In the dark era of Mughal tyranny, when Sikhs were hunted like animals, Bhai Taru Singh Ji (1720–1745) stood like a mountain of faith—proving that a Sikh’s devotion to Guru and Kes (hair) is unshakable, even at the cost of his scalp.
A Farmer Turned Freedom Fighter
Born in Pula village (Amritsar) to martyr Bhai Jodh Singh and Bibi Dharam Kaur, young Taru Singh grew up tilling fields but sowing seeds of resistance. He:
- Fed Guerrilla Sikhs: Used his harvest to run a secret langar for warriors fighting Zakaria Khan’s oppression.
- Defied Death Rewards: The Lahore governor had placed bounties on Sikh heads, especially those wearing turbans.
Betrayal & Unyielding Courage
A spy, Aqid Das Niranjani, reported Bhai Sahib’s activities to Zakaria Khan, who sent troops to arrest him. Instead of fleeing, Bhai Taru Singh:
- Welcomed the soldiers with langar, showing Sikh grace even to enemies.
- Refused rescue offers, declaring: “A Sikh fears no death—I will expose Mughal cruelty!”
The Ultimate Test: Scalping Over Shearing
In Lahore’s court, Zakaria Khan demanded:
- “Cut your hair or convert to Islam.”
Bhai Taru Singh’s legendary reply:
“You may take my scalp, but never my Sikhi. My Kes are my Guru’s gift—I’d rather lose my head than betray them.”
The Brutal Martyrdom:
- A barber refused to cut his hair, fearing divine wrath.
- A cobbler was ordered to scalp him alive.
- As his flesh was torn, Bhai Sahib chanted Japji Sahib, his faith unbroken.
Divine Justice: The Khan’s Downfall
- Zakaria Khan was struck by a mysterious illness, his body rotting as Bhai Taru Singh’s scalp healed.
- In agony, the tyrant begged forgiveness, striking his head with Bhai Sahib’s shoe.
- After 22 days—the same duration Bhai Taru Singh survived post-scalping—Zakaria Khan died in torment.
Legacy of the Scalped Saint
Bhai Taru Singh’s sacrifice teaches us:
- Sikhi is lived through actions, not words.
- The Guru’s Sikh fears no pain, only dishonor.
- Truth always triumphs—even if the cost is one’s skin.
Every time a Sikh ties their turban, they honor Bhai Taru Singh’s scalp.
ਸਿਰ ਜੁਡ਼ਾ ਕੇਸ਼ ਨ ਜੁਡ਼ਾਇ॥
(“I may surrender my head, but never my Kes.”)
📍 Gurdwara Shahidganj Bhai Taru Singh, Lahore | Memorials across Punjab
⚔️ Dhan Dhan Shaheed Bhai Taru Singh Ji! 🙏
