Question

Who were the 'Chaali Mukte' i.e. the forty freed ones referred to in the Sikh 'Ardas' ?

A) They were those forty Sikhs who first denied Guru Gobind Singh Ji to be their Guru and later on got martyred for his sake fighting near the lake of Khidrana, also called Isharsar, on 29 December, 1705 after realizing their mistake. Guru Gobind Singh Ji blessed them as Chali Mukte, the Forty Immortals. After them Khidrana became Muktsar - the Pool of Liberation.

B) They were a group of merchants who supported Guru Nanak's teachings and were liberated from the cycle of rebirth.

C) The Chaali Mukte were forty ascetics who accompanied Guru Gobind Singh Ji during a spiritual journey and attained enlightenment.

D) They were forty individuals who led the movement for social reforms in the Sikh community during the 18th century.

Answer 1

The 'Chaali Mukte' were forty Sikhs who, after renouncing Guru Gobind Singh Ji, fought alongside him against the Mughals on December 29, 1705, earning the title of 'Chali Mukte' or the Forty Immortals and transforming Khidrana into Muktsar, the Pool of Liberation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The 'Chaali Mukte', referred to in the Sikh 'Ardas', were forty Sikhs who had initially renounced Guru Gobind Singh Ji but later realized their mistake and fought valiantly for him. This took place near the lake of Khidrana, also known as Isharsar, on December 29, 1705, where they got martyred fighting against the Mughals. Following their act of bravery and ultimate sacrifice, Guru Gobind Singh Ji bestowed upon them the title of 'Chali Mukte', translating to the Forty Immortals. After this incident, the site of Khidrana became known as Muktsar, which means the Pool of Liberation, commemorating the sacrifice of these forty individuals who upheld the values of Sikhism in face of religious persecution by the Mughal Empire.