Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus, was a beacon of spiritual awakening, compassion, and reform in the 15th century. His life is a testament to his deep devotion, wisdom, and dedication to bringing humanity closer to God and to each other. Born into a time of rigid social structures, religious conflicts, and societal inequities, Guru Nanak’s teachings challenged the status quo and ignited a movement centered on the principles of love, equality, and service to humanity. This narrative brings to life the story of Guru Nanak, his birth and upbringing, his divine revelation, and his journeys, highlighting the moments that marked his journey as a spiritual leader and his legacy in the Sikh faith.
The Birth and Early Life of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
In the year 1469, on the full moon night of the month of Kartik, in the small village of Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib in Pakistan), a child was born to Kalu Mehta and Mata Tripta. Named Nanak, this child would grow up to become one of the greatest spiritual teachers in history. Even as a young boy, Nanak showed signs of extraordinary wisdom and a deep connection to the divine. His sister, Bebe Nanaki, who was five years older, was particularly close to him and is often considered his first disciple. She recognized early on that her brother possessed unique spiritual qualities.
Growing up, Nanak’s curiosity for knowledge and a yearning to understand the divine separated him from other children his age. He was far more interested in discussing the mysteries of life and God than in pursuing mundane activities. His parents, especially his father, wanted him to lead a more traditional life and hoped he would follow a trade, becoming a merchant to contribute to the family. However, Nanak’s mind was drawn to loftier matters, and even as a child, he began to question the rituals, superstitions, and societal norms that surrounded him.
The Boy with Boundless Questions
At the age of seven, Nanak was sent to the village school, where he quickly astonished his teachers with his knowledge and perception. His first teacher, Pandit Gopal Das, introduced him to the basics of reading and writing. Yet, even these simple lessons led Nanak to profound questions. When his teacher tried to teach him about the alphabet, Nanak asked, “If every letter has a sound, does the sound come from a place beyond?” His questions were deep, suggesting a mind that sought answers beyond conventional learning. Nanak’s first teacher soon admitted that he had nothing more to teach this remarkable boy.
As he grew older, Guru Nanak continued to question traditional beliefs. One of the most notable stories from his youth involves the Hindu sacred thread ceremony, the “Janeu.” As a young Hindu boy, Nanak was expected to receive this thread, a symbol of religious identity and belonging. However, when the time came for the ceremony, Nanak refused to wear the thread, stating, “What good is a thread if it cannot provide me with wisdom or keep me close to God?” His resistance to the ritualistic practices marked his commitment to a path of inner spirituality and set him apart as a seeker of truth.
Divine Revelation and the Three-Day Enlightenment
At the age of 30, Guru Nanak experienced a life-altering event that would shape his path and destiny. He was living in Sultanpur at the time with his sister, Bebe Nanaki, and her husband. One morning, as he went to bathe in the Kali Bein river, Guru Nanak disappeared beneath the water. He was gone for three days, during which, according to Sikh tradition, he received a divine revelation. It is said that during these three days, he was taken to the presence of God, who bestowed upon him a profound understanding of the universe and a mission to spread a message of unity and love.
When Guru Nanak finally emerged from the river, his first words were, “There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim.” This statement was both revolutionary and unifying, as it signaled the start of a new spiritual era that emphasized a universal God beyond the confines of any single religion. His words carried the message that God is within everyone and that true worship is found in sincere devotion and righteous actions rather than in rituals or religious divisions.
With this revelation, Guru Nanak’s spiritual journey began in earnest. He was filled with a divine message and embarked on a mission to challenge social inequalities, religious dogma, and caste discrimination, and to preach a message of oneness with God.
The Four Great Journeys (Udasis) of Guru Nanak
After his enlightenment, Guru Nanak undertook four long journeys, known as “Udasis,” to spread his message. These journeys took him across India, the Middle East, Tibet, and Sri Lanka, where he traveled for over two decades, covering thousands of miles on foot. He visited places of worship of many religions, including Hindu temples, Muslim mosques, and Buddhist monasteries, engaging with people from diverse cultures and beliefs.
Throughout his travels, Guru Nanak encountered and challenged many prominent figures of the day, including priests, kings, and holy men. His teachings emphasized the importance of meditation on God’s name (Naam Japna), earning an honest living (Kirat Karo), and sharing with those in need (Vand Chakna).
