Chote Sahibzade Shaheedi Diwas is celebrated to remember the martyrdom of the family of Last Guru of Sikh religion "Guru Gobind Singh jee". It is celebrated on 26th December every year as on this date in 1704, two sons of Guru named "Sahibzade Fateh Singh (6 years) and "Sahibzade Zorawar Singh (9 years) were executed by Wazir Khan, Nawab of Sirhind for not adopting Islam religion. The grandmother - Mata Gujar Kaur ji - too died hearing of the execution.
The Story
During 17th century, Indian peninsula was ruled by Mughals. In India, Mughals were resisted by the Indian community. In the province of Punjab, the last Guru of Sikhs Guru Gobind Singh jee were fighting with Mughals to retain their independence. During those times, the family of Guru Gobind Singh jee had to move from Anandpur Sahib. Mata Gujri jee (mother of Guru) and two sons of Guru named "Sahibzade Fateh Singh" and "Sahibzade Zorawar Singh" were moving in the forest alone. In the forest, they met "Gangu" who took them to his home in Sirhind. At night, he stole the gold coins that Mata Gujri jee were carrying and when she resisted, let them arrested by Nawab Soldiers. They were placed in a prison in the place called as "Thanda Buraj" (The Cold Tower) at Sirhind
In the court of Wazir Khan, the courtiers debated on whether kids who were so young can get any punishment or not. When Wazir Khan asked kids "what will they do if he release them?", sons replied "We will gather army and defeat you." Listening to such brave comments, Wazir Khan put up a condition that if sons adopt Islam by reciting Quran, he will forgive them, else will kill them. Both the sons declined.
Wazir Khan, then, decided to execute the sons. He called upon Sher Muhammad Khan, the Nawab of Malerkottla, to render punishment to these young children, because Guru Gobind Singh jee had killed the Nawab of Malerkottla's brother in battle. But Sher Muhammad Khan declined the offer citing inhumane to kill so young kids. He also requested Wazir Khan to reconsider his decision, but he remained adamant.
Wazir Khan ordered executioners to build a brick wall to be buried alive. Both the kids reciting the Shabd happily gave away their lives. On hearing the execution of the kids, Mata Gujri jee too passed away. The brave martyrdom of sons and grand mother is celebrated in Sikh religion as Chote Sahibzade Shaheedi Diwas on Dec 26th every year.
That time, a jeweller named "Toddar Mal" requested Wazir Khan to hand over the bodies. Wazir Khan asked for gold coins which can cover the space needed for the burial of the bodies. His love for the Guru, he happily gave the gold coins and the got the bodies, which he buried in the city of Sirhind where Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib has now been placed in the district of Sirhind.
How to reach Sirhind?
Sirhind is well-connected by Train and Road with all parts of the country. The distances from major cities of North India are given below:
1) Delhi - 253 Kms (157 miles)
2) Chandigarh - 43 kms (26 miles)
3) Amritsar - 200 kms (126 miles)
Sources:
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