Why are Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das and Bhai Dayala Das remembered on the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur? Chandigarh News

Besides Guru Teg Bahadur, his three devoted disciples – Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das, and Bhai Dayala Das also known as Dayal Das Bhai – were also martyred, and their sacrifices are remembered during these memorial events. Their unparalleled courage and sacrifice in 1675 at Chandni Chowk in Delhi stands as an eternal symbol of resistance against tyranny and defense of religious freedom.

The programs also aim to educate the younger generation about the values ​​of courage, faith and justice embodied by their martyrdom. Here’s a look at the disciples and how they sacrificed their lives alongside that of their teacher.

Who are Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das, and Bhai Dayala Das?

According to entries from the Department of Encyclopedia of Sikhism at the Punjabi University in Patiala, Bhai Mati Das was the son of Bhai Hira Mal, a Chipar Brahmin from Karyala (now in Pakistan). His family has served Sikh gurus for a long time – his grandfather Bhai Paraja converted to Sikhism during the reign of Guru Hargobind and fought battles against the Mughals, while his uncle Dargah Mul Gurus Har Rai and Har Krishan served as Dewan. During the time of Guru Teg Bahadur, Bhai assisted Mati Das and his brother Sati Das Mall, and Mati Das himself was later appointed as Dewan. He accompanied Guru Teg Bahadur on his travels through eastern India (1665-1670) and was captured along with the Guru in 1675.

Bhai Sati Das, younger brother of Bhai Mati Das, served Guru Teg Bahadur as a loyal host and cook. He was captured with the Guru at Dhamtan during his eastern travels in 1665 and again when the Guru left Anandpur for Delhi in 1675.

Bhai Dayala Das was part of Guru Teg Bahadur’s entourage during the Guru’s travels through the eastern regions between 1665 and 1670. His ancestors belonged to Alipur near Multan. Guru Teg Bahadur appointed him Minister of Home Affairs. Professor Paramveer Singh, a member of the nine-member committee formed by the Punjab government to organize Martyrdom Day programmes, said that the birth of Guru Gobind Singh, son of Guru Tegh Bahadur, took place under his service, and he took care of him until he reached Anandpur Sahib. The professor, who works in the Department of Encyclopedia of Sikhism at Punjab University, has done extensive research into Sikh history, religion and culture. He has published 15 books and more than a hundred research papers.

Bhai Dayala Das was among the Sikhs arrested by the Mughal authorities in 1665 and later released. When Guru Teg Bahadur continued his mission towards the east from Patna, Bhai Dayala Das stayed behind to take care of the Guru’s family.

Guru Teg Bahadur also sent several letters to Sikh congregations in Varanasi-Patna district, directing them to follow the directions of Bhai Dayala Das. Later, when the Guru set out from Anandpur on 11 July 1675 to face martyrdom, Bhai Dayala Das accompanied him. He was arrested alongside the teacher.

Why are the three disciples remembered during Hind De Chadar?

Along with Guru Teg Bahadur, these three disciples also refused to give up their faith. They were executed on 11 November 1675, before the execution of Guru Teg Bahadur. Bhai Mati Das was brutally hacked alive from head to toe in Delhi. When asked about his last wish, he wished to face the Guru during his execution. He recited Jabuji Sahib as his last words.

Like his brother, Sati Das refused to renounce the Sikh faith before the Mughal authorities. As punishment, he was wrapped in cotton wool and set on fire while chanting the divine name (Wahguru).

After being arrested along with the Guru, Bhai Dayala Das adamantly refused to renounce his faith before the Mughal Emperor. For this, he was subjected to horrific torture and was boiled alive in a cauldron of water. He also recited Sikh prayers in his final moments.

The three disciples were executed for threatening Guru Teg Bahadur to convert to Islam. When he remained steadfast in his refusal to do so, the teacher was beheaded.

“Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das and Bhai Dayala are honored for standing with their guru and suffering horrific executions rather than having their faith denounced, and their bravery is central to the collective memory of Sikhs – which is why events like the Hind Di Chadar are at the forefront of their stories during the 350th anniversary celebrations,” Professor Paramveer said.

The executions and related events are linked to the Chandni Chowk and Kotwali areas of Delhi, where Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib and Rakab Ganj Sahib identify the locations. Professor Paramveer said that the teacher’s head was carried to Anandpur by a disciple and his body was cremated.

How their sacrifices are relevant today

The martyrdom of Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das, and Bhai Dayala Das – along with Guru Tegh Bahadur – serves as a timeless reminder of the Sikh ideals of faith, truth and freedom of conscience. Their great sacrifices are commemorated through Hind Di Chadar programs to inspire future generations with the message of standing firm for justice and humanity, regardless of persecution. They shared the idea of ​​the Guru and willingly suffered martyrdom rather than abandon their Guru.

It is said that before leaving Anandpur Sahib in 1675 to be arrested before the court, Guru Teg Bahadur asked his chief followers to ask for any blessing in their hearts. Everyone agreed on their answer: that he be allowed to accompany him.