Introduction
In the history of brave warriors, the name Baba Deep Singh Ji shines as a beacon of unwavering faith and superhuman courage. At the ripe age of 75, he did the unthinkable: fought a massive army to protect the sanctity of Harmandir Sahib (The Golden Temple). While his martyrdom is a well-known saga of devotion, a key element that evokes awe is the legendary weapon he wielded—a massive Khanda (double-edged sword) weighing approximately 15 kilograms (33 lbs).
The Massive Weapon: A Symbol of Devotion
Baba Deep Singh Ji was not just a warrior; he was a profound scholar, a Gurmukh who spent his life in the service of the Guru and Gurbani. However, when the time came to defend the Akal Takht Sahib from invaders, his physical prowess was unmatched.
Legend and historical accounts state that the Khanda he chose for his final battle was immensely heavy, a weapon few could even lift, let alone wield in a fierce, hours-long conflict. This immense weight symbolised not just physical strength, but the colossal burden of responsibility he carried to restore the honor of the Sikh Panth.
The Vow and The Battle of Amritsar
In 1757, when Afghan invader Ahmad Shah Abdali vowed to destroy Harmandir Sahib, Baba Deep Singh Ji made a pledge: “I shall not breathe my last until my head rests at the lotus feet of the Guru in the Golden Temple.” Gathering a small band of fearless Sikhs, he marched towards Amritsar. Before the battle, near the village of Tarn Taran Sahib, he drew a line in the dust with his 15kg Khanda and said, “Only those who are willing to sacrifice their lives for the Guru should cross this line.” All his companions crossed the line without hesitation.
The Superhuman Miracle: Fighting without a Head
The ensuing battle was fierce. The vastly outnumbered Sikh force fought with a ferocity that stunned the Afghan army. During the peak of the battle, Baba Deep Singh Ji’s head was severed by a mortal blow.
This is where the ‘mystery’ of his strength baffles historians and inspires the faithful. Instead of falling, it is believed that a divine power (Bhagti) took over. Baba Deep Singh Ji picked up his head with his left hand, and with his right hand, continued to wield his 15kg Khanda, striking fear into the hearts of the enemy.
Fulfilling the Vow
Fighting his way through miles of hostile territory, still gripping the heavy Khanda, he finally reached the parikrama (circumambulatory path) of the Golden Temple. He placed his severed head at the feet of the Guru, thus fulfilling his sacred vow. A memorial still stands at the very spot where his head rested.
Watch history of Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji