The guru is forever

Tyag Mal was born to Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh guru. His father rechristened him as Teg Bahadur, a brave sword, for his valour in battles against the Mughals. Guru Teg Bahadur exhorted people to live an ethical and righteous life, amplifying Nanak’s message of humanity and oneness of God. He founded the town of Anandpur Sahib, where his successor created the Khalsa, galvanising Sikhs with a distinct identity.

The ‘Guru Granth Sahib’ contains 116 hymns he composed in 15 different ‘Ragas’. These emphasise meditation, selflessness and devotion in one’s quest for deliverance. “Jio supna ar pekhna, aise jag kio jaan; In mein kachu sacho nahin, Nanak bin Bhagwan”-world is like a dream, there is nothing real O Nanak, but God. Travelling far and wide, wherever Guru Teg Bahadur went, he reiterated Guru Nanak’s message of love, equality and compassion.

The guru attained martyrdom at Chandni Chowk, where Gurdwara Sis Ganj stands today. “Naam rahiyo sadhu rahiyo, rahiyo Gur Gobind; Kaho Nanak eh jagat mein, kin japu gur mant”-the Name remains, saints remain, and the Guru, who is one with God, remains forever, says Nanak, how rare are those who chant Guru’s mantra in this world.