Story Summary
Discover the inspiring story of Mai Bhago and the Forty. Witness a tale of redemption, sacrifice, and the bravery of the Chali Mukte in Sikh history.
During the grueling Siege of Anandpur Sahib, forty Sikhs, exhausted by hunger and years of constant warfare, signed a 'Bedawa'—a formal letter of desertion—declaring that they were no longer the Guru’s followers and he was no longer their Guru. They returned to their villages, but they did not find the peace they sought. Instead, they were met with the fierce scorn of Mai Bhago, a woman of immense faith and courage. Dressed in warrior attire and wielding a massive spear, she shamed the men for abandoning Guru Gobind Singh Ji in his darkest hour. Moved by her resolve, the forty men followed her back to the battlefield at the pool of Khidrana. In a ferocious clash against the pursuing Mughal army, the Sikhs fought with legendary valor against overwhelming odds. As the battle ended, Guru Gobind Singh Ji arrived to find the wounded Mahan Singh, the last of the forty. With his final breath, Mahan Singh begged the Guru to forgive them and tear the paper of desertion. The Guru, moved by their ultimate sacrifice, tore the Bedawa and blessed them as the 'Chali Mukte'—the Forty Liberated Ones. Mai Bhago, the lone survivor, remained by the Guru's side as a devoted bodyguard.
The Moral
True devotion and bravery are found in the courage to admit one's mistakes and seek redemption through selfless sacrifice.
“The paper is torn, and the bond of love is restored forever.”
Fun Fact
The city of Muktsar Sahib in Punjab is named specifically to commemorate the 'Chali Mukte' (Forty Liberated Ones) featured in this story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Mai Bhago?
Mai Bhago was a legendary Sikh woman warrior who famously led forty deserters back to the battlefield to fight for Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
What does 'Chali Mukte' mean?
It translates to 'The Forty Liberated Ones,' referring to the forty Sikhs who attained spiritual liberation through their martyrdom at the Battle of Muktsar.
What was the Bedawa in the story?
The Bedawa was a written disclaimer signed by forty Sikhs during the Siege of Anandpur, stating they were no longer the Guru's followers.
Why is the city of Muktsar significant?
Originally known as Khidrana, the city was renamed Muktsar (the Pool of Liberation) in honor of the forty Sikhs who died there for their faith.
How did Guru Gobind Singh Ji react to the dying soldiers?
The Guru personally tended to the wounded and tore the letter of desertion, showing that their sacrifice had completely wiped away their previous mistake.
What happened to Mai Bhago after the battle?
As the sole survivor of the forty, she became a renowned saint and served as a personal bodyguard to Guru Gobind Singh Ji for the remainder of his life.