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It was the peak of summer in 1606. Lahore was blazing under the unforgiving heat of June. In the heart of that scorching afternoon, a saint sat silently on a burning hot iron plate. Boiling sand was poured over his head, the heat unbearable, the cruelty unimaginable.
Yet, his lips carried no complaint—only devotion.
Only one divine utterance:
“Tera kiya meetha laage.”
(“Sweet is Thy Will, O Lord.”)
This was Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Guru of the Sikhs. A spiritual leader, a visionary poet, and a reformer—who refused to bow to tyranny. His martyrdom marked a turning point not just in Sikh history, but in the larger narrative of India’s spiritual resistance.
Despite the torture, Guru Arjan Dev Ji chose the path of truth and righteousness. He gave up his life, but never gave up on his principles. His death was the first recorded martyrdom in Sikh history—an act of profound spiritual strength and resilience.
Why Was He Martyred?
Guru Arjan Dev Ji was executed under the orders of the Mughal emperor Jahangir. His growing influence and inclusive message threatened the orthodoxy of the time. He had compiled the Adi Granth, the holy scripture of the Sikhs, and welcomed followers from all walks of life—Hindus, Muslims, rich, poor. His inclusive, humanitarian approach challenged the power structures of his era.
A Living Legacy: The Tradition of Shabeel
Today, over 400 years later, the spirit of his sacrifice lives on. Each year, during the Shaheedi Diwas (Martyrdom Day) of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, communities across India and the world organize Shabeels—stalls serving chilled sweetened water or sharbat to all passersby, regardless of caste, religion, or background.
It is a gesture rooted in sewa (selfless service).
In love over hate.
In compassion over cruelty.
From the gates of gurdwaras to the corners of temples and roadside crossings, you’ll find volunteers distributing sweet water with a smile—often under the same blazing heat that once witnessed the Guru’s pain. This isn’t just about quenching thirst. It’s about remembering a man who stood unshaken in the face of oppression.
More Than a History, It’s a Way of Life
Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s martyrdom isn’t just a story from the past—it’s a lesson for the present. His life reminds us:
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To speak the truth, even when it’s dangerous.
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To never surrender to injustice.
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To serve others selflessly, especially in difficult times.
So the next time you take a sip from a roadside Shabeel on a hot summer day, pause for a moment.
Remember the man who taught us that love is the strongest answer to hate.
That truth must never be compromised.
And that even in pain, the human spirit can rise with dignity.
Delhipedia’s humble tribute to Guru Arjan Dev Ji—may his courage continue to inspire generations.
