Baba Bidhi Chand Chhina

Baba Bidhi Chand Chhina – The Shield of the Guru

Baba Bidhi Chand (Born: April 26, 1579 – Died: August 30, 1638 or 1640) was a devoted Sikh of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, a renowned religious preacher, and a celebrated military commander. He belonged to the village of Chhina Bidhi Chand in the Amritsar district, which is still recognized today as his birthplace. A memorial was built there by the villagers under the guidance of Baba Daya Singh, where annual celebrations are held on Baba Ji’s birth anniversary.

Early Life and Spiritual Transformation

Baba Ji was born into a Jatt Sikh family of the Chhina clan. In his youth, he lived for some time in the village of Sur Singh near Lahore and, due to bad company, became involved in theft and robbery. However, one day, Bhai Adli, a devout Sikh from the village of Chohla Sahib, took him to the presence of Guru Arjan Dev Ji. That encounter changed the direction of his life. From that moment, Baba Bidhi Chand dedicated himself completely to the service of the Guru, leaving behind his old life.

Religious and Military Life

Baba Bidhi Chand was one of the five Sikhs who accompanied Guru Arjan Dev Ji during his martyrdom in Lahore in 1606. After the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji began organizing a Sikh army to defend the community from rising threats. He appointed Baba Bidhi Chand as one of the commanders of the cavalry.

Baba Bidhi Chand was among the first Sikh military commanders who led battles against the Mughal forces even in the absence of the Guru. He displayed extraordinary bravery in many battles. Guru Hargobind Sahib praised him with the words:

“Bidhi Chand Chhina, Guru ka Seena, Prem Bhagti Leena, Kade Kami Naah.”
(Translation: Bidhi Chand Chhina is the very shield of the Guru, immersed in loving devotion, never lacking in any way.)

He was one of the four chief commanders of the first Akal Sena (Immortal Army), established by Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. Baba Bidhi Chand’s devotion, loyalty, and bravery have been inscribed in Sikh history in golden letters.