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Summary of Question: | Guru Tegh Bahadur's Death? |
Category: | The Sikh Gurus |
Date Posted: | Tuesday, 12/03/2002 6:38 PM MST |
Attending some lectures on the Sikh Gurus last year, I heard a story about Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji regarding his name at birth. I cannot confirm whether it is true or false, as I have no references to check against. The story goes that Guru Tegh Bahadur originally had a different name at birth, but on seeing his bravery in battle, (Somebody!, Guru Har Gobind Ji? Baba Buddha?) renamed him to his known name and blessed him with a boon, saying that no one would ever be able to draw blood from him. Also, at his time of supreme martyrdom, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji asked the executioner to wrap the sword from which the blow to his head was made with a white cloth, which after the sacrifice was made, had no trace of blood on it. Myth? I dont know? Please help
Gurpreet Singh
PS Check Out Our University Sikh Society Web Page at www.sikhsoc.co.uk
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REPLY
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Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!
When he was 14, 9th Guru fought alongside of 6th Guru Hargobind, his father. He fought so bravely and surely that 6th Guru re-named him Tegh Bahadur, which means 'sword in the hands of the brave.' (I took a class on the Gurus last year and 9th Guru's birth name was not mentioned.)
The story you cite about 9th Guru's execution is myth. Bloody indeed was his execution. However, 6th Guru's words, if they were indeed spoken, do not have to be understood literally. Guru Tegh Bahadur went to his fate knowing it was the right thing to do; he fully GAVE himself, but he never gave [up] his faith or his Guru, even in death. Guruji died for God & Guru, and so that ALL could worship as they choose. He did not die for ego. Since Guru and God were 9th Guru's lifeblood, 6th Guru's words still hold true: no one would ever draw blood from Tegh Bahadur.
Guru ang sang,
-DKK