Shaheedi Week: History, Verse and Eternal Remembrance

In this poignant piece, Sirjandeep Kaur reflects on the profound sacrifices during Shaheedi Week, blending historical reverence for the Chaar Sahibzaade and Mata Gujri Ji with an evocative poem narrated by the Machhiwara Forest. The article culminates in a tribute to the solemn traditions of the Shaheedi Jor Mela at Fatehgarh Sahib.

Note I: Historical Context

The Shaheedi Week (20th December-27th December) is profoundly significant for the Sikh community. It is remembered every year in reverence of the martyrdom of the Chaar Sahibzaade (4 sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji), Mata Gujri Ji (Mother of Guru Gobind Singh Ji) and several other Sikhs. These events typically followed between late 1704 and early 1705, which is also considered to be the timeline of continued political hostility towards the Sikh community.

The Mughal forces in alliance with several Hill Rajas imposed a prolonged siege of Anandpur Sahib for around 8 months. After utter deprivation, an offer to safely vacate the fort was given by Wazir Khan. The promise, though sworn on Qur’an, was violated which led to the tragic permanent separation of the Guru from Mata Gujri Ji and his two younger sons during the historic flooding of Sirsa River.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji, his 2 elder sons and around 40 Sikhs sheltered themselves in Chamkaur Sahib, again besieged largely by Mughal forces. Sahibzada Ajit Singh Ji (aged 18), Sahibzada Jujhar Singh Ji (aged 14) along with other brave Sikhs refused to surrender and attained martyrdom in battlefield which is now famously remembered as “Battle of Chamkaur”.

On the utmost request of Sikhs and particularly the Panj Pyare (5 beloved ones), Guru Gobind Singh Ji escaped Chamkaur Sahib to safeguard the strength of Sikh community and continue the fight against oppression. Disguised as a Muslim faqir, he stayed at Machhiwara forest for a while, where he composed the shabad Mittar Pyare Nu, which till date represents a clear reflection of spiritual surrender amid loss.

In the meanwhile, Mata Gujri Ji and the two younger Sahibzaade were surrendered to Mughals by Gangu who had betrayed them while they were under his protection. They were confined in the Thanda Burj where they endured extreme winter temperatures. Ultimately, following the defiance to renounce their faith, Wazir Khan ordered execution of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji (aged 9 years) and Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji (aged 7 years) by bricking them alive and subsequently beheading them after the wall fell down. Mata Gujri Ji passed away shortly after receiving the news.

The Zafarnama (Declaration of Victory) was addressed to Emperor Aurangzeb by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, which utterly condemned the breach of sworn oaths and the underlying moral corruption. It is said to have had a deep demoralizing effect on Aurangzeb’s failure even after actually winning the battle. Guru Gobind Singh Ji continued to preach Sikhi values and established the Khalsa Panth. He left the living abode in 1708 shortly after a fatal assassination attempt. Before passing away he commanded Guru Granth Sahib Ji (the holy scripture) to henceforth be the Living Guru.

Therefore, this week is marked by spectrum of sacrifice and as a reminder of collective conscience.

For more information:

https://www.sikhnet.com/files/atoms/files/SN_Sahibzade_Gift_YE15_18Dec24a.pdf

Note II: Literary Creation

After the attack at Chamkaur Sahib, Guru Gobind Singh Ji successfully escapes and reaches Machhiwara Forest. The story thereafter is narrated by the revered Forest itself-

Heaven’s abode, hear my prayer as I say,

Would forever be blessed, could thou grant me speech today?

Today is the day, the Pir Faqir is here, disguisedly dressed,

These winds and leaves ought not disturb my dearest guest.

The speech is granted; the winds and leaves listen close,

I request thee: don’t stir, don’t rustle—see, the night also froze.

Laughed the wind, and leaves discussing,

“Shall not be so, for what else are we without the stirring and rustling?”

“Still, if thou insist, tell us who he is and remove our veil.”

Grappled with the enormity, I admit I am bound to fail;

History shall call him—Sant-Sipahi, Sarbansdani,

Names unparalleled—Shehnshah-e-Shehnshah, Dasham Pita.

The glorious Guru, in cloak of a wanderer with no recourse,

His face, divine; his body, a ledger of living loss.

A warrior, who watched his sons bleed at great cost,

While fate, through treacherous Sirsa, foretold what was still to be lost.

The winds fell silent, the leaves bowed,

Let history pass by me, that night I vowed,

Let nothing else represent my name or trace,

Except that he rested here for a moment’s space.

(The allegorical voice of this poem draws inspiration from a devotional kalaam rendered by Sardar Ali at the Nakodar Mela in 2018)

Note III: Shaheedi Jor Mela

Shaheedi Jor Mela, also termed Shaheedi Sabha, is observed every year at Fatehgarh Sahib from 26th December to 28th December. The purpose is to commemorate the martyrdom of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji. It is observed around the time of their execution and death of Mata Gujri Ji as well. It is an indication to honour their sacrifices and transform them into living and breathing traditions. It is a time period when number of devotees pay their homage to the Shaheedi Week by visiting various places of significance, such as Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib, Gurdwara Jyoti Sarup (where the bodies of martyrs were cremated), and the Thanda Burj.

The continuous kirtan, Akhand Path, Nagar Kirtan, langar, and performance by dhadi jathas have been prominent components of this religious event. Such events have been organized by Sikh bodies in collaboration with the administration. The character of this event has been non-celebratory, with an austere setting that not only serves as a platform for remembrance, but is also a tribute to the rich history ingrained with faith, resilience and divinity.

This map curates key Gurudwaras, historical sites and learning centres connected with the Shaheedi of the Chaar Sahibzaade and the subsequent phase of Sikh resistance and justice in Punjab.

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By Sirjandeep Kaur