Shaheed Baba Deep Singh jee Contd......

Although when Baba Deep Singh Ji was seventy-five years old, he still had the strength of a young warrior. When Baba Deep singh came to know of the demolition of Harminder Sahib he offered prayers before starting for Amritsar, "My head may fall at Harminder Sahib."

" Sir jaave ta jaave, mera Sikhi sidhak na jaave "

And then he promised "Diwali will be celebrated at Amritsar this year" . He gathered a large group of Sikhs and advanced towards Sir Harimander Sahib . By the time they reached the village of Taran Taaran, about ten miles from Amritsar, their numbers had risen to about five thousand. At this time, Baba Ji drew a line on the ground with his khanda , and asked only those who were willing to fight and die to cross the line. Baba Deep Singh Ji then recited :

" Jo to praym khaylan ka chaao, sir dhar talee galee mayree aao. " (Those who wish to play the game of love (follow Sikhism), come to me with your head in your palm.)

" It maarag pair dhareejai, sir deejai kaan na keejai. " (If you wish your feet to travel this path, don't delay in accepting to give your head.)

All of the Sikhs there crossed the line eagerly.

When news of Baba Deep Singh Ji's plans reached Jahan Khan, he immediately mobilized an army of 20,000 men and proceeded towards Taran Taaran . Baba Deep Singh Ji's army intercepted Jahan Khan's forces near the village of Goharwal , about five miles from Amritsar . At this point, there was a clash between both sides. Baba Deep Singh Ji fought with his 18- ser khanda (weighing about 32 lbs.). Each Sikh fought with such great valor and courage that the enemy was almost defeated. They continued fighting and advancing towards Amritsar.

During the clash, one of the Mugal commanders, Jamal Khan, attacked Baba Deep Singh Ji. As they fought, both men swung their weapons with great force, leaving both of their heads separated from their bodies. After seeing this scene, a young Sikh warrior called out to Baba Ji, reminding him of his vow to reach Sri Harimander Sahib. Upon hearing this, Baba Deep Singh Ji immediately stood up, *holding his head on his left palm* while holding his khanda upright in his right hand. He then continued fighting and moving towards Sri Harimander Sahib. Upon seeing the sight of Baba Deep Singh Ji, most of the men in the Mugal army fled away in terror. Baba Deep Singh Ji was able to continue fighting and reached Sri Harimander Sahib. He bowed his head at the prakarma of Sri Harimander Sahib and laid there as a martyr where he breathed his last. The Singhs celebrated the Diwali of 1757 A.D. in Harminder Sahib.

He worked out till his last moment for sake of humanity

"Janam maran dove meh naahi ,Jan parupakri aaye " .

*There are accounts where it is said that Baba jee's neck had a big slit and he held the neck with one hand and fought with the other. And as per some accounts it is said that Baba jee's head was severed from his body and he held his head on the palm of his hand and fought with other hand and he threw his head and it fell in the parikarma of Sri Harminder Sahib where there is a asthan named after Baba Deep Singh jee....