Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji: A Saga of Sacrifice, Valor, and Service
Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji was born on January 26, 1682, in the village of Pahuwind, district Amritsar. His mother’s name was Mata Jiuni, and his father’s name was Bhai Bhagtu Ji. In his childhood, he was lovingly called ‘Deepa.’ In his youth, in 1699, his parents took him to Anandpur Sahib to have the darshan of Dashmesh Pita, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. There, he partook of the Amrit of Khanda-Baate di Pahul and embraced the immortal identity bestowed by Guru Ji, becoming ‘Deep Singh.’
Baba Deep Singh Ji made the Guru’s Sikhi the ultimate aim of his life, dedicating himself entirely to the Guru’s feet as per his parents’ wishes. Under the guidance of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, he excelled in horseback riding, weaponry, and the study of Sanskrit, Brajbhasha, and Gurmukhi, becoming highly learned.
Following Guru Ji’s instructions, he embraced the householders’ life. However, upon hearing the false news that Guru Ji had been martyred fighting against the Mughals, he was deeply distressed. When the truth was revealed, he immediately traveled to Sabo Ki Talwandi (Takht Sri Damdama Sahib), where he sought forgiveness for his absence from Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Guru Ji embraced him and motivated him for future endeavors.
At Talwandi, Guru Ji, with the assistance of Bhai Mani Singh Ji, undertook the monumental task of compiling and re-editing the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. This included incorporating the bani of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Baba Deep Singh Ji was among the 48 Sikhs who committed Gurbani to memory.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji appointed Baba Ji as the head of the Gurmat Vidyalaya at Talwandi and blessed the place, predicting that it would become renowned as the spiritual capital of the Sikhs. Baba Ji named the school ‘Damdami Taksal.’
In 1709, Baba Ji joined Baba Banda Singh Bahadur’s army and displayed exemplary valor during the conquest of Sirhind. Later, in 1756, during Ahmad Shah Abdali’s invasion of India, Baba Ji, leading the ‘Shaheedan di Missal,’ conducted guerrilla warfare, rescuing 300 women. Among them were several Muslim women, whom Baba Ji safely returned to their families without any discrimination.
In 1757, when Jahan Khan attacked Sri Darbar Sahib and desecrated the sacred place, Baba Deep Singh Ji called for a religious war. At Sabo Ki Talwandi, he sounded the war drum, gathering warriors, and declared, “This battle is for either death or victory. Only those ready to embrace death should cross this line drawn with my sword.”
At the age of 75, Baba Ji marched towards Amritsar with 500 warriors. Many Sikhs joined him en route, and by the time they reached Tarn Taran, the number had swelled to 5,000. In the fields of Gohalwar, they faced Jahan Khan’s massive army in a fierce battle.
In this brutal combat, Baba Deep Singh Ji demonstrated unparalleled bravery. During the battle, his head was severed from his body, but he continued fighting and fulfilled his vow of offering his head at the feet of Guru Sahib.
Baba Deep Singh Ji’s sacrifice remains an extraordinary example of faith, devotion, and courage. His contribution will be remembered through the ages.
