Bhai Sati Das Ji

Bhai Sati Das Ji (Martyrdom – 1675)

Bhai Sati Das Ji was one of the early great martyrs of Sikh history, who embraced martyrdom alongside his elder brother, Bhai Mati Das Ji.

Historical Background

Bhai Sati Das Ji, together with Bhai Mati Das Ji and Bhai Dayala Ji, was martyred at Chandni Chowk, Delhi, in front of the Kotwali (police station), before the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. On the orders of Emperor Aurangzeb, Bhai Sati Das Ji was wrapped in cotton soaked in oil and set on fire.

Birth and Family

Bhai Sati Das Ji was a Mohyal Brahmin belonging to the Chhibber clan. He was born in the village of Karyala (District Jhelum, Punjab – now in Pakistan). His father, Hira Nand Ji, was a devoted disciple of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji and had fought in several battles under the Guru’s guidance. Hira Nand Ji was the grandson of Lakhi Das, son of Bhai Pyarag. Bhai Mati Das Ji was his elder brother.

Service to Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji

After the martyrdom of Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji in Delhi, when there was uncertainty about the next Guru, Bhai Mati Das Ji and Bhai Sati Das Ji remained steadfast in their devotion and often assisted in the search for and service of the Guru.

Eastern Journey

Both brothers accompanied Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji during his travels, including the eastern journey beginning on 1st August. When Guru Sahib reached Dhamtan (Bangar), due to the influence of Dhirmal’s supporters, fanatical Brahmins, and Mughal officials, Guru Sahib was arrested and kept under detention in Delhi for a month. After being released in December 1665, Guru Sahib continued his travels to Bengal and Assam, and Bhai Mati Das Ji and Bhai Sati Das Ji remained in close service to him throughout.

Martyrdom

After witnessing the martyrdoms of Bhai Mati Das Ji and Bhai Dayala Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji humbly bowed before Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji and sought blessings to also sacrifice his life for the Guru’s cause. Guru Sahib blessed him, praising his unwavering devotion, and assured him that his supreme sacrifice would forever hold an immortal place in Sikh history.

Bhai Sati Das Ji was then tied to a pillar, wrapped in cotton soaked in oil, and set ablaze, attaining eternal martyrdom with unshaken faith and dignity.

Memorial

In memory of the supreme sacrifices of Bhai Mati Das Ji and Bhai Sati Das Ji, a museum and memorial have been established opposite Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib at Chandni Chowk, Delhi, the very site of their martyrdom.