Bhai Taru Popat Ji
The martyrdom of Bhai Taru Popat Ji is one of the most glorious tales in the history of ‘Guru Panth Khalsa.’ The Sikhs of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji have always stood against oppression and laid down their lives for their faith, service, and humanity. The story of Bhai Taru Popat Ji is a remarkable example of this spirit of sacrifice and service.
When the Mughal invader Babur unleashed terror upon Hindustan and set the city of Lahore ablaze, it was the young Bhai Taru Popat Ji who took the brave step of extinguishing the flames with his own hands. He filled a bucket with water and began to douse the burning houses, symbolizing selfless service and fearless courage, which are central to the Sikh faith.
The Mughal soldiers intercepted him, snatched away his bucket, and attacked him, leaving him gravely wounded. Despite his injuries, Bhai Taru Popat Ji remained undeterred. When he attempted to return to extinguish the fires, his sister stopped him, pleading, “Brother, you are seriously wounded. If you go back in this condition, they will kill you.”
Bhai Taru Popat Ji responded fearlessly, saying, “I am a Sikh of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. A Sikh cannot sit idle when injustice is happening before his eyes. How can I remain silent while someone’s home burns? Even if I have to embrace martyrdom, it will be in the service of others.”
He further told his sister, “When I stand before the Almighty in His court, there will be two lists—one for those who set the fires and one for those who extinguished them. The name of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Sikh will always be on the list of those who doused the flames.”
With these words, Bhai Taru Popat Ji once again set out to extinguish the raging fires and was eventually martyred by the tyrant’s soldiers. His martyrdom is recorded in the works of Bhai Gurdas Ji, who wrote:
“Bhai Taru Popat Sikh Sadhaya.”
(His role as a faithful Sikh is chronicled in Sikh history.)
The story of Bhai Taru Popat Ji reminds us that a Sikh of Guru Nanak Dev Ji always stands against injustice and remains dedicated to service. This great event from his life serves as an inspiration for generations to come. We must ensure that such heroic tales stay alive, so that our youth may connect with their great heritage and draw strength from it.
