Guru Nanak

The Entrance of Janam Asthan-2

Birth of Guru Nanak, painting from an 1830's Janamsakhi (life stories) 13

Kartarpur Guru Nanak

Gurdwara Baba Atal fresco 39

SriGuruNanak'sTravels

Guru Nanak (Punjabi: ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ) (15 April 1469 – 22 September 1539) was the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. His birth is celebrated worldwide as Guru Nanak Gurpurab on Kartik Pooranmashi, the full-moon day in the month of Katak, October–November.

Guru Nanak was born in the village of Rai Bhoi di Talwandi, now called Nankana Sahib, near Lahore in present-day Pakistan. From a young age, he showed an interest in divine subjects. He married Mata Sulakhni, with whom he had two sons, Sri Chand and Lakhmi Das. Nanak traveled extensively to spread his message of ek onkar (one God) and the equality of all humans. These travels are called Udasis.

Teachings

Guru Nanak's teachings can be found in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, which includes his poetic hymns. His teachings focused on the importance of meditation on God's name, the rejection of blind rituals, the concept of equality among humans, and the importance of community service (Langar). He emphasized that people of different religions could coexist peacefully and that one's actions are more important than one's caste or religious identity.

Udasis

Throughout his life, Guru Nanak embarked on four major spiritual journeys or Udasis, covering various parts of the Indian subcontinent and beyond, including places like Mecca and Baghdad. These journeys were aimed at spreading his spiritual teachings.

Legacy

Guru Nanak's legacy is a significant and revered part of Sikhism. He laid down the foundation for a new, distinct religion that emphasized unity, equality, and community service. His teachings continue to influence not only Sikhs but people of various faiths around the world.

After his death in 1539, Guru Nanak was succeeded by Guru Angad, the second of the Sikh Gurus.