Dhan Baba Deep Singh Ji is one of the most revered martyrs in Sikh history. He is remembered for his unmatched courage, deep devotion to Sikh principles, and supreme sacrifice while defending Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple). The history of Baba Deep Singh Ji stands as a timeless symbol of bravery, faith, and commitment to righteousness in Sikhism, in 2026 344th birth anniversary (Janam Dihara) of Baba Deep Singh Ji is observed on Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Who Was Baba Deep Singh Ji? (ਬਾਬਾ ਦੀਪ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ)
Dhan Baba Deep Singh Ji was a great Sikh warrior, scholar, and martyr of the 18th century. He was among the most respected members of the Khalsa and played a crucial role in protecting Sikh religious institutions during a time of severe persecution by Mughal rulers.
He is best known for sacrificing his life in the battle to protect Sri Harmandir Sahib, making his story one of the most powerful chapters in Sikh history.
Read Daily Hukamnama Sahib From Sri Harmandir Sahib
Early Life of Baba Deep Singh Ji
Dhan Baba Deep Singh Ji was born in 1682 in the village of Pahuwind, located in present-day Tarn Taran district of Punjab. From a young age, he showed strong spiritual inclination and a deep interest in Guru Nanak Sahib teachings.
He later moved to Damdama Sahib, where he received religious education and training. Baba Deep Singh Ji became well-versed in Sikh scriptures and developed a disciplined lifestyle based on humility, service, and courage.
Baba Deep Singh Ji History in Sikhism
The history of Dhan Baba Deep Singh Ji is deeply connected with the turbulent period faced by Sikhs after the Mughal oppression intensified in Punjab. Sikh shrines were repeatedly attacked, and Sikhs were forced to defend their faith and identity.
Baba Deep Singh Ji emerged as a leader who combined spiritual wisdom with military strength. He followed the Sikh principle that defending truth and justice is a sacred duty.
Military Training Under Guru Gobind Singh Ji
Dhan Baba Deep Singh Ji was blessed to serve under Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru. Under the Guru’s guidance, he received training in:
Martial arts
Weapon handling
Battlefield discipline
Sikh code of conduct (Rehat)
This training shaped Baba Deep Singh Ji into a fearless Khalsa warrior who lived by the Guru’s teachings.
Baba Deep Singh Ji as a Scholar and Saint-Soldier
Apart from being a warrior, Dhan Baba Deep Singh Ji was also a respected scholar. He contributed to:
Preservation of Sikh scriptures
Teaching Gurbani to Sikhs
Maintaining Sikh traditions during difficult times
His life reflects the Sikh ideal of Sant-Sipahi (Saint-Soldier), where spiritual devotion and physical courage coexist
Martyrdom of Baba Deep Singh Ji
The most defining event in Dhan Baba Deep Singh Ji’s history is his martyrdom.
During the 18th century, Sri Harmandir Sahib was attacked and desecrated by Mughal forces. When Baba Deep Singh Ji learned about this, he vowed to liberate the sacred shrine.
Despite his advanced age, he led a group of Sikh warriors towards Amritsar, fully aware that the battle would likely cost him his life.
Battle of Amritsar – Historical Facts
As Dhan Baba Deep Singh Ji and his companions approached Amritsar, they were confronted by heavily armed Mughal troops. A fierce battle took place near the outskirts of the city.
According to Sikh historical accounts, Baba Deep Singh Ji continued fighting despite receiving fatal injuries. His determination to reach Sri Harmandir Sahib became a symbol of unwavering faith and courage.
He attained martyrdom while defending Sikh dignity, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations.
Gurudwara's Related to Baba Deep Singh Ji
1. Gurdwara Sri Shaheed Ganj Baba Deep Singh
Gurdwara Sri Shaheed Ganj Baba Deep Singh is a revered Sikh shrine located at Chattiwind Gate in Amritsar City, Punjab, India. This historic gurdwara is associated with Baba Deep Singh Ji, one of the most respected and honored martyrs in Sikh history.
Baba Deep Singh Shaheed (26 January 1682 – 13 November 1757) was the founder and leader of the Shaheedan Di Misl, one of the twelve Sikh misls. He was also the first head of Damdami Taksal, a 300-year-old Sikh institution established by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. From a young age, Baba Deep Singh Ji grew up in the presence of the Tenth Guru and dedicated his life to the service and protection of the Sikh Panth.
Known as a fearless saint-soldier, Baba Deep Singh Ji combined extraordinary bravery with deep spiritual knowledge. He spent much of his life safeguarding Sikh values, distributing Guru Granth Sahib Ji to various regions, and serving as the Head Granthi of Damdama Sahib (Bathinda). A scholar proficient in multiple languages, he played a vital role in preserving Sikh teachings.
Baba Deep Singh Ji attained martyrdom in 1757 at Amritsar while defending Sikh sacred sites at the age of about 75. Along with Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, he is remembered as one of the greatest martyrs of the Sikh Panth, whose sacrifice continues to inspire generations.
