barublogGuru Gobind Singh Ji and His Warriors Take Shelter in Chamkaur
On December 20, 1704, Guru Gobind Singh Ji and his 40 Singhs camped in an open space in Ropar while being pursued by the Mughal army. A devoted Sikh, Bhai Budhi Chand, who owned a haveli (open house) in Chamkaur, humbly offered his home and family in the service of the Guru. Guru Sahib had once visited Bhai Budhi Chand’s mud-house while returning from Kurukshetra. Accepting his offer, Guru Sahib and the 40 Singhs moved into the house, which now became the mud-fort of Guru Sahib.
Amritvela – A Morning of Devotion Amidst the Siege
As the early morning (Amritvela) approached, Guru Gobind Singh Ji woke up Bhai Sangat Singh and said,
“Wake up Sangat Singh, it’s time for Aasa Di Var. Let’s do Keertan.”
Despite being surrounded by an army of 100,000 Mughals, Guru Sahib remained devoted to his Nitnem and Aasa Di Var Keertan, instilling courage in his warriors.
Outside the fort, Nawab Wazir Khan addressed Guru Sahib:
“Gobind Singh! If you and your Sikhs surrender now, you will be spared!”
Guru Sahib responded with a rain of arrows, making it clear that surrender was not an option. Thunder and lightning filled the sky as the Singhs prepared for battle.
Preparing for Battle – The Courage of the Singhs
As the cold morning air settled over Chamkaur, a Mughal messenger approached the fort to negotiate. Guru Sahib, refusing to compromise, ordered him to leave or face death. Inside the mud-fort, Guru Sahib declared war.
One by one, each Singh valiantly stepped out to fight. As soon as a warrior attained Shaheedi (martyrdom), the next Singh followed, roaring “Sat Sri Akal!” in the battlefield. The Nawab was astonished at their courage. The Singhs proved the Sikh belief that one warrior equals 125,000 (Sava Lakh).
Baba Ajeet Singh Ji Leads the Fight
Baba Ajeet Singh Ji, the eldest son of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, stepped forward and requested,
“Dear father, allow me to fight and make my life fruitful in your service.”
Guru Sahib embraced him, gave him a Shastar (weapon), and blessed him. Baba Ajeet Singh Ji was still young, without a beard or mustache. Instead of preparing for marriage, he was ready to embrace martyrdom in battle.
With 8 other Singhs, including Bhai Mohkam Singh Ji (one of the original Panj Pyare), Baba Ajeet Singh Ji charged into battle. They roared Jaikarey (battle cries) as they fought. Baba Ajeet Singh Ji’s unmatched swordsmanship and bravery terrified the Mughal soldiers, forcing them to flee.
As they returned in larger numbers, Baba Ajeet Singh Ji broke his Kirpan (sword) and fought with a Neja (spear). He continued fighting fiercely, but when his spear got stuck in a Mughal’s chest, he picked up another weapon and kept attacking. Eventually, all 8 Singhs attained Shaheedi.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji, watching from above, roared a victorious Jaikara, proclaiming,
“Sat Sri Akal!”
Baba Jujhar Singh Ji Seeks Battle and Martyrdom
Upon hearing about his elder brother’s Shaheedi, Baba Jujhar Singh Ji, only 14 years old, stepped forward and asked his father,
“Permit me, dear father, to go where my brother has gone. I shall die fighting with Naam on my lips and the Guru in my heart.”
Guru Gobind Singh Ji blessed him, just as a father blesses a bride before her wedding, and said,
“Go, my son, and wed the life-giving bride, Death.”
Along with Bhai Himmat Singh Ji and Bhai Sahib Singh Ji (two of the original Panj Pyare) and three other Singhs, Baba Jujhar Singh Ji entered the battlefield.
The Mughals were stunned—it seemed as if Baba Ajeet Singh Ji had returned! The Sahibzada fought like a true warrior, striking fear into the hearts of the enemy. He used a Khanda (double-edged sword), mowing down Mughal soldiers like a farmer harvesting crops.
Guru Sahib, seeing his son surrounded, provided cover fire with arrows, ensuring no Singh was hit by friendly fire. Baba Jujhar Singh Ji and his Singhs fought till their last breath, attaining glorious martyrdom.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s Escape from Chamkaur
By nightfall, only 10 Singhs remained in the fort. The Guru-roop Panj Pyare (Five Singhs) commanded Guru Gobind Singh Ji to leave the fort, ensuring the continuation of the Khalsa.
Guru Sahib did not leave quietly. Standing on high ground, he clapped his hands three times and proclaimed:
“Peer-e-Hind Rahaavat!” (The “Peer” of India is Leaving).
His departure ensured the Sikh resistance would live on.
The Legacy of the Battle of Chamkaur
The Battle of Chamkaur remains one of the greatest examples of bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering faith in Sikh history. Guru Gobind Singh Ji and his 40 warriors faced an army of 100,000, proving that the Khalsa is fearless and will always stand for righteousness.
Honoring Their Sacrifice
The Shaheedi of Baba Ajeet Singh Ji and Baba Jujhar Singh Ji serves as an eternal inspiration for Sikhs and warriors across the world. Guru Sahib’s unwavering faith and his teachings continue to guide the Khalsa Panth.
Dhan Guru Gobind Singh Ji! Dhan Shaheed Singhs!
“Blessed is that land, blessed is that father, blessed is that great mother.
Whose son has shown the way to live, for centuries to come.”
Final Thoughts
The Battle of Chamkaur is a shining example of fearlessness, sacrifice, and divine destiny. This epic battle teaches us to stand against injustice, uphold righteousness, and keep faith in Guru’s teachings.
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