Guru Nanak Dev Ji is often referred to simply as Guru Nanak. He was the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. We are here to know more about Guru Nanak Dev ji life story, his family and teachings.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji Birthday
Nanak Ji was born in a Hindu Family on the day of Kartik Purnima dated April 15, 1469, in a village called Talwandi. Talwandi is a place situated on the banks of the Ravi River in Pakistan (Punjab) and is known as Nankana Sahib. His birth anniversary is celebrated as Prakash Parv or Guru Parv in Sikhism.
Guru Nanak Father and Mother Name
Guru Nanak’s father’s name was Kalyan and Mehta Kalu and his mother’s name was Trupti Devi. It is believed in Sikhism that since childhood, Nanak Dev Ji was rich in special powers. He got to learn a lot from his sister Nanaki. At the age of 16, he got married to Sulakhani. Sulakkhani was a resident of Lakhoki in the Gurdaspur district of Punjab (India). He had two sons Srichand and Lakhmi Chand. Shortly after the birth of these two children, Nanak went on a pilgrimage. He made long journeys. Mardana, Lahna, Bala, and Ramdas also accompanied him on this journey. He travelled until 1521.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Kartapur
Guru Nanak Ji camped at many places during his travels. He opposed social evils. He considered idol worship to be meaningless and opposed orthodox thinking. He spent the last time of his life in Kartarpur, Pakistan. Kartapur is the holy religious place of the Sikhs.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji Death
In the last days of his life, his fame increased a lot and his thoughts also changed. He himself started living with his family and started spending time in the service of humanity. He established a town named Kartarpur, which is now in Pakistan, and built a big Dharamsala in it. Guru Nanak died on September 22, 1539. In Kartarpur, the divine light of Guru Nanak Dev Ji got absorbed in the holding. He succeeded his disciple Bhai Lahna before his death, who later came to be known as Guru Angad Dev. He is considered the second Ra Guru of the Sikhs.
Also Know: Sikh Festivals in India
Three Golden Rules of Nanak Ji
The three golden rules of Guru Nanak Dev Ji for the followers of Sikhism are here.
- 1. Naam Japna (Focus of God)
- 2. Kirat Karni (Honest Living)
- 3. Vand Chakna (Sharing with Others)
Key Aspects of Guru Nanak Teachings
Guru Nanak’s teachings laid the foundation for Sikhism. Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that emphasizes devotion to one God, equality among all human beings, and the importance of living a truthful and compassionate life.
Oneness of God:
Guru Nanak preached the concept of “Ik Onkar,” which means “One God.” He emphasized that there is only one God who is the creator of the universe and that all human beings are equal in the eyes of this divine entity.
Equality:
Guru Nanak vehemently rejected caste-based discrimination and social hierarchies. He advocated for equality among all individuals, regardless of their social status, caste, or gender.
Community Service:
Guru Nanak encouraged his followers to engage in selfless service (seva) and to help those in need. He believed in the importance of serving humanity as a means of connecting with the divine.
Naam Japna:
One of the core practices Guru Nanak taught was the repetition of God’s name, known as “Naam Japna.” This practice helps individuals maintain a spiritual connection with the divine.
Honest Living:
Guru Nanak emphasized the importance of leading an honest and truthful life. He discouraged dishonesty, greed, and hypocrisy.
“Sadness” Journey
Guru Nanak embarked on long journeys, called “udasis,” to spread his teachings. He travelled extensively throughout India and other regions, engaging in dialogues with people of various faiths and backgrounds.
During this journey, he used to preach to everyone and make them aware of social evils. He visited many places in India, Afghanistan, and Arabia. These journeys are called “Udasiyan” in Punjabi.
Gurbani:
Guru Nanak’s teachings were compiled into a collection of hymns and verses known as the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism. His writings, along with those of the subsequent Gurus, form the basis of Sikh religious literature.
Conclusion
Guru Nanak’s life and teachings have had a profound impact on Sikhism and continue to guide the Sikh community to this day. His message of unity, equality, and devotion to God remains central to Sikh religious practice and philosophy.