2.Gurdwara Sri Janam Asthan Baba Deep Singh
Baba Deep Singh Ji was born on 26 January 1682 in the village Pahuwin. His parents were Bhai Bagtu Ji and Mata Jeoni Ji, who raised him with strong spiritual and moral values. At the age of eighteen, Baba Deep Singh Ji received Amrit from the Panj Pyare at Anandpur Sahib on the sacred occasion of Vaisakhi.
After joining the Khalsa, Baba Deep Singh Ji took an oath to serve as a warrior of Akal Purakh (Waheguru). He embraced the principles of Sikhism, dedicating his life to protecting the weak, upholding truth, and fighting injustice. Following his initiation, he remained in Anandpur Sahib, where he continued his education in Sikh scriptures under the guidance of Bhai Mani Singh Ji.
During his stay of nearly eight years in Anandpur, Baba Deep Singh Ji emerged as a devoted scholar and a deeply committed Sikh, earning the love and respect of the Guru and the Sangat alike.
3. Gurdwara Burj Baba Deep Singh
Gurdwara Burj Baba Deep Singh is a 20-metre-high tower with a dome, located at the north-east corner of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, and was constructed by Baba Deep Singh Ji. He was summoned to Damdama Sahib to assist Bhai Mani Singh Ji in preparing the final text of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, which Guru Gobind Singh Ji personally recited while they wrote it down.
After completing the scripture, Baba Deep Singh Ji hand-wrote four additional copies of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, which were sent to Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Takht Sri Patna Sahib, Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, and Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib. He later prepared another copy in Arabic script, which was sent to the Middle East.
In 1706, Guru Gobind Singh Ji appointed Baba Deep Singh Ji as the in-charge of Damdama Sahib before leaving for the Deccan. Baba Deep Singh Ji spent many years there preaching Sikh teachings, serving the community, writing gutkas, and supporting the Sangat. He is also credited with constructing the well that continues to supply drinking water to the complex.
4.Gurdwara Sri Lakeer Sahib
In 1757, the Afghan invader Ahmed Shah Abdali ordered the destruction of Sri Harmandir Sahib, filling the sacred sarovar with dirt and dead animals to weaken Sikh spiritual strength. His general Jahan Khan, under the governorship of Taimur Shah, led a brutal attack on Amritsar. The Sikh fortress Ram Rauni was destroyed, many Sikhs were martyred, and Sri Harmandir Sahib was closed to the Sikh Sangat.
At that time, Baba Deep Singh Ji was at Damdama Sahib. On hearing this news, he vowed to liberate and rebuild Sri Harmandir Sahib, declaring that he would not return alive without fulfilling this mission. He performed ardas and proclaimed, “Sir jaave ta jaave, mera Sikhi sidhak na jaave.”
Before marching into battle, Baba Deep Singh Ji drew a line on the ground at the site now known as Gurdwara Sri Lakeer Sahib, asking only those ready to fight and attain martyrdom for Sikhi to cross it.
5. Gurdwara Sri Tahla Sahib Chabba
Gurdwara Sri Tahla Sahib Chabba marks the site where Baba Deep Singh Ji fought a fierce battle against the Mughal forces led by Jahan Khan. Armed with a 15-kg khanda, Baba Deep Singh Ji and his small band of Sikhs fought with extraordinary courage, nearly defeating the enemy before Mughal reinforcements arrived.
During the battle, Baba Deep Singh Ji was struck by Jamal Khan, and both were beheaded in combat near a large tahli (shisham) tree, giving the gurdwara its name. When reminded of his vow to attain martyrdom at Sri Harmandir Sahib, Baba Deep Singh Ji rose, held his severed head in his left hand, and continued fighting with his khanda. He advanced toward Sri Harmandir Sahib, where he finally offered his head, fulfilling his sacred vow and attaining martyrdom.
6. Gurdwara Sri Baba Deep Singh Shaheed
Baba Deep Singh Ji continued fighting until he reached Sri Harmandir Sahib, where he bowed and laid his head on the parkarma, fulfilling his sacred vow. Gurdwara Sri Baba Deep Singh Shaheed, located within the Sri Harmandir Sahib complex, marks the holy place where Baba Deep Singh Ji attained martyrdom and merged with Waheguru.
7.Gurdwara Sri Shaheed Ganj Baba Deep Singh
This Gurdwara stands at the site where the Antim Sanskar (cremation) of Baba Deep Singh Ji and other Shaheed Singhs was performed. A memorial was first built here by Sardar Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, which was later transformed into a grand gurdwara by Akali Phula Singh in the 19th century.
For many years, the gurdwara remained under the care of the descendants of Sardar Karam Singh of the Shaheedi Misl. In 1924, its management was transferred to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which expanded and developed the gurdwara into its present form. Additional land owned by the descendants of Jassa Singh Ramgarhia was later donated to the gurdwara.
