Which Sikh Guru is known as the ninth human Guru?

Guru Tegh Bahadur is known as the ninth human Sikh Guru.

Guru Tegh Bahadur led the Sikh community from 1665 until his execution in Delhi in 1675. He was the youngest son of Guru Hargobind and succeeded Guru Har Krishan. His name is often interpreted as “brave sword,” reflecting the martial tradition associated with his family and the Sikh community.

He travelled widely across northern India, establishing Sikh centers and composing hymns later included in the Guru Granth Sahib. His writings emphasize detachment from fear, grief, possessions, and death while maintaining devotion to God. His compositions form a significant section added to the scripture’s final recension.

Sikh tradition remembers his execution under the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb as a defense of religious freedom, particularly in connection with Kashmiri Hindus who sought protection. His son, Guru Gobind Singh, became the tenth Guru. Guru Tegh Bahadur’s memorial, Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib, stands at the site associated with his death in Delhi.