Iqbal Singh Lalpura
6 Poh Birkami
6th Poh, Bikrami 1761, that falls in 21 December 2019, marks the beginning of Shahidi (Martyrdom) week of Sikh history. The Khalsa, under direct leadership of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, displayed valour and sacrifice that has no parallels in the history of the world.
It was also the saddest week for the Sikhs who lost the most revered members of the family of the Guru and his faithful followers. The Sikhs fought heroic battles to ward of the enemy who was pursuing them in large numbers.
Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji along with family and Sikh devotees left Anandpur Sahib on oath and promise of King Auragzeb, but, these oaths were immediately broken and Guru ji was attacked near Shahi Tibbi. Bhai Udai Singh along with others fell heroically on the battlefield while fighting a strong rear guard action.
The Mughal Army and state forces led by the Kings of hill states, pursued the Sikhs towards Sirsa. After successfully warding of the enemy in another Battle at Malak Pur, Guru Pita along with Sahibzada Ajit Singh, Sahibzada Jujhar Singh and few Sikhs reached Kotla Nihang. Sadly, the family of the Guru and the Sikhs got divided in to three groups.
The mother of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Mata Gujri Ji, along with the younger sons of the Guru, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh along with their old time and supposedly very loyal servant Gangu stayed in the hut of Kuma Mashhki near Sirsa.
The wives of the Guru were in the third group. Mata Sundri ji and Mata Sahib Kaur ji along with Bhai Mani Singh left for Delhi via Haridwar. Bhai Bachittar Singh was seriously wounded !
Most of the literature was destroyed in Sarsa River.
This was the day for the world in general and the Sikh community in particular to reflect on the events of the day and the week. The treachery n one side and extreme valour against huge odds on the other, all for the sake of righteousness and humanity.
7 Poh Bikrami
On 7 Poh Bikrami, the day after Guru Gobind Singh Ji left Anandpur Sahib with his family and Khalsa Soldiers and after the Battle of Shahi Tibbi , Sarsa River and Malak Pur Rangra. The Guru, along with his troops stayed at Kotla Nihang , Sahibzada Ajit Singh and Zujhar Singh were with him but with no communication or information about other family members .the Mughal and Kings of hill states were is a high state of desperation and were searching for Him like dogs.
Bhai Bachitar Singh who had been seriously injured was also brought to Kotla Nihang . It was at thisstage that Guru Gobind Singh declared his full faith in the one Almighty God and declared him his protector.
8 Poh Birkrami
Guru Singh Ji, with Sahibzada Ajit Singh and Sahibzada Jujhar Singh and other fearless soldier of his Army reached the mud fort of Duni Chand ji at Chamkaur Sahib. By then the enemy had also located the whereabouts of the Guru and they came in contact with the Khalsa forces that had taken defences in the Mud Fortress.
The Mughal commander, Wazir Khan, wanted to storm the fortress but there was hesitation within the Mughal and Hill forces to do so in view of their inherent fear of the Khalsa. Wazir Khan was accompanied by many Generals like Ismail Khan, Jahan Khan, Faulad Khan, yet the attack did not go through, they got into siege mode.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji gave an impression of a large fore being present in the mud fortress by swiftly changing location of his troops and firing volleys of Arrows at the enemy. He also constituted small parties that went out to raid the enemy in what was “fight to the end” missions since coming back against such heavy odds was not an option.
In the ensuing fight Three of the Panj Piars (Five Sikhs) originally anointed as Khalsa by the Guru achieved glory by falling in battle. On this day Sahibzada Ajit Singh and Sahibzada Jujhar Singh also gloriously fell in battle. This process carried on till late evening. The enemy suffered terrible casualty even as the limited number of troops available with the Guru also depleted.
It is time to pray and meditate seeking Chardi Kala blessing from the Almighty