Guru Tegh Bahadur:dharma, for human dignity

9Guru Tegh Bahadur: The Saintly Shield of India

Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Guru of the Sikhs, stands in history as a luminous symbol of moral courage, compassion, and spiritual strength. Born in 1621 in Amritsar to Guru Hargobind and Mata Nanaki, he was named Tyag Mal as a child, for he showed extraordinary detachment and inner calm. His father later gave him the title Tegh Bahadur—“Hero of the Sword”—after witnessing his fearlessness and mastery in battle.

Yet beyond the sword, it was his quiet, contemplative spirit that defined him. Guru Tegh Bahadur lived with deep humility, spending years in meditation. He taught that true bravery is not in conquering others but in conquering one’s own ego. His hymns in the Guru Granth Sahib reflect this radiant inner vision—verses of non-attachment, devotion, and surrender to the Divine.

A Protector of Dharma

The defining chapter of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s life came during the oppressive rule of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Forced conversions and religious persecution had spread across northern India. A group of Kashmiri Pandits—scholars and householders—travelled to Anandpur seeking refuge and guidance. Guru Tegh Bahadur assured them that righteousness must be defended, and he declared calmly:

“If the tyranny is to end, a pure soul must sacrifice himself.”

His young son, the nine-year-old Gobind Rai (later Guru Gobind Singh), spoke the immortal words:

“Who is greater than you, O Father?”

With full awareness of what awaited him, Guru Tegh Bahadur travelled to Delhi. He refused to convert, refused to bow, refused to abandon the right of every human being to worship freely. He stood firm not only for his own faith but for the faith of others—a unique act in world history.

On 11 November 1675, he was publicly executed at Chandni Chowk. His martyrdom shook the nation and lit a lamp of freedom that would not be extinguished.

A Legacy of Light

Guru Tegh Bahadur’s sacrifice was not for land, throne, or power—it was for dharma, for human dignity, for the right to conscience. His life reminds us that spiritual strength can withstand political might, and that compassion is a greater force than cruelty.

Two lines capture his essence:

“The one who frightens none, and fears none—

Such a one is truly wise.”

Guru Tegh Bahadur taught India that courage is born from truth, and truth is protected by sacrifice. His legacy continues to inspire seekers, leaders, and humble devotees across the world.

He is remembered as:

Hind di Chadar — The Shield of India

A warrior-saint

A poet of divine detachment

A martyr for universal freedom of faith

His life remains a shining example of how one serene, steadfast soul can change the course of history through the power of righteousness.

In quiet dawns of Amritsar, a gentle soul was born,

A child with eyes of stillness, like lotus in the morn.

Named Tyag Mal for his calm, yet forged in fearless fire—

He grew to be Tegh Bahadur, the saint the ages admire.

He walked the path of silence, where hearts to truth incline,

He spoke in hymns of detachment, of the endless, the divine.

No throne he sought, no glory—just the freedom to be true,

And the courage that his soul held shone radiant through and through.

When tyranny rose darkly, across Kashmir’s fair land,

And frightened seekers gathered with tears and folded hands,

He listened like a father, then stood serene and tall:

“To save the right of worship, one life must answer the call.”

His little son beside him, with wisdom deep and rare,

Said softly, “O my father, none nobler than you is there.”

Then to Delhi walked the Guru, with steady, saintly grace—

No fear could touch his spirit, no shadow dimmed his face.

They tried to bend his will; he stood like a mountain high,

For truth is not for sale, and freedom cannot die.

In Chandni Chowk they struck him, yet failed to understand—

His blood became a blessing that sanctified the land.

O Hind di Chadar, Master! Your sacrifice sublime

Still lights the lamp of courage in every passing time.

You taught the world a lesson the heavens proudly keep:

The one who fears none and frightens none is the soul awake, not asleep.

Your name is sung in temples, in gurdwaras’ glowing flame,

In hearts that crave for justice, in children who learn your name.

Guru Tegh Bahadur—protector, poet, guide—

A shield of light eternal, by India’s grateful side.

Divine friend.

Even to this day the descents of Bhandu Mohanty get prasadam from the temple. Indeed what ancestry what clan. Truly blessed.

The Story of Bandhu Mohanty and Lord Jagannath

A Tale of Poverty, Devotion, and Divine Friendship

In the holy land of Puri, there once lived a noble-hearted but extremely poor Brahmin named Bandhu Mohanty. His name “Bandhu” means friend, and truly, he lived like a friend to the world—kind, honest, and full of devotion toward Lord Jagannath.

