Week 3 · The Gurus continue · Day 18
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji — Shrisht Di Chadar
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Guru, is honoured as Shrisht Di Chadar — the Shield of the Universe — because he stood up against a powerful empire to defend the right of all people, everywhere, to worship freely. When Kashmiri Pandits came to him in despair, facing forced conversion, he placed himself between them and harm, knowing the cost. He preached “Have no fear, and impose no fear on anyone” — and lived it completely. He was martyred at Chandni Chowk, Delhi, on 11 November 1675, leaving one of the most profound teachings in Sikh history: true courage is not protecting only your own — it is protecting everyone.
The 9th Guru gave his life so that everyone — of every faith — could worship freely. He is honoured as Shrisht Di Chadar, the Shield of the Universe.
Watch together Guru Tegh Bahadur Gives His Head Gurmukhi minute Trace today's letter — ਡ Dadda (retroflex) ਭੈ ਕਾਹੂ ਕਉ ਦੇਤ ਨਹਿ; ਨਹਿ ਭੈ ਮਾਨਤ ਆਨ ॥
Bhai kaahoo kau det nahi; nahi bhai maanat aan.
“Do not frighten anyone, and do not be frightened by anyone.”
Ask: 'The 9th Guru gave his life to protect people of a different religion. What does that tell you about how Sikhs see the world?'
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