The Story Behind Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib: Where Guru Tegh Bahadur Gave His Life for Religious Freedom

Rajkumari Sharma Tankha

Delhi is full of historic monuments, many of which remain forgotten, such as Tripolia Gate. Sis Ganj Gurudwara is one among these – not many know its historic context.

Located in the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk, Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib is one of the most sacred Sikh shrines in India. The gurudwara marks the site where the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, was martyred in 1675 on the orders of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.

Built in 1783, the gurudwara stands as a powerful reminder of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s supreme sacrifice for religious freedom. Though the shrine was established in the 18th century, the present structure was constructed in 1930 and has been beautifully maintained ever since.

The Historical Background

In 1658, Aurangzeb ascended the Mughal throne. Eleven years later, in 1669, he issued orders that non-Muslims must convert to Islam or face death.

Facing persecution, a delegation of Kashmiri Pandits led by Pandit Kripa Ram approached Guru Tegh Bahadur at Chak Nanki (present-day Anandpur Sahib). They sought the Guru’s help against the forced conversions taking place under Mughal rule.

After hearing their plight, Guru Tegh Bahadur made a courageous declaration. He told them to inform Aurangzeb that if the emperor could convert him to Islam, the Pandits would follow. Otherwise, they should be left alone.

Arrest and Imprisonment of the Guru

Aurangzeb believed converting the Sikh Guru would be easy and ordered his arrest. In 1675, Guru Tegh Bahadur was brought to Delhi along with his loyal companions:

• Bhai Mati Das

• Bhai Sati Das

• Bhai Dyal Das

They were imprisoned and tortured brutally for refusing to convert to Islam or perform miracles.

The Guru’s disciples faced horrific executions:

• Bhai Mati Das was sawn alive.

• Bhai Dyal Das was boiled in a cauldron of oil.

• Bhai Sati Das was wrapped in cotton and burnt alive.

Despite witnessing the suffering of his companions, Guru Tegh Bahadur remained steadfast in his faith.

The Martyrdom at Chandni Chowk

Finally, on November 24, 1675, Guru Tegh Bahadur was publicly beheaded in the bustling square of Chandni Chowk for refusing to abandon his faith.

His execution was carried out by Jalal-ud-din of Samana under a banyan tree.

The Guru’s martyrdom became a turning point in Indian history. His sacrifice inspired people to stand up for religious freedom, dignity, and self-respect.

Discovery of the Site and Construction of the Gurudwara

The location where Guru Tegh Bahadur was executed was later identified by Baba Baghel Singh, a Sikh general who entered Delhi in 1783.

To honour the Guru’s sacrifice, Baba Baghel Singh built Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib at the exact site of the martyrdom.

He is also credited with constructing several other historic gurudwaras in Delhi, including:

• Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

• Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib

• Gurudwara Bala Sahib

• Gurudwara Mata Sundari

• Gurudwara Moti Bagh Sahib

• Gurudwara Majnu Ka Tila

The Sacred Relics Inside the Gurudwara

Today, the gurudwara is a large, serene hall that welcomes thousands of devotees every day.

At the centre of the hall is a beautiful bronze canopy under which the sacred Guru Granth Sahib is placed, covered with rich cloth and decorated with marigold garlands.

Several historical relics within the gurudwara remind visitors of the Guru’s sacrifice:

• The trunk of the banyan tree under which Guru Tegh Bahadur was executed

• The prison cell where he was kept captive

• The historic well from which the Guru used to bathe during his imprisonment

Though the well is no longer in use, it is carefully preserved and considered sacred by devotees.

The Story of the Guru’s Final Journey

Historical accounts say that when the Guru was martyred, people were too frightened to claim his body.

Then, suddenly, heavy rain began to fall, allowing his followers to secretly retrieve the remains.

The Guru’s head was taken to Anandpur Sahib, while his body was cremated at the site where Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib stands today.

Visit the Sis Ganj Museum

Visitors to Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib should also explore the museum located opposite the shrine.

The museum presents the history of the gurudwara through models, displays, and historical writings on Sikh heritage. It offers a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by Guru Tegh Bahadur and his followers.

A Symbol of Faith and Freedom

Today, Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib stands not just as a place of worship but also as a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and the universal right to religious freedom.

The martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur continues to inspire generations to uphold justice, tolerance, and humanity.