Bandhu Mohanty lived with his wife and children. Poverty tightened its grip day by day.

Sometimes they had food, sometimes they slept hungry.

But every night, before sleeping, Bandhu would fold his hands and pray:

“Jagannath, you are the Lord of the universe.

You know my troubles.

Give me strength to endure.”

He never asked for wealth. Only for faith.

But one day, the suffering grew unbearable. His children lay crying from hunger. His wife, with tears in her eyes, whispered:

“Why don’t we go to Puri, the Lord’s own home?

Our Jagannath will not let His devotees starve.”

Bandhu Mohanty agreed.

The journey to the Lord’s home

The family walked for days, with barely anything to eat.

When they reached Puri, it was late at night.

The temple was closed.

The streets were asleep.

The children were exhausted and faint with hunger.

In despair, Bandhu clasped his hands and prayed:

“Jagannath! They say you are ‘Dina-bandhu’—

Friend of the helpless.

Today, your friend is standing at your door.

Please take care of my children.”

And then… the miracle happened.

The Divine Bowl — ‘Mahalaxmi’s Bhoga’

That very night, in the sanctum of the temple, the Lord spoke softly to Maa Lakshmi:

“My devotee has arrived hungry.

Give him the food you prepared today.”

Lakshmi smiled, filled a golden bowl with warm, fragrant rice and ghee, and placed it near the gate.

Outside, Bandhu heard a soft sound—like a bowl being set down.

He opened the door to find:

A shining golden vessel, filled to the brim with mahaprasad

The divine fragrance of Jagannath’s kitchen

Warm rice, glowing as though it held the light of compassion itself

The family ate to their hearts’ content.

For the first time in weeks, the children fell asleep with full stomachs and peaceful smiles.

The Missing Bowl and the Temple Inquiry

Next morning, the temple priests saw that a golden bowl from Lord’s treasury was missing.

Shocked, they searched everywhere but found nothing.

The matter reached the King of Puri. The king ordered:

“Whoever has taken the Lord’s vessel must return it immediately.”

Meanwhile, Bandhu Mohanty sat in a corner of the street with the same golden bowl beside him, unaware of its value.

When the guards found the bowl with him, they accused him of stealing.

Bandhu cried:

“I am a poor man, my Lords.

But I did not steal.

This bowl appeared outside the door last night.

We thought some kind soul left it for us.”

The king, wise and humble, decided to take Bandhu to the temple and place him before Lord Jagannath.

As Bandhu stood trembling before the Lord, the king asked:

“Did you give your golden bowl to this man?”

And then… a divine voice echoed in the temple:

“Yes.

The bowl was given by Me.

Bandhu Mohanty is My true devotee.

Let no one doubt him.”

All present fell to their knees.

The king bowed and said:

“From today, you are the Lord’s own guest.

You shall never know hunger again.”

He arranged a home, food, and daily offerings for Bandhu Mohanty and his family.

God never abandons a sincere devotee.

The heart’s purity is more important than wealth.

Even in deepest poverty, devotion shines the brightest.

Jagannath is truly ‘Dina-bandhu’ — Friend of the helpless.

Fading beauty.

 

 A beautiful metaphor, and the image does invite that kind of reflection.

If we look at it botanically:

The “golden” frond on the palm/fern-like plant is simply an older leaf that has reached the end of its cycle. Palms regularly shed their older fronds—they turn yellow or brown while the newer ones remain lush and green. It’s natural and healthy.

If we look at it poetically,  a plant as a nuclear family:

The green fronds are like the younger, active members of a family—full of energy, supporting growth.

The golden frond is like an elder—once strong, now stepping back, allowing new leaves to take the sunlight.

The plant as a whole thrives because every leaf, at every stage, contributed to its strength.

In that sense, the plant becomes a symbol of family life:

each leaf different, each with its own time, yet all belonging to the same rooted unity.

Family in a Pot 

In a quiet corner of the courtyard,

A single plant stands tall,

Its fronds like folded arms

Gathered close, a family of leaves.

Some shine in bright young green,

Stretching upward to greet the sun,

Full of tomorrow’s promise,

Full of unspent spring.

And then—one golden frond,

Softly fading into amber light,

Not weak, not withered,

Just completing its circle with grace.

