Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev

Dadi**: "Guddu, tonight I must tell you a serious story. It's about sacrifice - the kind that changes history."

Guddu**: "Who made this sacrifice, Dadi?"

Dadi**: "Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru. He gave his life to protect the freedom to believe, and his martyrdom changed the Sikhs forever."

Guddu**: "What happened to him?"

Dadi**: "Guru Arjan was a peaceful man. He built the Harmandir - what we now call the Golden Temple - in Amritsar. He compiled the sacred Adi Granth, the holy scripture. He built water tanks to help people. He was loved by all."

Guddu**: "Then why was he killed?"

Dadi**: "Many enemies surrounded him. His own brother was jealous. Some Muslim leaders were angry that Muslims were becoming Sikhs. And a rich merchant named Chandu Shah hated him because Guru Arjan refused to marry his son to Chandu's daughter."

Guddu**: "Just because of a marriage refusal?"

Dadi**: "Petty reasons can lead to terrible consequences, beta. When the Mughal emperor Akbar died in 1605, the new emperor Jahangir was suspicious of the Guru."

Guddu**: "What made him suspicious?"

Dadi**: "Jahangir's own son, Prince Khusrau, rebelled against his father and was fleeing. When he passed through where the Guru was, Guru Arjan showed him hospitality - as any good host would. But this made Jahangir think the Guru supported the rebellion."

Guddu**: "That wasn't fair!"

Dadi**: "It wasn't. Chandu Shah used this to spread lies. The Guru was summoned to Lahore. Jahangir demanded two things: pay a huge fine, and remove anything from the Adi Granth that might offend Hindus or Muslims."

Guddu**: "Did the Guru agree?"

Dadi**: "He refused both demands. To change the holy scripture would be to betray his faith. He said, 'The human body is mortal and has to die one day, but nobody can kill the soul.'"

Guddu**: "He was ready to die?"

Dadi**: "For five terrible days, Chandu Shah tortured him. On the first day - no food, water, or rest. On the second day - he was made to sit in a vessel of boiling water. On the third day - a burning hot iron plate beneath him while hot sand was poured over him."

Guddu**: "That's horrible, Dadi!"

Dadi**: "Through all this, the Guru remained calm. He kept reciting prayers, his mind absorbed in God. He accepted all suffering as God's will."

Guddu**: "He didn't even complain?"

Dadi**: "After five days, they took him to the river Ravi to bathe. Thousands watched as he entered the water - and disappeared forever. He merged with the Divine."

Guddu**: "What happened after?"

Dadi**: "Before his death, he told his son Hargobind: 'Sit fully armed on your throne. From now on, Sikhs must be warriors who can defend themselves against tyranny.'"

Guddu**: "He changed the Sikhs from peaceful to warrior?"

Dadi**: "He sowed the seed of resistance. His sacrifice showed that some things are worth dying for - the freedom to believe, the refusal to compromise truth. From then on, Sikhs began training as saint-soldiers."

Guddu**: "That's why Sikhs wear the kirpan?"

Dadi**: "Part of the reason, yes. The sixth Guru, Hargobind, formed the first Sikh army. The martyrdom of Guru Arjan created the Khalsa warrior spirit."

Guddu**: "He died so others could be free."

Dadi**: "Every year on June 16th, Sikhs remember his sacrifice. He is called the first Sikh martyr. His courage in facing death without fear, without anger, still inspires millions."

Guddu**: "I understand, Dadi. Sometimes the most powerful thing is to stand for what you believe, even if it costs everything."

Dadi**: "That's the lesson, beta. True faith isn't tested in easy times. It's tested in fire - like Guru Arjan on that burning plate. And he passed the test with peace in his heart. Sleep well, and carry his courage in yours."