Significant Stories from Guru Nanak’s Journeys
- Guru Nanak in Mecca
One of the most well-known stories from Guru Nanak’s travels is his visit to Mecca, a city sacred to Muslims. Upon arrival, he was tired and lay down to rest with his feet pointed toward the Kaaba, the holiest shrine in Islam. A guard, noticing this, scolded him and demanded that he turn his feet away from the sacred structure. Guru Nanak calmly replied, “Please turn my feet in a direction where God is not.” This simple yet profound response illustrated Guru Nanak’s belief in God’s omnipresence, a notion that deeply resonated with those around him. - Sajjan Thug’s Transformation
Another notable story is the encounter with Sajjan Thug, a man who disguised himself as a religious figure while leading a life of crime and deceit. Guru Nanak stayed at his inn one night, sensing Sajjan’s hypocrisy. Through a beautiful hymn, Guru Nanak revealed Sajjan’s true character, leading him to repentance and a life of honesty and virtue. Sajjan Thug, deeply moved, became one of Guru Nanak’s followers and transformed his ways. - The Story of Bhai Lalo and Malik Bhago
During his travels, Guru Nanak visited the home of Bhai Lalo, a poor carpenter. When Malik Bhago, a wealthy but corrupt official, invited Guru Nanak to his feast, Guru Nanak refused. Instead, he took a piece of bread from Bhai Lalo and a piece from Malik Bhago, squeezing them both. From Bhai Lalo’s bread, milk flowed, while from Malik Bhago’s, blood dripped. Guru Nanak used this demonstration to show that Bhai Lalo’s simple bread, earned through honest work, was pure, while Malik Bhago’s wealth was tainted by exploitation and oppression. - The Path to Equality
Guru Nanak frequently confronted the caste system and the treatment of women. He condemned the belief that certain people were inherently superior due to birth and called for the equal treatment of women. His famous verse, “Why call her inferior, from whom kings are born?” championed the idea that men and women are equals, deserving of respect and dignity.
Through these encounters, Guru Nanak spread a message of unity, love, and respect for all people, regardless of religion, caste, or gender.
The Establishment of Kartarpur and the Community of Sikhs
After his long travels, Guru Nanak returned to Punjab, where he established a community on the banks of the Ravi River, naming it Kartarpur, meaning “The City of the Creator.” Here, he lived with his family and continued to share his teachings with his followers. Kartarpur became a place where people of all backgrounds could come together to work, worship, and live as a community, free from the social constraints of caste and class. This community embodied the principles of Sikhism—faith in one God, devotion, equality, and honest living.
In Kartarpur, Guru Nanak introduced the practice of Langar, a communal meal open to all, which would become an essential part of Sikh tradition. Langar symbolized equality and shared humanity, as everyone, regardless of social standing, sat together to eat.
The Passing of Guru Nanak and His Legacy
Guru Nanak appointed Bhai Lehna as his successor, naming him Guru Angad, meaning “part of himself.” This act marked the beginning of a lineage of Sikh Gurus, who would carry forward his teachings and shape Sikhism as it is known today. On September 22, 1539, at the age of 70, Guru Nanak passed away in Kartarpur. His death was peaceful, and both Hindus and Muslims wished to perform the final rites in their respective traditions. According to legend, flowers were placed on both sides of Guru Nanak’s body—one side by Hindus and the other by Muslims—and they agreed that whichever side’s flowers remained fresh overnight would have the honor. When they returned the next day, they found only flowers; his physical body had disappeared.
Guru Nanak’s teachings were later compiled by the fifth Guru, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, in the Guru Granth Sahib, the central scripture of Sikhism. This sacred text remains the living Guru of Sikhs, revered and respected as a spiritual guide.
Conclusion
The story of Guru Nanak Dev Ji is one of divine wisdom, compassion, and transformative power. His life serves as a timeless message of love, equality, and spiritual truth. Through his teachings, Guru Nanak paved the way for a faith that embraces all of humanity, challenging people to look beyond external labels and find the divine within themselves and others. Today, Guru Nanak’s legacy lives on, inspiring millions across the world to live with integrity, humility, and devotion to the One universal God. His vision of a society based on love, respect, and service is a beacon for all, offering hope and guidance for generations to come.