It has held the sun before,

Sheltered the tender shoots,

Borne the winds, the rains, the heat—

And now it glows with memory.

Together they stand,

Roots drinking from the same earth,

Each leaf different in its moment,

Yet all part of one breathing whole.

A plant, a family—

Growing, glowing, giving—

Reminding us that even in fading,

There is beauty,

And in staying together,

There is strength.

Choice so important.

The Story of Rishi Markandeya

Long ago, in ancient India, there lived a noble couple — Rishi Mrikandu and his wife Marudvati. They were devoted to Lord Shiva but remained childless for many years. With deep faith, they performed intense penance to please the Lord.

Pleased with their devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before them and offered a boon.

He said:

“You may choose either a son who will be brilliant and virtuous but will live only sixteen years,

or a son who will live a long life but will not be wise.”

The parents chose the first — a child full of brilliance and virtue, even if his life was short.

Thus, Markandeya was born, a radiant boy with immense devotion.

Markandeya’s Devotion

As Markandeya grew, he excelled in learning and became deeply spiritual.

He was blessed, polite, pure-hearted, and fully devoted to Lord Shiva.

But as his sixteenth birthday approached, his parents were grief-stricken.

When Markandeya learned of his destined short life, he remained calm and said:

“I will pray to Lord Shiva. He will protect me.”

The Day of Destiny

On the day his life was destined to end, Markandeya went to the temple and embraced the Shiva Linga with total devotion.

He began chanting:

“Om Namah Shivaya… Om Namah Shivaya…”

At that moment, Yama, the god of death, arrived to take his soul.

But Markandeya refused to leave the linga.

Seeing the boy’s devotion, Yama threw his noose—it landed around Markandeya, but it also tightened around the Shiva Linga.

Shiva Appears in Anger

The moment the noose touched the linga, Lord Shiva emerged from it in fierce form, his eyes blazing with anger.

He roared:

“How dare you cast your noose on my devotee!”

Shiva struck Yama with his Trishul, defeating him instantly.

The entire universe trembled, for death itself had been subdued.

Granting of the Boon

The gods rushed to Shiva and pleaded for Yama’s revival, for without Yama the cosmos cannot function.

Shiva revived Yama but warned him never to approach true devotees without permission.

Then, turning to Markandeya, Shiva blessed him:

“You shall live forever.

You will remain a Chiranjivi, untouched by death.

You will be a symbol of devotion and purity.”

Thus, Rishi Markandeya became immortal.

Markandeya Darshan of the Cosmic Deluge

Later, Lord Vishnu also blessed Markandeya.

During the cosmic dissolution, Markandeya once saw:

the entire universe submerged in water,

a divine infant lying on a banyan leaf,

sucking his toe, smiling peacefully.

This was Baby Narayana, who granted him the darshan of the Mahapralaya (cosmic flood).

This vision is described in the Markandeya Purana, the scripture attributed to him.

True devotion can conquer even death.

God protects those who surrender completely with love.

Faith, purity, and courage make the impossible possible.

Good if used correctly.

Good Points in Favour of Technology

1. Increases Efficiency and Productivity

Technology helps us finish tasks faster and with greater accuracy. Machines, software, and automation reduce human effort and save time.

2. Improves Communication

Emails, video calls, messaging apps, and social media allow people to connect instantly across the world. Distance is no longer a barrier.

3. Advances in Medicine

Technology has revolutionized healthcare — from advanced scans (MRI, CT) to robotic surgeries and life-saving medicines. Diagnosis and treatment are faster and more accurate.

4. Enhances Education

Digital classrooms, online courses, educational apps, and smart boards make learning more interactive and accessible to everyone.

5. Better Safety and Security

CCTV cameras, biometric systems, disaster-warning technologies, and cybersecurity tools help protect people, data, and property.

6. Economic Growth

Technology drives industries, creates new jobs, supports innovation, and boosts national development.

7. Convenience in Daily Life

From online shopping and digital payments to home appliances and transportation apps, technology makes everyday life easier and more comfortable.

8. Encourages Innovation and Creativity

Design tools, research software, AI, and digital platforms inspire new ideas, inventions, and creative expression.

9. Environmental Solutions

Technology helps track pollution, create renewable energy, improve waste management, and promote sustainable solutions.

10. Access to Information

Search engines, digital libraries, and online platforms provide instant access to knowledge on any subject.

Regular than intense.

