Guru ji accompanied by five Sikhs Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Dyal Das, Bhai Sati Das, Bhai Gurditta and Bhai Uda were brought before the Emperor. According to Aurangzeb the Hindus were infidels, destined to be thrown into hell if they did not accept Islam. He said that only the Muslims were believers in God and only they were acceptable to God. Guru ji replied: "All men are created by God and therefore must be free to worship in any manner they like."

The Emperor looked tired and confused. He gave the Guru three options:

(i) To embrace Islam as His religion and receive the highest honours in his court. Or

(ii) To show Karamaat (miracles) which the Muslims regard as the fundamental characteristic of a true prophet; or

(iii) To accept death.

 The Guru declined to accept Islam or to show any miracles. It is appropriate to quote a passage from Raja Sir Daljit Singh's book on Guru Tegh Bahadur. He says that the chief guard of the prison came up to Guru ji and said: "I know you are indeed a great spiritual and holy person favoured by God most high. I see miracles taking place every day here in this prison. Why do you not perform some such great deed in the presence of the Emperor so that he may release you and torture you no more?"

The Master replied: "My friend, Karamaat means favour or kindness of God. His favour is not for the purpose of show, like a juggler. Such misuse of His blessings brings His wrath."

 So, Guru ji declined to embrace Islam or to show miracles but willingly accepted the third offer—that of death. The Emperor ordered that the Guru be locked in an iron cage, in which he could neither sit nor stand.

The next day Aurangzeb ordered that Matidas should either embrace Islam or be executed. Matidas, naturally refused. He was bound between two pillars and sawn alive, from head downwards. When the saw was applied to his ,head, he calmly and serenly uttered: "Ik Onkar" and started to recite the "Japji" (Sikh Morning Prayer).

It is said that the body was cut in two, but the Japji was all along heard being repeated by him, and it continued to be repeated till all was over. Thus the first sacrifice was completed. At the place where Bhai Matidas was executed there now stands in his memory the famous Fountain of Chadni Chowk, Delhi. The fountain symbolises the blood of Bhai Matidas which once oozed out from his pliant body.

Next, Bhai Dyal Das and Bhai Sati Das were executed. Bhai Dyal Das's hands and feet were tied firmly and he was thrown into a cauldron of boiling water.

Not a sign of grief was uttered by this beloved disciple of the Guru. Bhai Sati Das, who was the younger brother of Mati Das, was ordered to be torn into pieces, and this cruel order was complied with by the authorities.

 Guru ji was made to watch the martyrdom of His beloved disciples. It was hoped by the Emperor that the Guru may decide to embrace Islam, after all. The Guru, on the other hand, remained unmoved and unconcerned. He was happy that three of His dearest disciples had played their little part to fulfil the great mission of Guru Nanak and paved the way for hundreds of the Khalsa martyrs who later followed their footsteps.