Page 11 - Gurmat Book 6

Aurangzeb, the Moghul emperor was cruel to Hindus of India.

He was forcefully converting them into Muslim faith. If anyone

resisted, they were killed. Muslims collected religious tax called

zazia. Diwali celebration was prohibited. He demolished holy

temples of Hindus and built masjids at their places.

On May 25, 1675, a group of terrified Kashmiri Pandits came to

Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. They shared with him the horrific

conditions they were living under Aurangzeb. They wanted Guru

Ji to help save them. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji sat quietly when

Gobind Rai Ji asked what was troubling him. Guru Tegh

Bahadur Ji replied, “Grave are the burdens the earth carries.

She will be relieved if a truly worthy person sacrifices his head.”

“Who else can be worthier than you Father?” said innocent

Gobind Rai.

On July 8, 1675, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji conferred Guruship on

Gobind Rai, then merely nine years old. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji

departed from Chakk Nanaki on July 11, 1675. He was arrested

on July 12 and sent to Sirhind. For three months Guru Ji was

imprisoned in Bassi Pathana and given the harshest treatment.

Then he was caged in an iron cage and brought to Delhi on

November 4. He was chained and forced to accept Islam. He

refused. Then he was asked to show a miracle. He refused.

Sikh History and Gurmat Sikhia Book 6 Page 9