Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Guru of Sikhs as martyred on November 24, 1675. The day is observed as Shaheedi Divas. November 24, 2019, marks the 344th Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur in the Sikh community. He is also called as 'Hind Di Chadar'. However, it is also said that Aurangzeb beheaded Guru Tegh Bahadur on November 11, 1675. He is believed to have sacrificed his life to protect religion, human values, ideals and principles.

Guru Tegh Bahadur was born on April 18, 1621, in Amritsar. He was named Tyag Mal at the time of his birth and got the name Teg Bahadur for portraying incomparable valour against the Mughal army in the 'Battle of Kartarpur'. He became the ninth Guru to the Sikhs on April 16, 1664. Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji Parkash Purab 2019: Facts To Know About Fifth Guru of Sikhs.

His sacrifice is remembered with great reverence in Sikhism. He staunchly opposed forcible conversions and saved Kashmiri Pandits from such atrocities. Guru Tegh Bahadur is believed to have been killed when he refused to convert to Islam on King Aurangazeb's orders. At the time, the Kashmiri Pandits were forcibly opposing the Mughal rule and requested Guru Tegh Bahadur to protect them. He took him under his control which angered Aurangazeb. Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Parkash Utsav 2019: Remembering Ninth Guru of Sikhs on 399th Jayanti.

Meanwhile, President Ram Nath Kovind paid homage to the ninth Sikh Guru on the eve of his martyrdom day. He said, "Guru Teg Bahadur dedicated his life to the betterment of humankind and to promote a sense of unity, service and fraternity in the society." On the occasion, he urged people to spread the values of love, harmony, compassion and work for the well-being of all.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 24, 2019 03:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).