The Fearless Warrior Who Embraced Martyrdom at Just 14

Sahibzada Jujhar Singh Ji, the second son of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Mata Sundari Ji, was born in 1691 at Anandpur Sahib, the spiritual and political center of the Khalsa at that time. From birth, Jujhar Singh Ji was immersed in the divine aura of Sikhism. Like his elder brother Sahibzada Ajit Singh Ji, he too was raised with the highest ideals of faith, fearlessness, and warrior discipline. But Jujhar Singh Ji also possessed a unique blend of quiet strength and burning resolve, a spirit that would shine brightly even in the face of death.

Growing up under the guidance of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Jujhar Singh was taught Gurbani, languages, martial arts, horse riding, archery, and warfare. More than just training, he inherited from his father a deep spiritual awareness. Guru Sahib personally taught him that life’s true goal was to live and die for truth and justice, not for comfort or survival. From an early age, Jujhar Singh Ji was known for his kindness, humility, and dedication to duty. He often served the Sangat, listened attentively to kirtan, and absorbed the tales of martyrs and prophets with burning curiosity.

By the time he was just 12, Jujhar Singh Ji was participating in military drills and helping manage logistical aspects of the Khalsa defense. He stood side by side with his elder brother and the other warriors in Anandpur Sahib, facing frequent attacks from the hill Rajas and the Mughals. But his most defining moment came in December 1705, during the Battle of Chamkaur Sahib — a moment that would carve his name permanently in Sikh history.

After Anandpur Sahib was deceitfully evacuated under false promises of safety, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, along with his two elder sons and a small band of Sikhs, took shelter in a small fortress in Chamkaur Sahib. Surrounded by thousands of Mughal and hill soldiers, the Sikhs held their ground with unmatched valor. The enemy launched wave after wave of attacks, but the small group of Khalsa warriors defended fiercely, allowing no breach of the haveli.

On the night of 21–22 December 1705, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Ji had already achieved martyrdom. The sun had not yet risen when Sahibzada Jujhar Singh Ji, just 14 years old, stood up and bowed before his father. With tears in his eyes and determination in his voice, he requested:

“Pita Ji, now allow me to go fight. Let me follow my brother’s path. I too want to offer my head for the Khalsa Panth.”

Guru Gobind Singh Ji looked at his son with a heavy heart and shining pride. He tied Jujhar Singh Ji’s turban with his own hands, blessed him with words of courage, and sent him out to the battlefield with the same grace as he had Ajit Singh Ji. He compared him to Abhimanyu from the Mahabharata, who entered the chakravyuh alone — and said Jujhar’s valor would surpass even the great warriors of the past.

Sahibzada Jujhar Singh Ji charged into battle with a roar of “Waheguru!”, surrounded by seasoned Mughal warriors. Yet, he fought fearlessly, slaying many enemies. Witnesses describe how the 14-year-old boy moved like lightning, striking down those who came in his way, till the enemy soldiers, shocked by his bravery, encircled and overwhelmed him.

But even in his final breath, Jujhar Singh Ji did not retreat. He died with his sword raised, his faith firm, and his spirit victorious. Guru Gobind Singh Ji, watching from above, lifted his hands in gratitude and said:

“Today, I have witnessed a young warrior become a true martyr of the Khalsa.”

 Legacy of Sahibzada Jujhar Singh Ji

Sahibzada Jujhar Singh Ji’s martyrdom at age 14 left the world stunned. Where else in history do we find a child so young embracing death not out of desperation, but out of choice and faith? His story is often paired with that of his elder brother, but it holds its own profound power. He could have lived a life of comfort and safety, yet he chose the battlefield, the pain, the blood — to stand for righteousness and his Guru’s path.

Jujhar Singh Ji’s martyrdom is more than a historical event — it’s a living lesson in courage, obedience, and unshakable belief. His sacrifice reminds us that the strength of character is not defined by age, but by the depth of one’s conviction. His name is remembered in Sikh Ardaas, commemorated during Shaheedi Jor Mela, and inspires Sikh children around the world to walk the path of Khalsa with pride.

At Gurdwara Sri Garhi Sahib, Chamkaur Sahib, where his blood was shed, pilgrims today bow their heads in reverence. The stones of that battlefield still echo with the roars of the Sahibzade, who were no less than divine warriors in human form.