Guru Nanak Dev Ji
ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇਵ ਜੀ
1469 - 1539
Overview
Guru Nanak Dev Ji is the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. Born in 1469 in Talwandi (present-day Nankana Sahib, Pakistan), he showed spiritual inclinations from a young age and rejected the ritualism and caste divisions prevalent in society. His famous declaration "There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim" marked the beginning of a new spiritual path that emphasized the oneness of God and the equality of all humanity.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji undertook four great journeys (Udasis) spanning nearly 28 years, traveling across South Asia, the Middle East, and Central Asia to spread his teachings. He engaged in dialogue with Hindu pandits, Muslim scholars, Buddhist monks, and Sufi saints, advocating for a direct and personal relationship with the Divine. His hymns, recorded in the Guru Granth Sahib, form the foundation of Sikh scripture and philosophy.
He established the institutions of Sangat (holy congregation) and Langar (community kitchen), which broke down barriers of caste, creed, and social status. Before his passing in 1539 at Kartarpur, he appointed Guru Angad Dev Ji as his successor, establishing the tradition of spiritual succession that would continue through nine more Gurus.
Key Teachings
Ik Onkar — There is One God, the Creator, pervading all creation
Naam Japna — Meditate on God's Name and remember the Divine at all times
Kirat Karni — Earn an honest living through hard work and integrity
Vand Chakna — Share with others and give to those in need
Equality of all humanity — rejection of caste system and discrimination
Sangat and Pangat — spiritual congregation and communal eating as equals
Important Events
Disappearance in the river Bein and emergence after three days with divine revelation (1499)
Four great Udasis (spiritual journeys) across Asia and the Middle East
Establishment of Kartarpur — the first Sikh community
Institution of Langar — free community kitchen open to all
Appointment of Guru Angad Dev Ji as successor (1539)