Soon after assuming Guruship in 1664 A.D., Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji undertook extensive travels across Punjab and Eastern India. His purpose was clear: to spread Sikhism, revive deteriorating centres of worship established by earlier Gurus, and awaken the people to truth, humility, and love. As historian S.S. Johar aptly remarks, “Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji thought it necessary to infuse a new life and rekindle a new spirit among the people.”
Travels in Punjab
Amritsar
Guru Ji first reached Amritsar from Baba Bakala in November 1664. Born here, his early life was also spent in this sacred city. At that time, Harimandir Sahib was under the control of Harji Mina, who had declared himself Guru. Fearing Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s presence, he closed all doors of Harimandir Sahib. Guru Ji, in his characteristic patience, sat under a tree near Akal Takht Sahib. Today, this site is commemorated as Tham Sahib (Thara Sahib).
Walla and Ghuke‑wali
At the invitation of the Sangat, Guru Ji visited Walla, six kilometres from Amritsar. Women participated vigorously in Sangat and Pangat, earning Guru Ji’s blessings. He then travelled to Ghuke‑wali, naming it Guru Ka Bagh due to its abundance of trees.
Khadur Sahib, Goindwal Sahib, Tarn Taran, Khemkaran
Guru Ji’s journey continued through Khadur Sahib and Goindwal Sahib to Tarn Taran, then a major Sikh centre. At Khemkaran, Chaudhary Raghupat Rai presented him a mare. Everywhere, Guru Ji established new centres of Sikh faith and preached the gospel of Nam.
Kiratpur Sahib and Bilaspur
After preaching in villages of Faridkot and Bhatinda, Guru Ji reached Dhamdhan where he constructed a Sarovar named Gurusar. Later, he visited Kiratpur Sahib, drawing large congregations. At the invitation of Rani Champa of Bilaspur, Guru Ji attended her last rites and purchased land at Makhowal for Rs. 500. In June 1665, he founded Chak Nanaki, named after his mother. This town later became famous as Sri Anandpur Sahib — the City of Bliss.
Travels in Eastern India
Saifabad and Dhamdhan
In August 1665, Guru Ji reached Saifabad near Patiala, meeting Saif Khan, a devotee. At Dhamdhan, Aurangzeb, alarmed by Sikh propagation, sent Alam Khan Rohilla to arrest Guru Ji. He was taken to Delhi in November 1665.
Delhi
Presented before Aurangzeb, Guru Ji faced the threat of death. However, Ram Singh of Ambar intervened, reminding the emperor that it was unworthy to sentence a saint. Guru Ji was released after a month’s surveillance.
Mathura and Brindaban
Guru Ji then travelled to Mathura, delivering discourses and inspiring devotion. A grand gurdwara now marks his stay. He also visited Brindaban, teaching the virtues of prayer and service.
Agra, Kanpur, and Prayag
At Agra, Guru Ji stayed with Mai Jassi, an aged devotee. He enlightened Sangats at Kanpur and reached Prayag, a Hindu pilgrimage centre. Addressing saints and jogis, he preached humility: “Sadho Man Ke Maan Tiyago” (O saints, shun your pride).
Banaras
In Banaras, Guru Ji denounced ritualism, teaching that bathing in rivers does not absolve sins — only righteous deeds matter. He urged the masses to recite God’s name.
Sasram and Gaya
At Sasram, Masand Phaggu Shah served Guru Ji with devotion, earning the affectionate title “Phaggu Chacha.” In Gaya, a Buddhist centre, Guru Ji denounced casteism and emphasized worship of one God.
Patna and Munghyr
In 1666, Guru Ji reached Patna, receiving a rousing welcome. He called Patna “Guru Da Ghar” (the home of God). Leaving his wife and mother there, he proceeded to Munghyr, where his piety impressed the people.
Dhaka
Dhaka, a Sikh centre, welcomed Guru Ji warmly. His presence inspired many to embrace Sikhism. As B.S. Anand notes, “The visit of the Guru was like the sudden bursting of fountain of fresh water in a desert.”
Assam
At Ram Singh’s request, Guru Ji accompanied him to Assam. The Assamese rulers, known for sorcery, were defeated when their magic failed in Guru Ji’s presence. They paid obeisance and sought pardon.
After these travels, Guru Ji returned to Punjab and settled at Chak Nanaki.
Tours of Malwa and Bangar Region (1673 A.D.)
Guru Ji revisited Malwa and Bangar, visiting Saifabad, Mallowal, Sekha, Dhilwan Joga, Khiwa, Khiala, Maur, Talwandi Sabo, Bhatinda, and Damdhan. He identified deeply with the sorrows of the people, awakening them to responsibility and the realities of life. Thousands embraced Sikhism. Historian Harbans Singh observed: “Guru Tegh Bahadur’s tour left the country in ferment. It was not the same country again, nor the same people. A new awakening had spread.”
The travels of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji were not mere journeys; they were spiritual missions that transformed regions, revived Sikh centres, and inspired countless souls. His humility, patience, and fearless preaching rekindled faith wherever he went. These travels laid the foundation for his supreme sacrifice, which will be explored in forthcoming articles on Martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and the Significance of his Martyrdom.
