Mata Sahib Kaur: The Revered "Mother of the Khalsa"

Her grace, resolve, and unwavering support of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s mission exemplify the ideal of Sikh womanhood and leadership.

Mata Sahib Kaur: The Revered Mother of the Khalsa

Earlier this week marked the birth anniversary of Mata Sahib Kaur (also known as Mata Sahib Devan), one of the three wives of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and the spiritual "Mother of the Khalsa." Born on 1 November 1681 in Rohtas (in present-day Pakistan), her life was defined by devotion, sacrifice, and spiritual leadership. A guiding force during the formative years of the Khalsa, her role continues to inspire the Sikh community, even though mainstream histories have often understated her contributions.

Early Life and Sacred Union

Mata Sahib Kaur was born to Bhai Rama (also known as Ramu or Har Bhagwan Devan) and Mata Jasdevi, a devout Sikh couple of the Bassi Khatri clan. Raised in a spiritually inclined household, she was originally named Sahib Devi. Her pious upbringing instilled in her a sense of duty and deep faith, which would later shape her sacred role in Sikh history.

When she came of age, her father brought her to Sri Anandpur Sahib to seek the Guru’s acceptance of her as his bride. Guru Gobind Singh Ji initially declined, citing his existing marriages and children. However, due to her father's vow, and the societal constraints such a vow imposed, the Guru agreed to a spiritual marriage. The union, solemnised on 15 April 1700, was celibate in nature and symbolised her spiritual commitment. The Guru bestowed upon her the promise, “You shall become the mother to countless Sikhs,” a prophecy fulfilled in the most profound way.

The Creation of the Khalsa and Her Sacred Role

Mata Sahib Kaur’s defining moment came during the historic Vaisakhi of 1699 at Anandpur Sahib, when Guru Gobind Singh Ji initiated the Khalsa Panth. According to widely held belief, she added pataasey (sugar crystals) to the Amrit being prepared for the first Sikh initiation ceremony. This gesture symbolised the infusion of compassion into the martial spirit of the Khalsa, and established her as the spiritual "Mother of the Khalsa" — a figure of nurturing strength within the emerging Sikh identity.

The Siege of Anandpur Sahib and Separation

In 1704, Anandpur Sahib was besieged by Mughal and hill forces. Amid the forced evacuation during the Battle of Sarsa, the Guru’s family was tragically separated. Mata Gujari Ji and the younger Sahibzadas — Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh — were led away by their Brahmin servant Gangu. Meanwhile, Mata Sahib Kaur and Mata Sundari, disguised as ordinary village women, journeyed through dangerous terrain and eventually reached Delhi with the help of loyal Sikhs such as Bhai Nand Lal.

Journey to Nanded and Final Moments with the Guru

In 1708, Guru Gobind Singh Ji undertook his final journey to the Deccan, and instructed Mata Sahib Kaur to accompany him. While Mata Sundari remained in Delhi to guide the community, Mata Sahib Kaur joined the Guru on the 2,000-mile journey to Nanded. There, she took charge of the langar, provided spiritual support, and remained in close attendance during the Guru's final days.

It was in Nanded that she witnessed a defining moment in Sikh history — the bestowal of eternal Guruship upon Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Before his passing, Guru Gobind Singh Ji entrusted Mata Sahib Kaur with the responsibility of returning to Delhi and guiding the Khalsa Panth alongside Mata Sundari.

Leadership After the Tenth Guru

On her return to Delhi, Mata Sahib Kaur took up her role with quiet authority. Alongside Mata Sundari, she emerged as a source of guidance and stability for the Sikh community in a time of political unrest and doctrinal uncertainty. She issued hukamnamas (spiritual edicts), communicated with key Sikh leaders including Bhai Mani Singh, and played a decisive role in sustaining unity within the Panth during its transition from living Gurus to the sole spiritual authority of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

The Other Wives and the Sahibzadas

Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s three wives were Mata Jito (also called Mata Ajeet Kaur), Mata Sundari, and Mata Sahib Kaur. Mata Sundari, though the second wife, was the biological mother of Sahibzada Ajit Singh, the eldest son born in 1687. Mata Jito gave birth to Sahibzadas Jujhar Singh in 1691, Zorawar Singh in 1696, and Fateh Singh in 1699. She passed away in 1700 at Anandpur Sahib only.

