Early Childhood in the Presence of the Guru

Born at a time when Sikhism was facing intense persecution from the Mughal Empire and Hill Rajas, Fateh Singh Ji grew up in Anandpur Sahib, a fortress of faith and fortitude. He was raised under the loving care and spiritual discipline of his father, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and grandmother, Mata Gujri Ji.

Even as a child, Fateh Singh Ji was known for his sweet voice, devotion to Gurbani, and bright, fearless nature. He would observe his elder brothers practicing Gatka (martial arts), and though younger in age, he too trained with wooden swords and bows, always eager to follow in their footsteps.

He would often sit in the Sangat, listening to kirtan, absorbing the stories of the Gurus and their sacrifices. His sharp memory and spiritual intuition made him wise beyond his years. He was especially close to his brother Zorawar Singh Ji, who would gently teach and guide him.

⚔️ The Journey from Anandpur Sahib to Sirhind

In December 1705, during the siege of Anandpur Sahib, the Mughal and Hill Rajah armies promised safe passage to Guru Gobind Singh Ji and the Sikhs if they agreed to leave the fort. Trusting the false oaths sworn on the Quran, the Sikhs departed — only to be ambushed at the River Sirsa.

In the confusion and fierce fighting, Guru Gobind Singh Ji was separated from his family. The two youngest Sahibzade, along with Mata Gujri Ji, managed to escape the chaos and sought refuge in the house of Gangu, a former servant.

However, Gangu betrayed them, lured by the promise of a reward, and handed them over to the Mughal officials in Sirhind, where the cruel governor Wazir Khan ruled.

🏰 Imprisonment in the Cold Tower

The two children, barely 6 and 9 years old, were thrown into the Thanda Burj, a cold, open tower where the freezing winds of December bit through flesh and bone. Mata Gujri Ji, confined with them, kept them in Chardi Kala (high spirits) with the constant recitation of Waheguru’s Naam.

Despite the bitter cold and hunger, Fateh Singh Ji never once cried or asked for relief. Instead, he sat quietly beside his brother, chanting Gurbani, soaking in his grandmother’s warmth and courage. It was in that icy prison that his soul began to radiate a spiritual fire — one that would soon change history.

⚖️ The Court of Wazir Khan: The Defiance of a Child

On 26 December 1705, the two Sahibzade were brought into Wazir Khan’s court. The governor thought that the children could be easily swayed. He promised them luxuries, titles, palaces, and servants, if only they would accept Islam.

But Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji, undaunted by the grandeur of the court, stood by his brother and firmly declared:

“We will not give up our Sikhi. We are the sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. We will never bow to falsehood!”

His soft voice carried the thunder of truth, stunning the entire courtroom. Ministers and nobles, moved by the children’s courage, began to murmur — how could such little ones have such colossal conviction?

Despite repeated attempts to intimidate and bribe them, Fateh Singh Ji stood like a rock, undisturbed, loyal, and unflinching.

🧱 Bricked Alive: The Ultimate Sacrifice

Infuriated and humiliated, Wazir Khan ordered the Sahibzade to be executed by being bricked alive — a punishment so cruel that even seasoned warriors would tremble.

As the brick wall began to rise around them, Fateh Singh Ji held Zorawar Singh Ji’s hand, looking into his eyes with innocence and strength. He chanted the Japji Sahib, keeping his mind focused on Waheguru.

As the wall reached their shoulders, a hush fell over the crowd — even the masons had tears in their eyes. But Fateh Singh Ji stood tall in spirit, even as his tiny body was bound in stone.

When the wall collapsed upon them, the guards completed the execution. The youngest Sahibzada of the Guru, barely six years old, attained Shaheedi (martyrdom) with Waheguru’s name on his lips, never once faltering in his commitment to righteousness.

That same day, Mata Gujri Ji, upon hearing the news from the cold tower, left her physical form in peace, her soul rising to unite with her brave grandsons.

🌟 Legacy of Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji

🛕 Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib

The site of the martyrdom is now marked by Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib, built in remembrance of the Sahibzade’s sacrifice. It stands as a spiritual monument, drawing millions of pilgrims from around the world.

📜 Inspiration Across Generations

Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji’s story is taught to every Sikh child, not just as history, but as a living flame of courage, lighting the path of truth, loyalty, and unshakeable belief.

Every year, during the Shaheedi Jor Mela, Fatehgarh Sahib becomes the beating heart of the Sikh world. Through kirtan, storytelling, and prayer, Sikhs recall how the youngest martyr in recorded history refused to trade his faith for comfort.

🏵️ The Divine Message of Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji

“Better to die with dignity than live in slavery.”
“Even a child can uphold the truth — if his soul is pure and his faith is unbreakable.”

Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji gave the world a message that time cannot silence:

• Stand by your values, no matter the cost.

• Fear not the sword when you have truth as your shield.

• Even the smallest body can house the mightiest spirit.

He may have been the youngest, but his courage will forever remain among the highest peaks of Sikh history.