Martyrdom of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Ji – Part One

June 25 is the martyrdom day of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. Let us briefly look at his history starting today. Part One Guru Gobind Singh Ji made immense sacrifices and struggles to provide equality and justice to the poor, the helpless, and the oppressed who were suffering under tyrannical rulers. Such sacrifices are rarely found in the history of the world. In his final days, to continue this mission, he sent Baba Banda Singh Bahadur from Nanded towards Punjab. Banda Singh Bahadur organized the oppressed and suffering people and within a short time established the first Khalsa rule in Sikh history. At a time when the community had become discouraged, exhausted, and nearly destroyed, Guru Gobind Singh Ji revived their spirit of courage, self-respect, determination, and victory. Banda Singh Bahadur was a great general who challenged tyranny and oppression and shook the very foundations of the Mughal Empire. For nearly eight years he left the marks of his horse’s hooves across Punjab and transformed the Sikh community into a powerful political force. Through economic and social reforms, he strengthened Punjab so much that no enemy could shake it for a long time. The Mughal rulers tried to erase the Sikhs but ended up being erased themselves, while Sikhism remained. His leadership from 1709 to 1716 weakened the foundations of the mighty Mughal Empire. Eventually, on June 25, 1716, he achieved martyrdom along with 740 companions, displaying unmatched courage, joy, and spiritual strength — an extraordinary example of sacrifice in world history. Childhood Banda Singh Bahadur’s original name was Lachhman Das, and he was born into a Rajput family. His parents wanted him to become a brave warrior, so from an early age he was trained in weaponry and hunting. One day he accidentally killed a pregnant deer while hunting. The deer died painfully before him along with its unborn offspring. This deeply shook him, and he renounced worldly life and became an ascetic. In search of peace he met a saint named Janaki Das, who gave him the name Madho Das. Later he met another ascetic, Ram Das, but still could not find peace of mind. While traveling across the country he reached Panchvati in Nashik, where he met a yogi named Aughad Nath. Serving him, he mastered yogic practices and tantric knowledge. After Aughad Nath’s death, Madho Das inherited his spiritual texts and quickly mastered those practices. Many disciples gathered around him and he became somewhat arrogant due to his growing influence. Meeting Guru Gobind Singh Ji When Guru Gobind Singh Ji reached Nanded, he set up his camp at Nagina Ghat. Around the same time Madho Das also arrived there and began displaying his mystical powers. A Sikh informed Guru Ji that Madho Das used his spiritual powers to seat saints on a throne and then overturn it. Guru Ji smiled and said, “At this time we actually need someone who can overturn thrones.” After some days Guru Ji visited Madho Das’s camp and sat on his bed, where no one was allowed to sit. When Madho Das saw this he became angry and tried to overturn the bed using his powers. When none of his powers worked, he realized that this was no ordinary person. He fell at Guru Ji’s feet, asked for forgiveness, and became his disciple. After spending a month with Guru Ji and learning Sikh principles, he was initiated into the Khalsa through Amrit (Khande-di-Pahul). Guru Gobind Singh Ji gave him the title “Bahadur” and named him Banda Singh Bahadur (Gurbakhsh Singh). When he heard about the atrocities committed against Guru Gobind Singh Ji and his family, he became deeply moved and requested permission to fight against tyranny. On November 26, 1708, Guru Gobind Singh Ji blessed him and sent him toward Punjab with five arrows, a nagara (war drum), Nishan Sahib, hukamnamas for the Sikhs, and about twenty Sikh warriors. Gradually people joined him, and his army grew from 25 Sikhs to nearly 40,000. He captured places such as Sonepat, Kaithal, Samana, Kapuri, Sadhaura, and Mustafabad, distributing wealth to the poor and punishing tyrannical rulers. The oppressive ruler of Kapuri, Kadumuddin, who dishonored Hindu women, was punished severely. Osman Khan of Sadhaura, who had tortured and killed Pir Budhu Shah, was also punished. These actions created a powerful political upheaval in Punjab against the Mughal rule. Later, near Ropar, the Sikh forces fought their first major battle against the Mughal army and won, after which more Sikhs joined Banda Singh Bahadur’s army. (To be continued)