All four Sahibzadas attained martyrdom during the Guru’s lifetime. Sahibzada Ajit Singh (aged 18) and Jujhar Singh (aged 14) fell heroically at the Battle of Chamkaur in 1705. Zorawar Singh (aged 9) and Fateh Singh (aged 6) were executed at Sirhind after refusing to convert to Islam — a martyrdom unparalleled in the annals of world history.

Banda Singh Bahadur: Rise, Rift and Martyrdom

To avenge these atrocities and assert Sikh sovereignty, Guru Gobind Singh Ji had appointed Banda Singh Bahadur to lead the Khalsa in Punjab. Banda’s early campaigns were marked by extraordinary success, including the conquest of Sirhind in 1710 and the execution of Wazir Khan. These victories were celebrated as divine justice for the sacrifices of the Guru’s family.

However, according to some historical sources, Banda’s conduct began to raise concerns. As he consolidated power, he adopted regal symbols, minted coins in his name, and established his own court. Some accounts suggest he allowed — or did not discourage — followers from addressing him in terms suggestive of spiritual authority. This gave rise to tensions within the Panth, especially among the Tat Khalsa, who were committed to the Guru’s command that Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji alone was the eternal Guru.

Mata Sundari, from her position in Delhi, is believed to have issued instructions reasserting the core tenets of Sikh doctrine. The resulting schism between the Tat Khalsa and the Bandai Khalsa presented a serious challenge to Sikh unity during a formative era.

Despite the doctrinal divergence, Banda Singh Bahadur remained resolute in his mission. In 1715, he was captured by Mughal forces along with hundreds of followers — including his young son. During their brutal imprisonment, Banda was subjected to relentless torture and forced to witness the dismemberment of his son. Yet, he neither renounced his faith nor betrayed his commitment to the Guru’s vision. He embraced martyrdom with grace and defiance, his life and death becoming emblematic of unyielding devotion to the Khalsa cause.

Final Years and Enduring Legacy

Mata Sahib Kaur passed away in 1747 at the age of 66, the same year as Mata Sundari. She was cremated at Gurdwara Bala Sahib in New Delhi. Her memory is enshrined not only in physical memorials but in the continuing traditions of the Khalsa Panth. To this day, sugar crystals are added to the Amrit during the initiation ceremony — a ritual that honours her nurturing spirit.

Though she did not bear children of her own, Mata Sahib Kaur remains revered as the spiritual mother of all initiated Sikhs. Her grace, resolve, and unwavering support of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s mission exemplify the ideal of Sikh womanhood and leadership.

Summing Up

Mata Sahib Kaur’s life is a radiant chapter in Sikh history. From her sacred union with Guru Gobind Singh Ji to her role at the birth of the Khalsa, her presence during the Guru’s final moments, and her leadership in the decades that followed — she exemplified faith, fortitude, and maternal devotion.

In commemorating her birth anniversary, we pay homage not only to her individual greatness but also to the enduring strength of Sikh women who have upheld the Panth in times of crisis. Mata Sahib Kaur remains an eternal symbol of compassion balanced with courage, devotion tempered with discipline — a mother to the Khalsa in every sense.

Disclaimer

I make no claims to being a scholar of Sikh history. This article is the result of diligent research across a range of authoritative sources, both offline and online. Every effort has been made to ensure historical accuracy and respectful representation. However, if any inaccuracy has inadvertently crept in, I offer my sincere apologies in advance and would be grateful to have it brought to my attention. I shall be happy to rectify it immediately.