History of Guru Teg Bahadur Jee - Part 1: Birth of a Holy Child

Mata Nanaki jee gave birth to Guru Tegh Bahadur jee on 1^st April 1621. Guru Tegh Bahadur jee was the fifth and the youngest son of the Sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind jee. When Guru Teg Bahadur jee was born, Guru Hargobind Sahib jee was at Sri Darbar Sahib (Amritsar) listening to singing of the sacred morning prayer of ‘Aasa Kee Vaar’. After the prayer session was completed, Guru Hargobind Sahib, accompanied by the rest of the Sangat (congregation) arrived at the Guru’s House and lowered his head before the newborn child. In ‘Gur Bilaas Patshahi 6’ it is written that Bhai Bidhi Chand jee seeing this scene, asked Guru Ji what the reason was for lowering his head in reverence to the newborn child?

 “ਤਬ ਗੁਰ ਸਿਸ ਕੋ ਬਦਨ ਕੀਨੀ ਅਤਿ ਹਿਤ ਲਾਇ।
ਬਿਧੀਆ ਕਹਿ ਕਸ ਬੰਦਨ ਕੀ ਕਹੋ ਮੋਹਿ ਸਮਝਾਇ ।੧੦੩੧। (ਅਧਿਆਇ ਨੌਵਾਂ)

The Sixth Guru replied: "ਦੀਨ ਰਛ ਸੰਕਟ ਹਰੈ" (“He is the Protector of the weak, and Destroyer of troubles”). According to Sikh historian Principal Satbir Singh, at that time the holy child was named ‘Teg Bahadur’ (Brave Sword-wielder) and an Ardaas (prayer-supplication) was made before Guru Nanak Sahib Ji to bless the child with the strength to stand up, the power to challenge evil, and the resilience to battle on till the last breath. Then Guru Hargobind Sahib jee said, "ਇਹ ਨਿਰਭੈ ਜਰ ਤੁਰਕ ਉਖੇਰੀ" (“This fearless child will uproot the cruel tyrannical Mughals.”). Hearing these words, the Sangat (congregation) began to say that such a child has born who will protect Dharma (righteousness)

Guru Hargobind jee's other children were Baba Gurditta jee, Bibi Viro jee, Baba Suraj Mal jee, Baba Ani Rai jee and Baba Attal Rai jee. According to ‘Gur Prataap Suraj Granth’, once, Mata Nanaki jee asked Guru Hargobind jee: “ You don’t show the same deep reverence and respect to (Baba) Gurditta (jee), the eldest son, who takes care of all the responsibilities. (Baba) Suraj Mal (jee) is also wise, but you ask less about him. You also don’t show as much affection to (Baba) Anni Rai (jee) as you show (Guru) Teg Bahadur (jee).” Guru jee responded, "ਅਜਰ ਜਰਨ ਉਰ ਧੀਰ ਧੁਰੰਧਰ" (“This child will bear the unbearable, be the embodiment of patience, and sacrifice himself (for others).“). After this Guru jee said, "ਇਸ ਕੋ ਪੁਤਰ ਹੋਇ ਬਲਵੰਡ। ਤੇਜ ਪ੍ਰਚੰਡ ਤਰੰਡ ਖਲਵੰਡ।" (“He will have a son who will be strong and courageous, and with the strength of his sword he will get rid of tyranny.”).

On the day of the birth of Guru Teg Bahadur jee, his father, Guru Hargobind Sahib jee, distributed many gifts. The poor and needy were generously provided with food and clothes. Happiness filled the air, as the Sangat (congregation) celebrated the birth of the new holy child.


Source: Principal Satbir Singh's book, 'Et Jin Karee: Jeevani Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Jee' (page 9)