From The Back Cover Of 'Life Story of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji' By Harbans Singh Doabia

1. Guru Tegh Bahadur was Born on 1.4.1621 A.D. at Amritsar

Guru Tegh Bahadur was the fifth and the youngest son of Guru Hargobind and his wife (Mata) Nanki. He was born on the first of April, 1621 A.D. in the house, which is now called Guru Ke Mahal (the Palace of the Guru) situated in Guru Bazar, Amritsar.

Immediately after the birth, Guru Hargobind along with five saintly Sikhs went to see the child. He made a prophecy at the spot and observed, "This son will be a great Guru and hero, and will endure the sword and sacrifice himself for preserving truth and justice; and his own son would establish a third Religion, distinct from Hindus and Muslims and would make unique sacrifices for destroying the rule of tyranny."

(Guru) Tegh Bahadur spent nine years of his childhood mainly at Amritsar, but he also visited 'other places like Tarn Taran, Khadur, Goindwal etc., with his parents, for short intervals. During this period, he got his education-spiritual, religious and in other branches-from learned saints like Baba Budha and Bhai Gurdas, He got  his military training from great warriors, like Bhai Bidhi Chand.

It was during this period that he was greatly influenced by many events. Baba Attal, his elder brother, left this world in a miraculous manner and the first battle, which was thrust upon the Guru, was fought at Amritsar.

He used to meditate and think about the wretched conditions of downtrodden, and would continuously remain absorbed in God and His Name.

The story of Baba Attal and the brief narration of the four battles thrust upon Guru Hargobind, are given in the next two chapters.