On February 20th, 1921, the Shaheedi Saka Nankana took place in Nankana Sahib, which is located in Pakistan. Among them was Sri Nankana Sahib, where Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born. Many Singhs and Sighnia were martyred during this tragic event. Nankana Sahib holds a significant place in Sikh history.
In earlier times, the management and administration of Gurdwaras were handled by saints, mahants, and Sadhus. They were responsible for the overall administration and operated the Gurdwaras, but they did it according to their own will. They were abandoning the morals of the Gurus and were committing obscene and irreligious acts.
The management of Nankana Sahib was under Mahant Narain Das, who was known for his cruelty and brutal behavior. He was known for immoral practices and misuse of temple resources, which angered devout Sikhs. The Mahat there, Narayan Das, was oppressing the people and spreading obscenity under the guise of the Gurdwara.
When Sikhs witnessed the deteriorating conditions of the Gurdwaras, they initiated a movement to reclaim their sanctity and proper religious management. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and Akali leaders launched a campaign to bring Nankana Sahib Gurdwara under their rightful control.
On 20th February 1921, around 200 unarmed Sikhs, led by Bhai Lachhman Singh Dharowali, reached Nankana Sahib Gurdwara in the early morning hours to peacefully assert their religious freedom. At that time, the morning prayers (path) were taking place. All the Sikhs respectfully bowed before Guru Granth Sahib Ji and sat down to meditate and chant the name of God.
However, Mahant Narayan Das, who was already aware of the Sikhs’ arrival, had prepared a brutal plan. He had hired criminals, murderers, and mercenaries who were skilled in violence. He gathered weapons such as guns, axes (kulhadi), daggers (kirpans), broad-bladed weapons (gandase), and even containers of burning oil.
Suddenly, the hired attackers began firing on the peacefully seated Sikhs. Some Singhs were hacked to death with axes and gandasas, their bodies cut into pieces. Bhai Lachhman Singh was tied to a tree (Jand tree) and burned alive. After killing all the Sikhs, their mutilated bodies were thrown onto a pre-arranged wooden pyre and set on fire.
When the SGPC and the wider Sikh community heard of this horrific massacre, outrage and sorrow spread throughout. They gathered and prayed before Guru Granth Sahib Ji, and a new Jatha (group) of 2,200 Sikhs was formed under the leadership of Sardar Kartag Singh Chhabbar to proceed to Nankana Sahib.
By then, the British authorities had taken control of the Gurdwara and locked its doors. When the new Jatha arrived, they requested that the doors of the Gurdwara be opened to allow them entry. After discussions with the British officers (referred to as “Goras”), the keys of the Gurdwara were finally handed over to Sardar Chhabbar Singh.
When the Singhs entered the Gurdwara, they were heartbroken by the horrifying scene. Blood was splattered everywhere, and dead bodies were scattered. They gathered the remains and found only 4 complete bodies, 119 severed heads, and 7 partially burnt skulls. They also collected 3 baskets full of skin and body tissues, and 10 baskets of bones, which were then respectfully cremated after Ardas.
After this tragic incident, the Sikh community demanded justice and strict punishment for the culprits involved. Mahant Narayan Das and his seven associates were sentenced to death. Additionally, 16 criminals received a jail sentence of seven years.
No community can rise to greatness without sacrifice. In this world, only those communities achieve a high status that endure suffering and make selfless sacrifices without hesitation or fear of pain.
If you want to read the full Saka Nankana Sahib history in a Book which is printed in Punjabi by SGPC, you can download its PDF file free, here: Shaheedi Saka Nankana Sahib
