In the heart of Punjab, during the tumultuous times of the Mughal empire, four young souls stood unwaveringly against tyranny and injustice. They were the Char Sahibzade, the four noble sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Their names echoed through history, etching their valor and sacrifice into the annals of Sikhism. We pay tributes to four Sahibzadas every year on Martyrdom Days from December 26 to 28 at Fatehgarh Sahib.
Baba Ajit Singh:
Born on a crisp winter morning, Ajit Singh was the eldest. His name meant “Invincible, ” and indeed, he embodied that spirit. At the tender age of twelve, he stood alongside his father, Guru Gobind Singh, as they initiated the Khalsa order. The immortal nectar flowed through his veins, and he became Sahibzada Ajit Singh.
When the fortress of Chamkaur was besieged, Ajit Singh volunteered to face the enemy. With five brave companions, he charged into battle. His sword flashed like lightning, and his courage blazed like a thousand suns. But fate had other plans. On that fateful day, Ajit Singh attained martyrdom, leaving behind a legacy of fearlessness.
Baba Jujhar Singh:
Jujhar Singh, the second son, was born with fire in his eyes. His name meant “Warrior, ” and he lived up to it. At the age of eight, he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with his family during the Vaisakhi ceremony. The Khalsa order was born, and Jujhar Singh became Sahibzada Jujhar Singh.
When the fortress walls crumbled, and the Singhs dwindled, Jujhar Singh remained unyielding. Like a crocodile in battle, he fought fiercely. Alongside the last five standing warriors, he faced the enemy. Their sacrifice immortalized them, and Jujhar Singh’s name echoed through eternity.
Baba Zorawar Singh:
Zorawar Singh, the third son, was born with a spirit as unyielding as the mountains. His name meant “Brave.” He, too, drank from the Khalsa’s chalice, becoming Sahibzada Zorawar Singh.
Captured by the Mughals, Zorawar Singh and his younger brother, Fateh Singh, faced unimaginable trials. They refused to renounce their faith, even when threatened with death. The walls of Sirhind witnessed their unwavering resolve. Immured alive, they embraced martyrdom, their spirits soaring beyond mortal bounds.
Baba Fateh Singh:
Fateh Singh, the youngest, embodied victory. His name meant “Triumph.” Like his brothers, he stood before the Khalsa congregation, receiving the sacred amrit. Sahibzada Fateh Singh, the embodiment of courage.
Fateh Singh’s laughter echoed through the prison walls. His innocence baffled the captors. But he clung to his faith, even as darkness closed in. Alongside Zorawar Singh, he faced the ultimate sacrifice. Their spirits soared, transcending earthly pain.
And so, the Char Sahibzade, these young lions of righteousness, became legends. Their sacrifice fueled the flames of Sikhism, inspiring generations to come. In the ardas, the Sikh prayer, their names resound: “Char Sahibzade, the four princes of the Khalsa warrior order.” Their valor remains etched in the hearts of those who seek truth, justice, and unwavering faith.
May their memory forever illuminate our path, reminding us that even in the darkest hours, courage and sacrifice can transform ordinary mortals into immortal heroes.