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Great Sikh Martyrs

Martyrdom in Sikhism is a fundamental concept and represents an important institution of the faith. In the Sikh form the institution is a complete departure from the Indian tradition, and for that matter radically distinguishes the whole-life character of Sikhism from the earlier dichotomous of pacific Indian religious traditions. It is significant that the concept was emphatically laid down by Guru Nanak, and the history of the Guru period as well as the subsequent history of the Sikhs is an open expression, in thought and deed. of this basic doctrine.

In Sikhism, Guru Nanak in the very beginning of his famous hymn 'Japu Ji', while rejecting the paths of ascetic one point meditation or withdrawal, emphatically prescribes carrying out or living according to the Will of God as the goal of man. "How to become the atuode of truth and how to demolish the wall of falsehood?" he asks, and then proceeds to answer, "Through following His Will." He then defines the will to be the 'Ocean of Virtues' or Altruistic. The Gurus' trasic perception of this Will is that it is Loving or Love. It is in this context that Guru Nanak proclaims that life is a 'game of love', and gives a call to humanity to follow this path. He says: "Shouldst thou seek to engage in the game of Love, step into my street with thy head placed on thy palm: While stepping on to this street, ungrudgingly sacrifice your head" (G.G.S., p. 1412), Repeated emphasis is laid on this goal of following the Will of God, Who is directing the universe.

Click links below for more information on each Martyr

Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji The first Sikh Guru to be Martyred by Mughal Emperor Shahjehan (one who built Taj Mahal) for not converting to Islam.

Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur ji - were Ninth Guru who were martyred by Emperor Aurungzeb at Chandani Chowk Delhi, for not converting to Islam.

Bhai Satidass ji went along with Guru Tegh Bahadur and were martyred to Chandani Chowk Delhi.

Bhai Dyal Dass ji also went along with Guru Tegh Bahadur to Delhi and were martyred at Chandani Chowk Delhi.

Chhote Sahibzade were the young Sons of Guru Gobind Singh who were captured by the Mughal Governor of City of Sarhind, Wazir Khan. He martyred 7 year and 9 years Old Sikhs for not converting to Islam.

Mata Gujari ji Guru Gobind Singh's mother left this world after hearing the martyrdom of his grandsons .

Bhai Haqiqat Rai ji at the tender teenage, he was too proud to be a Sikh, resulting in his martyrdom by the hands of Mughals at Lahore.

Bhai Mani Singh ji was the pious Granthi of Golden Temple who was given option either to convert or to be cut into pieces. He picked death to be cut into pieces and with Gurbani on his lips he attained martyrdom.

Many Sikhs were Martyred by the cruel Mughal Governor of Lahore named Zakriya Khan.

Bhai Tarusingh ji were captured by Mughals on as he was feeding Sikhs who were hiding from Government. He was martyred by Mughals but only by cutting his scalp and not his hair.

Bhai Subeg singh and Bhai Shahbaz Singh were father and son who were martyred on specially created wheels.

The Khalsa Women and children were martyred by Meer Mannu for not converting to Islam.

Information from www.sikhs.org