Mai Bhago is a revered female personality in Sikh history. In the constant struggle of the Sikhs against the Mughals, she contributed her invaluable service by joining in the fight. She served as a soldier in the army of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh guru.
The Mughals followed a policy of constant religious persecution against the Sikhs. They forced a band of 40 soldiers to give up the Sikh religion by force. Mai Bhago was disturbed greatly by the soldier’s deed. She made them feel ashamed of their action by scolding them. The soldiers repented for their action and again joined forces with the Guru. When the Mughals tried to overpower the Guru’s forces, Mai Bhago along with her band of soldiers gave a tough fight. In the subsequent battle, almost all the Sikh soldiers, except Mai Bhago and Guru Gobind Singh, were killed. Thereafter she served as a bodyguard of the Guru. Following the Guru’s death in 1708, she settled in the southern state of Karnataka, where she spent the rest of her life in spiritual deeds.
Gurudwara Tap Asthan Mai Bhago in Bidar District of Karnataka marks her final resting place.
