30. Martyrdom of Matidas, Bhai Dyaldas and Bhai Satidas Ji

The great Saint Matidas then handed himself to the executioner. He was to be bound between two pillars and cut in twain. When the saw was applied to his head, he calmly and serenely uttered: "Ik Onkar" and started to recite the "Japji" (Sikh Morning Prayer}. It is said that the body was cut in twain, but the Japji was all along heard being repeated by him, and it continued to be repeated till all was over. Thus the first sacrifice was completed. At the place where Bhai Matidas was executed there now stands in his memory the famous Fountain of Chadni Chowk, Delhi. The fountain symbolises the blood of Bhai Matidas which once oozed out from his pliant body. Next, Bhai Dyal Das and Bhai Sati Das were executed. Bhai Dyal Das's hands and feet were tied firmly and he was thrown into a cauldron of boiling water. Not a sign of grief was uttered by this beloved disciple of the Guru. Bhai Sati Das, who was the younger brother of Mati Das, was ordered to be torn into pieces, and this cruel order was complied with by the authorities. It would be of interest to note that Bhai Dyal Das had eleven brothers, all of whom, except Amar Chand, who died in infancy, died the death of martyrs. Their names are as follows : 1. Bhai Jetta 2. Bhai Mani Singh 3. Bhai Dan Singh 4 Bhai Man Singh 5. Bhai Rup Singh 6. Bhai Jagat Singh 7. Bhai Sohan Chand 8. Bhai Lehna Singh 9. Bhai Rai Singh 10. Bhai Hathi Chand. Guru Tegh Bahadur was made to watch the martyrdom of His beloved disciples. It was hoped by the Emperor that this might act as a deterrent, and so the Guru may decide to embrace Islam, after all. The Guru, on the other hand, remained unmoved and unconcerned. He was happy that three of His dearest disciples had played their little part to fulfil the great mission of Guru Nanak and paved the way for hundreds of the Khalsa martyrs who later followed their footsteps.