Guru Nanak Dev Ji: Messenger of Peace, Founder of Sikhism 

“There is but One God. His name is Truth, He is the Creator. He fears none; He is without hate. He never dies; He is beyond the cycle of births and death. He is self-illuminated. He is realized by the kindness of the True Guru.”
— Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Japji Sahib

The Divine Realization of Guru Nanak Dev Ji

At the age of 30, Guru Nanak Dev Ji experienced a profound spiritual awakening while bathing in the river Kali Bein. He disappeared for three days, during which he is believed to have been in deep communion with the Divine. Upon his return, he remained silent for a while and then broke his silence with a powerful message:

“Na koi Hindu, na koi Musalman”
(“There is no Hindu, no Muslim.”)

This declaration was not a rejection of religion but of the divisions, ritualism, and prejudices that plagued society. Guru Nanak had realized a universal truth — that God is One and all human beings are equal, regardless of religion, caste, or gender. This divine insight laid the foundation for Sikhism.

Early Life of a Spiritual Genius

Guru Nanak was born on April 15, 1469, in the village of Rai Bhoi Ki Talwandi, now known as Nankana Sahib in present-day Pakistan. His parents, Mehta Kalu and Mata Tripta, belonged to a Hindu Khatri family. From an early age, Nanak displayed deep spiritual tendencies. While other children played, he meditated and pondered over life, death, and the nature of God.

By the age of seven, Nanak had mastered Sanskrit, Persian, and Arabic. More importantly, he questioned the validity of rituals and meaningless traditions practiced in both Hinduism and Islam. He believed that God resides in the heart and cannot be pleased through rituals alone.

The Core Teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (Mool Mantra)

Guru Nanak introduced a simple yet profound spiritual formula that continues to guide millions of Sikhs today. This core teaching is known as the Mool Mantra, which outlines the essence of Sikh belief:

• Ik Onkar – There is only one God

• Satnam – His name is Truth

• Kirat Karni – Earn by honest means

• Vand Chakna – Share what you have

• Naam Japna – Always remember and meditate on God’s name

These form the Three Pillars of Sikhism:

Guru Nanak’s Four Udasis (Spiritual Journeys)

Guru Nanak did not limit his message to one region. He undertook four long spiritual journeys, known as Udasis, covering thousands of miles to spread the message of equality, compassion, and divine truth. These journeys took him to various parts of the world:

1. North and South India
He visited spiritual centers like Varanasi, Haridwar, and even Sri Lanka. In Haridwar, seeing people throwing water toward their ancestors in the east, he began throwing water westward. When questioned, he responded, “If your water can reach the ancestors in the next world, surely mine can reach my fields in Punjab.” His action challenged blind ritualism and urged people to focus on the living.

2. Tibet and Nepal
He journeyed through the Himalayas, where he interacted with Buddhist monks and discussed spiritual values free from ego and pride.

3. Middle East

1. Guru Nanak traveled to Mecca and Baghdad, showing his commitment to interfaith harmony. In Mecca, when reprimanded for pointing his feet toward the Kaaba, he calmly replied, “Turn my feet in any direction, and you will still find God.” This statement emphasized that God is omnipresent.

Founding the Ideal City – Kartarpur Sahib

After completing his spiritual journeys, Guru Nanak settled at Kartarpur Sahib, a town he founded on the banks of the Ravi River. Here, he laid the foundation for a balanced and purposeful lifestyle for his followers, based on three essential principles:

• Honest work through farming and community labor

• Daily prayer and meditation to stay connected to the Divine

• Langar, a free community kitchen open to all, regardless of religion or social background

This concept of Langar was revolutionary. It eliminated social barriers as people of all classes—kings and commoners alike—sat together as equals. The practice continues in Gurdwaras across the world, offering free meals to millions every day.

Guru Nanak’s Hymns and the Guru Granth Sahib

Guru Nanak composed over 974 hymns in Punjabi, Sanskrit, and Persian. These poems, infused with deep spiritual insight, became the spiritual foundation of Sikhism and were later included in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of the Sikhs.

These hymns speak of love, humility, equality, and the rejection of ego. Even today, they are sung daily in Sikh temples, continuing to inspire generations with timeless wisdom.

“Even kings and emperors with heaps of wealth and vast dominion cannot compare with an ant filled with the love of God.” – Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Final Days and Spiritual Succession

Guru Nanak Dev Ji passed away on September 22, 1539, in Kartarpur Sahib. True to his unifying vision, even his death reflected harmony. Hindus wanted to cremate him, and Muslims wished to bury him. However, when the cloth was lifted from his body, only fresh flowers were found — a symbol of divine transcendence.

Before passing, he chose his faithful disciple Bhai Lehna as his spiritual successor, renaming him Guru Angad Dev Ji. This marked the beginning of the lineage of ten Sikh Gurus, each continuing the spiritual mission of Guru Nanak.

Guru Nanak’s Timeless Legacy

Today, Guru Nanak’s teachings are more relevant than ever. In a world often divided by race, religion, and politics, his vision of oneness, compassion, and truth stands as a beacon of hope.

Modern Impact:

• Sikhism is now the 5th largest religion in the world

• Sikhs run free hospitals, schools, and community kitchens

• During natural disasters and humanitarian crises, Sikhs are first responders, offering food, shelter, and aid globally

Gurpurab – Celebrating Guru Nanak’s Birth

Guru Nanak’s birthday is celebrated as Gurpurab with great devotion and joy:

• Nagar Kirtans: Processions with music, flags, and displays of martial arts

• Seva: Voluntary service like cleaning roads and helping the poor

• Akhand Path: 48-hour continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib

• Langar: Free meals served to thousands

• Gurdwaras: Lit with candles, lights, and sometimes fireworks

Gurpurab is observed on Kartik Purnima, the full moon day in October or November.

Interesting Facts About Guru Nanak:

• He traveled with Bhai Mardana, a Muslim musician, promoting interfaith harmony

• His birthplace, Nankana Sahib (Pakistan), is a revered pilgrimage site

• He advocated women’s rights, environmental care, and social justice centuries ahead of his time

• His legacy is celebrated by people of all backgrounds, with Gurdwaras in over 150 countries

Guru Nanak’s Teachings in Today’s World

In an age marked by conflict, materialism, and spiritual emptiness, Guru Nanak’s message offers a path of inner peace and ethical living:

• Respect the Earth and nature

• Treat every human being as equal

• Seek peace over conflict

• Serve others selflessly

• See the Divine in all creation

His message transcends religion — it is a universal call to live with love, awareness, and responsibility.

Conclusion: A Saint for All Humanity

Guru Nanak Dev Ji was not just the founder of a religion — he was a spiritual reformer, a visionary poet, and a messenger of divine unity. His life and teachings remind us that through truth, humility, and selfless service, we can transform our lives and uplift the world.

“He who has no faith in himself can never have faith in God.” – Guru Nanak Dev Ji