Sahibzadas Martyrdom Anniversaries

Each December we remember the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh who stood with strength for the principles of Dharma against the Karma’s of the time. Tyranny during their lifetime would be like what today our youth face when pressured to compromise under the tactics of bullies.  And when you don’t, tragic events can happen.  That is the story of the four Sahibzade’s: sons of Guru Gobind Singh.   In the month of December 1705 all four sons of Guru Gobind Singh were martyred by taking a stand as they confronted the oppressors.  With the loss of the Guru’s son’s, the times changed to bring a new era for humanity.  The sangat was enraged but for each of the sons, the sacrifice was an act of love. It was a sacrifice given to humanity so that we may live with mutuality, in service to one another and in praise of God, honoring and accepting God’s Will.  The four sons of Guru Gobind Singh took on just such a battle in life to show us the character required to inspire us to strengthen our spirits so we can serve the change of the ages.

Guru Teg Bahadur had become a martyr to the times taking a stand for religious freedom.  These brave sons of Guru Gobind Singh became martyrs taking a stand for the right of humanity to be equal, to live in service to each other as a sangat, not restricted by cast or economic domination.  The elder sons: Ajit Singh and Jujhar Singh took an active role in the fight but both the younger sons: Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh took passive roles to not play into the hands of the ruling oppressor Wazir Khan or the allurements by the Nawab and Qazi.  All four sons faced the intimidation of unjust cruelty with courage and the heart of determination to stand for the principles for which the Sikh Faith is built upon.  So the expression, “they sacrificed their life but not their faith” defines the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh.  They lived with principles and values, in truth to who they were and honored the legacy of their Grandfathers in doing so.

Throughout history, humanity has seen times of great oppression.  Many strong individuals were martyred or lost as they took a stand to fight against the abusive prejudices or domination by others. To participate in life at this level takes the heart of a lion. It is a hero’s journey to challenge the darkness and find light in such times. To fight for this takes nerves of steel and to live remembered for this strength of character is why we remember the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh in our daily Ardas.  The Guru designed the Ardas to remember our history, the brave actions taken, sacrifices made so that humanity can live free today.  When we honor this quality in our lives we commemorate the spirit of courage to face adversity with strength.  That is the caliber of a Sikh.  To defend the weak from oppression, serve by standing for the highest truths that guides our lives to live with values and principles of service to each other, not at each other.  To give our full commitment to achieve our highest purpose of service honoring the “God in All” is the path a Sikh aspires to live, and to do this with a heart of purity to be kind, dutiful and in service to the Good of All: “Sarbat Da Bala.”