Sahibzada Baba Zorawar Singh Ji: the third son of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji

This day celebrates the birth of Sahibzada Baba Zorawar Singh Ji, the third son of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, born at Anandpur Sahib in 1696 to Mata Jito Ji. With his younger brother, Baba Fateh Singh Ji, he is remembered as one of the Chhote Sahibzade, the younger sons of the Guru.

A childhood at Anandpur Sahib

Zorawar Singh Ji grew up at Anandpur Sahib in the years when the Khalsa was created and the town was repeatedly besieged. He was raised largely by his grandmother, Mata Gujri Ji, who taught the children the bani and the story of their grandfather, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, who had given his life in Delhi for the freedom of others.

Steadfast at nine

When the family was scattered at the flooded Sirsa river in December 1704, Zorawar Singh Ji, Fateh Singh Ji and Mata Gujri Ji were separated from the Guru. Betrayed by their former cook, Gangu, they were taken to Sirhind and held in the cold Thanda Burj. Brought before the governor, Wazir Khan, the two boys were promised wealth and honour if they would give up their faith, and threatened with death if they would not. Tradition remembers Zorawar Singh Ji, as the elder, answering for both that they were the grandsons of Guru Tegh Bahadur and would not abandon their faith. They were bricked into a wall and put to death. Read the story of the Saka of Sirhind.

How the day is observed

Sangats mark his birth anniversary with kirtan and Ardas, especially at Anandpur Sahib and Fatehgarh Sahib, and many gurdwaras hold children's programmes telling the story of the Sahibzade.