BABA DEEP SINGH SHAHID (1682-1757) is one of most honoured martyrs in Sikh history and the founder of the Shahid misl (group) as well as of the Damdami Taksal (Damdama school of learning). He was tall, strong, and uncommonly brave Sikh who was a bold and fearless saint-soldier, ever ready to risk his life for the Panth.

Baba ji was born on January 26, 1682 (some records register this as January 20) and died fighting at Amritsar on November 11, 1757. Baba ji was a great Sikh scholar who became a soldier and martyr for the defence of Sikhism. *

At the age of eighteen, he received Amrit from the Panj Pyare at Anandpur Sahib in the presence of Guru Gobind Singh Ji *

Stayed at Anandpur Sahib where he spent about 8 years and here learned Gurmukhi from Bhai Mani Singh along with horse riding, archery as well as other arms training.

* Met Guru Gobind Singh at Damdama Sahib where Guru Gobind Singh asked him to start preaching the message of Sikhism.

* Between 1705 and 1728 Baba Deep Singh and Bhai Mani Singh produced a number of hand written copies of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib for distribution among the Sikhs.

* Baba Deep Singh became head "Granthi" at Damdama Sahib.

* Fought in various wars - In about 1709, Baba Deep Singh Ji joined Banda Singh Bahadur to fight in the battle of Sirhind. Baba Deep Singh was also a survivor of the Chotta Ghalughara (Small Holocaust) in 1755 when 10,000 Sikhs were killed. *

The area on the parkarma of the Harimandir Sahib, marking the spot where Baba Deep Singh's head fell. 

On the outskirts of Amritsar, Baba ji and heavily outnumbered Sikhs fought two fierce battles against a Mughal force of 20,000. In the second engagement Baba Deep Singh in the course of battle was beheaded, but had vowed to die in the precincts of the Golden Temple. He kept his promise by continuing after picking up his head and carrying it on his palm, whilst continuing to fight. He then left for Sach Khand with his body resting on the perkerma of Harimander Sahib on 11 November 1757.