Bhai Taru Singh Ji was a resident of the village Poole (Amritsar district), Punjab. He was a farmer and served every needy person who came his way. Due to government oppression, many rebels lived deep in the forests—yet regardless of the distance or time, he ensured they received food and water. Many times, he would even visit in the dead of night to offer them prasadam (blessed food). His sister, Taro, and mother supported this service. His reputation and respect extended across the entire region. Haribgat Niranjani of Jandiala sent a slanderous letter against Bhai Taru Singh Ji to Nawab Zakariya in Lahore. The Nawab dispatched the police. Upon arriving in Poole, Bhai Sahib was working in the fields. Someone warned him—“Police are looking for you, hide or run.” Yet he calmly replied, “I have committed no crime; why hide?” and went back to the village. The police arrested him and his sister, but villagers pleaded and paid a ransom to secure sister Taro’s release. Bhai Sahib was taken to Lahore jail. After several days, he was brought before the court. On the way, he bravely exclaimed “Gur Fateh” (victory of the Guru). Nawab Zakariya retorted, “This is not Anandpur, where you bow!” Bhai Sahib answered, “Gur Fateh (Guru’s victory) isn’t restricted to any particular place.” Zakariya accused him of sheltering and feeding rebels. Bhai Sahib replied, “I don’t steal or commit robbery; I work honestly, pay my full taxes, and whatever remains I give to the needy. If those you call ‘rebels’ are my Guru’s Sikhs, then by Guru’s command I serve all Sikhs.” Frustrated, the Nawab threatened death. Bhai Sahib replied with courage, “A Singh does not fear death.” The Nawab then tried softer methods—offering marriage, land and riches—but Bhai Sahib refused, “I do not need your sinful wealth. I will not abandon my Sikh faith.” In rage, Zakariya ordered his head shave and be severely beaten. But Bhai Sahib privately prayed, and the barber refused. The Nawab then called a shoemaker to tear his skull with a sharp instrument. The shoemaker placed a chisel to his forehead and shattered his skull, streams of blood pouring forth. When asked how he was, Bhai Sahib replied, “What do you know of your sins? I am seated in bliss.” After fainting, he was thrown into a pit outside the fort. The next day, Nawab saw him reciting Gurbani. Astonished, he asked, “You are still alive?” Bhai Sahib answered, “Kicks and blows won’t kill me. I will not die by the toe of your shoe.” Some Sikhs brought him to a dharamsala, cleaned his wounds, and applied healing compresses. Meanwhile, Nawab Zakariya was struck by divine retribution—his bowels were obstructed, pain was excruciating, and even royal physicians were helpless. Realizing the consequence of his deeds, he sent emissaries to Bhai Subeg Singh and pleaded for forgiveness. A Saakhi (Sikh council) convened at Bhai Subeg Singh’s place. Some urged violent retribution—attack Lahore and punish him. Bhai Subeg Singh responded: “He is our guest; Bhai Taru Singh made a vow to punish him with his shoe—but let us uphold the dignity of the Khalsa and consider mercy.” Nawab Kapoor Singh added: “He must reap the consequences of his actions.” Then, Bhai Subeg Singh and the Sikh council extracted an oath from Zakariya: “Once the shoe strikes your head, your affliction will be cured, and freedom restored.” Subeg Singh handed the shoe to Zakariya and struck it upon his head. On the first blow, his urine flow resumed; on the second, more force—he felt complete healing and begged forgiveness. He lifted restrictions, freed Sikh captives, and restored peace. After enduring repeated blows, Zakariya eventually died, and his soul departed to hell. Bhai Taru Singh Ji attained martyrdom 22 days after his skull was struck. On the very spot near Lahore’s Delhi Gate railway station, a memorial stands in his honor. He had vowed: “I will go upon the toe of the shoe”—and every word proved true. Bhai Taru Singh Ji’s final rites were performed at the very spot where his skull was removed. In remembrance of his supreme sacrifice, a martyrdom site (Shaheedi Asthan) has been built there. This site is located near the railway station by Delhi Gate, Lahore (you can see pictures of it). We bow countless times in respect to the great martyrdom of Bhai Taru Singh Ji. Note: According to some historical accounts, Bhai Taru Singh Ji lived for 24 days after the removal of his skull, and before that, he was even subjected to torture by being placed on a rotating wheel (Charkhari – a wooden torture device). Those who willingly pay money today to cut their hair should read the sacred account of Bhai Taru Singh Ji’s martyrdom and look within themselves. May Baba bless all.
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