Mai Bhago Ji

Mai Bhago Ji – The Fearless Warrior Saint of the Sikhs

Mai Bhago, originally named Bhagbari, was born in the village of Jhabal Kalan in Amritsar district. She belonged to a devout Sikh family. Her grandfather, Bhai Pero Shah, was the younger brother of Bhai Langah, a Dhillon Jatt who had become a follower of Guru Arjan Dev Ji. Mai Bhago was the daughter of Bhai Malo, son of Bhai Pero Shah.

From a young age, Mai Bhago was deeply influenced by Sikh values and the heroic sacrifices of the Gurus. She used to accompany her father to visit the court of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. The news of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s unparalleled martyrdom at the hands of the Mughals spread like wildfire across the land. When Bhagbari heard this, she was deeply shaken and said to her father, “I wish I could pick up a sword right now, go to Delhi, and punish the tyrants who killed my revered Guru.”

Her bravery and determination earned her recognition, and in later years, scholars described her as an embodiment of the goddess Durga (Chandi) — full of courage, divine strength, and righteous fury. She was later married to Nidhan Singh Warraich of Patti.

The Forty Liberated Ones (Chali Mukte) and the Battle of Khidrana

In 1705, during the siege of Anandpur Sahib, the Mughals announced that any Sikh who abandoned Guru Gobind Singh Ji would be granted a safe passage. Under the leadership of Mahaa Singh, 40 Sikhs left Guru Sahib and gave him a written declaration (called “bedava”) stating they were no longer his Sikhs.

When Mai Bhago learned of this betrayal, she was heartbroken and enraged. She personally confronted those deserters, shamed them, and reignited their spirit of faith. Inspired by her courage and conviction, the 40 men repented and agreed to return to defend the Guru.

Mai Bhago led them towards Guru Gobind Singh Ji and eventually confronted the Mughal forces at the battlefield of Khidrana (modern-day Sri Muktsar Sahib) on 29 December 1705. In this fierce battle, Mai Bhago fought with unmatched bravery, was wounded, but remained steadfast. All 40 deserters died fighting and were blessed by Guru Sahib as the “Chali Mukte” (Forty Liberated Ones). Guru Gobind Singh Ji personally treated her wounds and deeply honored her courage and loyalty.

Later Life and Spiritual Service

After the battle, Mai Bhago became one of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s personal bodyguards and accompanied him all the way to Nanded (in present-day Maharashtra). After Guru Sahib’s physical departure, she continued to live a life of meditation, humility, and Sikh missionary service.

She eventually settled near Bidar in Karnataka, in a village named Janwada, around 10 kilometers from Nanak Jhira Sahib. There, she spent her remaining years in deep meditation and preaching Sikh teachings until her final breath. The site where she lived is now marked by Gurdwara Tap Asthan Mai Bhago, and her spearhead (nezā) is preserved with Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s other relics at Gurdwara Hazur Sahib, Nanded.

Mai Bhago’s Legacy

Mai Bhago Ji is remembered as one of the greatest heroines in Sikh history — a saint, warrior, and spiritual guide. She not only fought bravely in battle but also rekindled the faith of those who had strayed. Her life continues to inspire generations, symbolizing the perfect blend of courage, devotion, and righteous action.