What was the birth name of Guru Tegh Bahadur?

Guru Tegh Bahadur’s birth name was Tyag Mal, given to him when he was born in Amritsar in 1621.

He was the youngest son of Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh Guru, and Mata Nanaki. Tyag Mal grew up in a Sikh household and received training in archery, horsemanship, and martial skills, alongside instruction in religious and classical literature. His early life therefore combined the contemplative and warrior traditions that had developed within the Sikh community.

According to Sikh historical tradition, Guru Hargobind later gave him the name Tegh Bahadur, meaning “Brave Sword,” after Tyag Mal demonstrated courage in the Battle of Kartarpur against Mughal forces. The new name became associated with his fearlessness and moral resolve.

Guru Tegh Bahadur became the ninth Sikh Guru in 1664 and was executed in Delhi in 1675 during the reign of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. He is remembered especially for defending freedom of conscience. His son, Guru Gobind Singh, succeeded him and later founded the Khalsa in 1699.