Martyrdom in Sikhism
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Martyrdom is a fundamental institution of Sikhism. Sikh festivals are largely focused on the lives of the Sikh gurus and Sikh martyrs. Their martyrdoms are regarded as instructional ideals for Sikhs, and have greatly influenced Sikh culture and practices.
Guru Arjan was the first of two Gurus martyred in the Sikh faith
Painting of Trilok Singh of the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur
Guru Nanak (wearing yellow) conversing with Qazi Ruknuddin (wearing green), painting from an 1830's Janamsakhi (life stories). Qazi Ruknuddin is believed to be the first Sikh martyr.
Fresco of Shaheed Singhs from Gurdwara Baba Atal
Guru Arjan
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Guru Arjan was the fifth of the ten total Sikh Gurus. He compiled the first official edition of the Sikh scripture called the Adi Granth, which later expanded into the Guru Granth Sahib. He is regarded as the first of the two Gurus martyred in the Sikh faith.
Painting of Guru Arjan by the family atelier of Purkhu of Kangra, circa 1800
Image: Signature (nisan) of Guru Arjan by scribing the Mul Mantar
Fresco of Baba Buddha crowning Guru Arjan as the next guru by placing tilak on his forehead, known as the Gurgadi ceremony. Guru Ram Das is depicted to the immediate bottom right of Arjan.
Painting of the torture and martyrdom of Arjan by the Punjabi painter Sri Ram (1876 – 1926)