Saka Chamkaur - Martyrdom of Vadde Sahibzaade
Long, long ago, in the sacred city of Anandpur Sahib, there lived a family unlike any other - a father who was a saint, a warrior, and a poet Guru Gobind Singh Ji and his four sons: Baba Ajit Singh Ji, Baba Jujhar Singh Ji, Baba Zorawar Singh Ji, and Baba Fateh Singh Ji. Among them, the elder two - the Vadde Sahibzaade - would go on to show a courage so bright that it would light up even the darkest nights.
The Young Warriors of Anandpur
Baba Ajit Singh Ji said, “Jujhar Singh, keep your shield strong! Battle is not just about defeating the enemy… it’s also about protecting yourself and others.” Baba Jujhar Singh Ji replied, “But Veerji, I think I can even grab the enemy’s sword with my hands!” Baba Ajit Singh Ji said proudly, “Shabash, Jujhar Singh! That’s brave! But remember, a Khalsa’s kirpan is for kirpa, for helping others, not for hurting. We raise our kirpan only to protect never to harm.”
From their childhood, the Sahibzaade learned simran, seva, and shastar vidaya, the art of devotion, selfless service, and defense. At night, when the stars shone bright in the sky, Guru Ji would gather them close and tell them stories - stories of courage, of kindness, and of Chardi Kala, the ever-rising spirit.
The Siege of Anandpur Sahib
This era of peace did not last long. The Mughal Empire forced people to convert their religions, and the Khalsa Panth, founded by the Dashmesh Pita, stood firmly against this injustice. Wazir Khan sent a secret message to the Hill Kings, saying, “We must join hands to end Guru Gobind Singh’s power.” Soon, the Mughal and Hill armies surrounded Anandpur Sahib. Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months - six long months of siege. Disease spread among the soldiers. The treasuries of the Mughals and the Hill Kings began to empty. Inside the fort, conditions were no better. For six months, food and water were nearly gone. Hunger spread so badly that forty Singhs lost heart and decided to leave Guru Sahib.
Then came another message from Wazir Khan. The Mughals swore by their religion, and the Hill Kings swore by the sacred cow, saying: “If Guru Gobind Singh Ji leaves the fort, no one will harm even His shadow. He may go wherever He wishes, with His Singhs.” A tired Singh asked, “Guru Ji, we have little left to eat. Shall we leave Anandpur?” Guru Gobind Singh Ji replied, “Sikhs never bow to hunger or fear. But if that is the will of the Panth, we shall go. Waheguru’s will is always sweet.” At the request of some of His close companions, Guru Sahib accepted the offer and left the fort of Anandpur. That night, in heavy rain and darkness, the Khalsa left Anandpur Sahib. The Sarsa River roared like thunder. Families were torn apart in the flood - separated and scattered in the storm. Guru Ji and the Vadde Sahibzaade reached a small fort at Chamkaur Sahib.
The Battle of Chamkaur Sahib
The enemy army, tens of thousands, surrounded the small fort. But inside, the Khalsa stood tall. Baba Ajit Singh Ji asked Bhai Maan Singh Ji, “Maan Singh Ji, the Mughal army in numbers. How many would it be?” Bhai Maan Singh Ji replied, “I guess around ten lakh Mughals.” Baba Jujhar Singh Ji smiled and said, “Ten lakh Mughals to fight just forty-two Singhs - the Mughals tremble when they see the courage of the Khalsa!” “Sava Lakh Se Ek Ladau Now we will show them that one brave lion equals one and a quarter lakh.” The Singhs roared together, “Bole So Nihal! Sat Sri Akaal!” Singh's loud jakare shook the skies and pierced the ears of the Mughal army. Guru Gobind Singh Ji gave hukam that a group of five Singhs would leave the fort at a time to face the enemy. He said, “Strike with such courage that the Mughals never forget this night.”
After three groups had already gone, Baba Ajit Singh Ji told Bhai Daya Singh Ji that he wished to lead the fourth group. Bhai Daya Singh Ji tried to stop him, saying that such a sacrifice would be a great loss to the Panth. Baba Ajit Singh Ji replied calmly, “I know my Guru well - He Himself will open the gate for me.” Baba Ajit Singh Ji bowed and said, “Guru Pitaji, bless me. Allow me to go to the battlefield - I wish to serve the Panth. My name is Ajit; I cannot be defeated. And if I am, I shall not return alive. Please bless me.” By sending Baba Ajit Singh Ji to the battlefield, Guru Gobind Singh Ji proved that Mata Gujri Ji’s son was not only fond of asking people’s heads’. If the Panth ever needed it, he could even offer his own son for the Panth. Baba Ajit Singh Ji fought bravely, defending the weak and striking down cruelty. Even the enemies whispered, “Who is this shining lion?” After hours of battle, Baba Ajit Singh Ji attained martyrdom, smiling and remembering Waheguru.
Baba Jujhar Singh Ji Steps Forward
A Singh said to Guru Sahib, “Guru Ji, now the only hope rests on Baba Jujhar Singh. When he grows up, he will take charge of the Panth.” Baba Jujhar Singh Ji said, “I too will go to war like a great warrior.” The Singh replied softly, “Do not speak like this. You are still very young.” Baba Jujhar Singh Ji said with folded hands, “Jathedar Ji, I admit that I am not fully skilled in sword fighting, but I am not so ignorant that I cannot fight bravely and give my life. Guru Pitaji, please bless me.” Guru Gobind Singh Ji placed a sword in his hand and blessed him. Baba Jujhar Singh Ji rode into battle, his sword shining, his mind fixed on Waheguru. He too fought bravely and soon joined his brother in the eternal light.
Their Eternal Message
The story of the Vadde Sahibzaade is not just about swords or war. It is about faith, bravery, and love. They showed, that even in darkness, one can live with light - the light of Naam, truth, and fearless love for humanity. Beautiful Gurdwaras now stand at Chamkaur Sahib to honor their sacrifice. As Guru Gobind Singh Ji said, “The Khalsa is my special form; within the Khalsa, I dwell.” And every December, when we remember the Sahibzaade and the Shaheed Singhs, we remember what it truly means to be brave - to stand for truth, to protect others, and to live every day in Chardi Kala.