Guru Nanak Dev Biography – Life, Teachings, and Legacy of Sikhism’s Founder, full details 2025 updated
Guru Nanak Dev Biography – The Founder of Sikhism
Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first of the ten Sikh Gurus and the founder of Sikhism, was a spiritual teacher, reformer, and poet whose teachings continue to inspire millions around the world. Born in the 15th century, his life was dedicated to spreading the message of universal brotherhood, equality, and devotion to one God.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Birth
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born on 15 April 1469 in a village called Talwandi, which is today known as Nankana Sahib, located in present-day Pakistan. His father, Mehta Kalu, was a local revenue official, and his mother was Tripta Devi. From an early age, Nanak showed a deep spiritual inclination and often questioned rituals and superstitions practiced in society.
He was different from other children and often engaged in meditation and deep thought. His brilliance and curiosity were noticed by teachers, and soon it became evident that Nanak was not interested in worldly affairs but was inclined towards spiritual wisdom.
The Spiritual Journey
When Guru Nanak Dev Ji was 30 years old, he had a divine spiritual experience while bathing in the Kali Bein river. He disappeared for three days, and when he returned, he declared:
“There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim.”
This profound statement emphasized that all human beings are equal before God.
After this realization, Nanak dedicated his life to spreading the message of Ik Onkar – meaning “There is only one God.” He rejected caste divisions, idol worship, and blind rituals.
Udasis – The Four Great Journeys
Guru Nanak Dev undertook four major spiritual journeys (Udasis), covering thousands of kilometers across India, Tibet, Sri Lanka, Arabia, and Persia. He traveled with his faithful companion Bhai Mardana, a Muslim rababi (musician), and used music and poetry to deliver spiritual messages.
In every region he visited, Nanak questioned religious hypocrisy, spoke against discrimination, and promoted truth, love, and compassion.
Teachings of Guru Nanak
Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings were easy to understand but brought powerful and revolutionary changes in society. He emphasized:
- Naam Japna – Meditate and remember God constantly.
- Kirat Karni – It means earning a living honestly by working hard and doing the right thing.
- Vand Chakna – Share what you earn with those in need.
He denounced gender and caste inequality and believed that all humans are children of the same God. Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings were later collected and included in the Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred book of Sikhism.
5 Life Lessons from Guru Nanak Dev
- God is One – Practice devotion to one universal creator beyond religion and rituals.
- Equality for All – Reject caste, gender, or religious discrimination.
- Live Honestly – Earn through truthful means and share your wealth.
- Serve Humanity – Seva (selfless service) is a path to spiritual fulfillment.
- Meditate Regularly – Spiritual connection grows through remembrance and prayer.
Final Years and Legacy
Guru Nanak Dev settled in Kartarpur (now in Pakistan), where he lived his final years in peace, teaching his followers a disciplined and spiritual life. Guru Nanak Dev Ji chose Bhai Lehna as his successor, who later became known as Guru Angad Dev Ji.
Guru Nanak Dev passed away on 22 September 1539, but his teachings became the foundation of Sikhism, one of the major religions in the world.