Consistency Beats Intensity

In a world that celebrates dramatic transformations and overnight success, we often forget the quiet power that shapes every lasting achievement: consistency. Intensity dazzles, but consistency delivers.

The Illusion of Intensity

Intensity is exciting.

It is the New Year resolution that begins with a three-hour workout.

It is the sudden decision to meditate for an hour a day.

It is the burst of motivation that makes us clean the whole house in one evening.

But intensity depends on emotion — and emotions, like weather, constantly change. What begins in enthusiasm often fades when real life returns with its routines, demands, and unpredictability.

Intensity creates a spark.

Consistency keeps the flame alive.

Why Consistency Wins

1. Small Actions Compound

A single drop of water does nothing. But drops falling continuously can drill through stone.

Doing something small every day builds a force called momentum, which grows quietly but powerfully.

2. Habits Build Identity

When you repeat an action, it becomes a habit; when you repeat a habit, it becomes part of who you are.

A person who reads 10 pages each day becomes a reader.

A person who walks every morning becomes a healthy individual.

A person who saves a little every month becomes financially stable.

Identity formed through repetition is stronger than identity formed through occasional enthusiasm.

3. Consistency Survives Life’s Ups and Downs

Intensity collapses when circumstances change.

Consistency adjusts itself: perhaps shorter, perhaps slower, but still moving.

Even a 10-minute effort maintains the chain. And that is enough.

4. The Brain Loves Patterns

The mind resists sudden, large changes — they feel like threats.

But small, repeated actions feel safe.

They become automatic, requiring less willpower over time.

Consistency transforms discipline into ease.

Examples 

Learning: Studying 20 minutes every day is more effective than 3 hours once a week.

Health: A 30-minute walk daily is better than a strenuous workout once in a while.

Relationships: Gentle, daily gestures create deeper bonds than rare grand acts.

Spirituality: A few minutes of sincere prayer or japa every day purifies more than a one-day intense ritual.

The secret is not how much we do, but how regularly we do.

How to Build Consistency

1. Start small — very small

Make your action so easy that you cannot say no.

Read 1 page, pray 2 minutes, write 3 lines. These tiny acts lead to larger ones naturally.

2. Attach it to something you already do

After tea, sit for 5 minutes of silence.

After walking, write your gratitude list.

This creates a firm routine.

3. Track your chain

A calendar or journal helps you visually see your commitment.

When you see a streak, you won’t want to break it.

4. Be flexible, not perfect

If you miss a day, restart the next.

Consistency is not about perfection — it is about return.

The Subtle Power

Intensity is loud.

Consistency is quiet.

Intensity creates hype.

Consistency creates history.

Every tree grows not by a sudden burst of sunlight, but by daily nourishment. Every devotion deepens not by a single ritual, but by repeated remembrance. Every mastery arises from patient repetition.

In life, the result you want tomorrow depends on the small step you take today — and repeat every day thereafter.

Consistency may look ordinary, but it produces extraordinary outcomes.

No script.

 Famous Indian Languages That Have No Script of Their Own, But Use a Local Script

1. Kutchi (Kachchhi) – Gujarat

Own script: None

Script used: Gujarati (earlier also Devanagari, Perso-Arabic in some communities)

Note: Small modifications/sound values differ from standard Gujarati.

2. Mysuru Tamil (also called Karnataka Tamil) – Karnataka

Own script: None

Script used: Kannada script informally

Note: Spoken by Tamil communities in Karnataka; writing uses Kannada for local communication and Tamil script for formal use.

3. Kodava (Coorg) – Karnataka

Own script: None

Script used: Traditionally Kannada script

Note: A separate script (Coorgi–Cox) has been recently created but is not widely adopted.

4. Tulu – Karnataka & Kerala

Own script: None in common use

Script used: Kannada script

Note: Tulu once had a script (Tigalari), but today almost everyone uses Kannada.

5. Konkani (Karnataka–Goa–Maharashtra)

Own script: None native in practice

Script used:

Devanagari (official)

Kannada (in Karnataka)

Roman script (in Goa)

Note: A classic example of a multi-script language.

6. Saraiki / Memoni (Sindhi communities in India)

Own script: None standard

Script used: Gujarati script in India

Note: Spoken by business/trading communities.

7. Bhutia / Sikkimese (India side)

Own script: None originally

Script used: Tibetan script

Note: Very similar to Mysuru-Tamil type usage: spoken widely, script borrowed.

