Bhai Taru Singh Ji (1720–1745) is one of the great martyrs in Sikh history who made an unparalleled sacrifice for the faith and principles of Sikhism. He was born in the village of Puhla, in the Amritsar district, to Bhai Jodh Singh and Mata Dharam Kaur. Service to Sikhs and Mughal Oppression After the martyrdom of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur and his companions in 1716, the Mughal authorities intensified their persecution of Sikhs. Rewards were offered for Sikh heads, and Zakariya Khan, the governor of Lahore, unleashed extreme brutality. During these harsh times, Sikhs took refuge in forests. Bhai Taru Singh Ji, along with his family, began helping these Sikhs — providing food (langar) and essential supplies. He lived by the Gurbani principle “Ghaal khaae kichh hathahu deh” (Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 1245) — “Earn by honest means and share with others.” Betrayal and Arrest A man named Harbhagat Niranjania from Jandiala Guru, a staunch opponent of Sikhs, informed Zakariya Khan about Bhai Taru Singh’s assistance to the Sikhs. Zakariya Khan immediately ordered his arrest. After being captured, Bhai Taru Singh Ji was subjected to severe torture and pressured to either embrace Islam or cut his hair. But he steadfastly refused, standing firm in his Sikh faith. Martyrdom Zakariya Khan then ordered his hair to be cut. Bhai Taru Singh replied, “My hair is the seal of my Guru.” Enraged, Zakariya Khan commanded the executioner to scalp him alive. According to Sikh chronicles, as his scalp was being removed, Bhai Taru Singh Ji recited Japji Sahib and remained absorbed in divine meditation. It is said he survived for 22 days after this ordeal and attained martyrdom on July 1, 1745. After his martyrdom, Zakariya Khan suffered unbearable pain and urinary blockage. Sikh sources record that he begged forgiveness from the Khalsa Panth, and when he struck his head with Bhai Taru Singh Ji’s shoe, he temporarily found relief — but died 22 days later, fulfilling Bhai Taru Singh’s prophecy. Place of Martyrdom Bhai Taru Singh Ji was martyred at Nakhas Chowk (now Landa Bazaar) in Lahore, where a Gurdwara Shaheed Bhai Taru Singh Ji now stands — a lasting symbol of Sikh courage and faith. Significance in Sikh History His martyrdom represents the spirit of faith, service, and sacrifice that defines Sikhism. Every year, on July 16, Sikhs commemorate his Shaheedi Diwas (Martyrdom Day) with devotion, especially at Sri Manji Sahib Diwan Hall in Amritsar, where Akhhand Paath and Kirtan Darbars are held. Bhai Taru Singh Ji’s supreme sacrifice continues to inspire Sikh youth to uphold the sanctity of their faith, identity, and unshorn hair, which symbolize Sikh pride and commitment to their Guru.
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