Bhai Sukha Singh Ji and Bhai Mehtab Singh Ji: The Pride and Honor of Sikhism
Bhai Sukha Singh Ji and Bhai Mehtab Singh Ji, in defense of the pride and sanctity of Sikhism, avenged the desecration of Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar by Massa Ranghar, also known as Massa Uddin. They publicly executed him by beheading him in a single blow of their sword. Through this act, they avenged the dishonor inflicted upon Sri Harmandir Sahib.
On March 9, 1739 CE, Mughal invader Nadir Shah attacked Delhi, looting its wealth and honor. While returning on May 25, 1739 CE, he reached Akhnoor near the Chenab River. There, Guru’s Sikhs surrounded him and launched an attack on his forces, reclaiming the looted wealth and protecting the honor of the people. They safely returned the daughters of the nation to their homes. Frustrated by this defeat, Nadir Shah collaborated with Zakariya Khan, the governor of Lahore, to devise a plan to annihilate the Sikhs.
Zakariya Khan issued orders to his officials and village chiefs to kill or capture any Sikhs they encountered. He announced rewards for bringing Sikh heads. As a result, thousands of Sikh men, women, and children were killed. In Amritsar, the charge of Sri Harmandir Sahib was given to Massa Ranghar, who desecrated the sacred site by turning its parikrama into stables for horses and its main hall into a dance chamber.
A group of Sikhs camped near Jaipur learned about this desecration of Sri Harmandir Sahib. Bhai Mehtab Singh Ji and Bhai Sukha Singh Ji resolved to punish Massa Ranghar. These two devoted Sikhs arrived in Amritsar, posing as traders carrying bags of coins. They entered Sri Harmandir Sahib under the pretense of paying tribute. Inside, they found Massa Ranghar intoxicated and indulging in debauchery with courtesans. Bhai Mehtab Singh Ji threw the bag of coins under Massa Ranghar’s cot. As he bent to pick them up, they beheaded him with their sword.
Following this incident, Zakariya Khan ordered the arrest of the culprits. Bhai Mehtab Singh Ji was eventually captured and brought to Lahore, where he was subjected to the most brutal martyrdom on the spiked wheel (Charkhari).
This incident demonstrated that the Sikhs valued the sanctity of their sacred places more than their lives.