8. Dakhini (Deccani Urdu) – Telangana / Karnataka / Maharashtra

Own script: None independent

Script used: Urdu script (Perso-Arabic)

Note: Spoken variety of Urdu with many local words.

9. Deccani Marathi (Hyderabadi Marathi)

Own script: None separate

Script used: Devanagari

Note: Has sound differences but uses standard Marathi script.

10. Saurashtra (Tamil Nadu / Karnataka)

Own script: Traditionally had one, but not used

Script used today: Tamil script

Note: Saurashtrian Brahmins speak it widely in Madurai/Salem.

11. Parsi Gujarati variations (Parsi-Gujju)

Own script: None

Script used: Gujarati

Note: Pronunciation and vocabulary differ, but script same.

Table: Indian Languages Without Traditional Script & Script Used Today

Language Region / Community Traditional Script Script Used Today

Gondi MP/Chhattisgarh None Gunjala Gondi / Devanagari / Telugu

Koya AP/Telangana None Telugu

Kui Odisha None Odia

Kuvi Odisha None Odia

Saora (Sora) Odisha None Sorang Sompeng (new) / Odia

Munda Jharkhand None Devanagari / Odia

Santali Jharkhand/ Bengal None Ol Chiki (new)

Ho Jharkhand None Warang Citi (new)

Mundari Jharkhand None Devanagari / Odia

Kharia Jharkhand None Devanagari

Korku MP None Devanagari

Birhor Jharkhand None Devanagari

Juang Odisha None Odia

Bhumij Bengal/Odisha None Ol Chiki / Odia

Asur Jharkhand None Devanagari

Kurukh (Oraon) Jharkhand None Tolong Siki / Devanagari

Malto Jharkhand None Devanagari

Kolami Telangana/MH None Telugu / Devanagari

Nihali MP/MH None Devanagari

Bhili (all dialects) Rajasthan/Gujarat None Gujarati / Devanagari

Wagdi Rajasthan None Devanagari

Garasia Rajasthan None Devanagari

Dungri Bhil Gujarat None Gujarati

Rathwi Gujarat None Gujarati

Tadvi Maharashtra None Devanagari

Kokni (Adivasi) Gujarat None Gujarati

Dhodia Gujarat None Gujarati

Varli Maharashtra None Devanagari

Kukna Gujarat None Gujarati

Toda Nilgiris None Tamil (borrowed)

Kota Nilgiris None Tamil

Badaga Nilgiris None Kannada (borrowed)

Irula TN/Kerala None Tamil

Kurumba TN/Kerala None Tamil

Paniya Kerala None Malayalam

Chenchu Andhra None Telugu

Yerukala AP/Telangana None Telugu

Sugali / Lambadi South India None Devanagari / Telugu

Mizo (Lushai) Mizoram None Roman script

Ao Naga Nagaland None Roman

Angami Naga Nagaland None Roman

Sema/Sumi Naga Nagaland None Roman

Lotha Naga Nagaland None Roman

Tangkhul Naga Manipur None Roman

Zeme / Liangmai Nagaland None Roman

Chang / Yimkhiung / Khiamniungan Nagaland None Roman

Karbi Assam None Roman / Assamese

Dimasa Assam None Diphothi (new) / Devanagari

Bodo Assam None Devanagari

Rabha Assam None Assamese

Tiwa Assam None Assamese

Mising Assam None Roman / Assamese

Adi Arunachal None Roman

Nyishi Arunachal None Roman

Apatani Arunachal None Roman

Nocte Arunachal None Roman

Wancho Arunachal None Wancho Script (new)

Tangsa Arunachal None Tangsa Script (new)

Bugun Arunachal None Roman

Puroik Arunachal None Roman

Monpa Arunachal None Tibetan

Sherdukpen Arunachal None Roman

Lepcha Sikkim None originally Róng script (18th century)

Ladakhi Ladakh None originally Tibetan script

Balti Ladakh None originally Tibetan / Roman

Raji Uttarakhand None Devanagari

Rangkas Uttarakhand None Devanagari

Jaunsari Uttarakhand None Devanagari

Tharu UP/Bihar None Devanagari

Toto Bengal None Bengali

Gadaba Odisha None Devanagari / Odia

Didayi Odisha None Odia

Bonda Odisha None Odia

Onge Andamans None No script (oral only)

Jarawa Andamans None No script (oral only)

Sentinelese Andamans None No script (oral only)

Great Andamanese Andamans None No script (oral only)