and vowed to offer 500 gold coins to the Guru if saved. Upon safely returning, he sought the true Guru. He visited numerous false claimants, offering each two coins, but none could reveal the truth. Finally, when he came to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji and offered two coins, the Guru remarked, "I have been given only two, but you had vowed 500." Makhan Shah was overjoyed and proclaimed the discovery of the true Guru.

Thereafter, on the day of Gurgaddi, Sikhs from far and wide gathered at Baba Bakala to acknowledge Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji as the ninth Guru. The exact date is traditionally observed in the month of Bhadon (August-September), though the precise year is often cited as 1664 CE. This event marked the formal assumption of Guruship by Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, who then began to spread the message of Sikhism, emphasizing meditation on the Divine Name, humility, and service to humanity.

Significance and Legacy

The Gurgaddi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji is celebrated with great reverence by Sikhs worldwide. It reminds the community of the continuity of the Guru's light and the importance of recognizing the true spiritual authority. Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji's tenure as Guru was marked by his travels across India, where he established preaching centers and inspired many with his teachings. His compositions, including the saloks, are included in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. His supreme sacrifice for the protection of religious freedom, especially for the Kashmiri Pandits, remains a cornerstone of Sikh ethos. The Gurgaddi Diwas thus serves as a time for reflection on the Guru's life, his teachings, and the enduring values of courage, compassion, and devotion to the Divine.