Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji is regarded as one of the most revered martyrs in Sikh history. His parents, Bhai Bhagtu Ji and Mata Jeonee Ji, lived in the Pahuwind village of Amritsar. They were hardworking Sikh farmers who had yet to have children. One day, a Sikh saint promised them that they will have a special kid whom they should name Deep (meaning one who gives light). On January 26, 1682 (14 Maagh Sunmat 1739), Baba Deep Singh Ji was born to them. Deep was an only child, so his parents lavished him with love and affection. Baba Deep Singh Ji travelled to Anandpur Sahib with his parents when he was twelve years old to meet Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru.
They spent many days at Anandpur Sahib doing seva (service) with the Sikh community. Guru Gobind Singh Ji urged Baba Deep Singh Ji to stay with him till his parents were ready to return to their village. He accepted Guru Ji's command with humility and began serving him. While at Anandpur Sahib, Baba Deep Singh Ji studied about Sikh philosophy and Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book of scriptures. He studied gurmukhi (Punjabi script) and a number of other languages.
A year after his return to Pahuwind, a Sikh messenger arrived from Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Baba Deep Singh Ji was informed that Guru Ji had fled his fort in Anandpur Sahib following a six-month battle with Hindu hill rajas. He also found that the Guru's four sons and his mother, Mata Gujri, had all split up. When Baba Deep Singh Ji received such depressing news, he immediately departed Pahuwind to visit Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
Baba Deep Singh Ji was summoned to Damdama Sahib to collaborate with Bhai Mani Singh Ji on the final text of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. While they were writing the text, Guru Gobind Singh Ji recited the whole Granth Sahib to them. When the sacred writings were finished, Baba Deep Singh Ji hand penned five more copies. Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Sri Takht Patna Sahib, Sri Takht Hazur Sahib, and Sri Takht Anandpur Sahib each received four copies. Baba Deep Singh Ji created another duplicate in Arabic script and sent to the Middle East.
Baba Deep Singh Ji quickly became known as one of the most pious Sikhs of his time.
Baba Deep Singh Ji questioned Bhai Mani Singh Ji about a line of gurbani: "mitar pyare nu hal fakeera da kahna" while preparing copies of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Baba Deep Singh Ji believed that the statement had been misspoken because the Guru could never be a fakeer (beggar). He felt that the line should have been stated as "mitar pyare nu hal mureedan da kahna". Bhai Mani Singh Ji cautioned Baba Deep Singh Ji that in order to change gurbani, he would have to give up a part of himself. Baba Deep Singh Ji consented, stating that he was ready to give his head for the sake of the panth. Therefore, Baba Ji was given the title of "Shaheed" (martyr) while alive.
In 1707, Baba Deep Singh Ji joined Banda Singh Bahadur in the war for Punjab's independence. They fought together in the battle of Sirhind, where Guru Gobind Singh Ji's younger sons were murdered. Despite the fact that the Muslim army outnumbered the Sikhs substantially, the Sikh army easily defeated the Muslim forces. Baba Deep Singh Ji decapitated Wazir Khan during the battle. When the Sikh army were reformed into twelve misls (groups), Baba Deep Singh Ji was given command of the Shaheedi division. As the leader of the Shaheedi misl, he led the Sikhs to countless triumphs.
Afghanistan's ruler, Ahmad Shah Abdali, launched his fifth attack on India in 1755. He returned with wealth, jewels, and thousands of abducted young women after robbing various Indian cities, including Delhi. When Baba Deep Singh Ji learned of the atrocities, he led a party of Sikhs into an ambush against Ahmad Shah's men. Baba Deep Singh Ji and his men freed several of Ahmad Shah's stolen items as well as the detainees, releasing them and returning them to their homes. Ahmad Shah Abdali managed to flee to Lahore. He wanted to harm the Sikh community after being enraged by the Sikh attack. He gave Jahan Khan the command to destroy Sri Harimander Sahib. In 1757, Jahan Khan dispatched heavy artillery to Amritsar in response to his father’s orders.
Many Sikhs were killed in defending Sri Harimander Sahib, but the gurdwara and its surrounding buildings were destroyed, and the sarovar was filled with dirt and rubble. All Sikhs were then barred from visiting Sri Harimander Sahib. At this time, Baba Deep Singh Ji was at Damdama Sahib. When he learned of the shocking news, he stated his resolve to remove the Afghans and rebuild the gurdwara. He made a commitment not to return alive till this assignment was completed. Despite being seventy-five years old, Baba Deep Singh Ji possessed the strength of a young warrior. He rallied a huge number of Sikhs and marched towards Sir Harimander Sahib.
By the time they reached the village of Tarn Taran, 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. All of the Sikhs there gladly crossed the line. When Jahan Khan learned about Baba Deep Singh Ji's plans, he promptly collected an army of 20,000 soldiers and marched against Tarn Taran. Jahan Khan's men were intercepted by Baba Deep Singh Ji's army in the village of Goharwal, some five miles from Amritsar. There was a collision between both armies at this point.
During the clash, one of the Mogul 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. A young Sikh warrior shouted out to Baba Ji after seeing this spectacle, reminding him of his pledge to reach Sri Harimander Sahib. When Baba Deep Singh Ji heard this, he instantly stood up, placing his head on his left palm and his khanda erect in his right hand. He then kept battling and making his way towards Sri Harimander Sahib. Most of the men in the Mogul army ran in horror when they saw Baba Deep Singh Ji.
