The founder of Sikhism, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, was more than just a spiritual guide. His message of love, equality, and compassion is still relevant today. His journey from a curious child with deep spiritual inclinations to a revered Guru was about spreading religious teachings and healing a divided world with love, unity, and truth. Let’s explore this remarkable soul’s life and legacy.

The Early Years: A Light is Born

Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born on Kartik Purnima day in 1469 AD in a small village called Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib, Pakistan) to humble and devout parents, Mehta Kalu Ji and Mata Tripta Ji. From the very beginning, he was different. Nanak often sat quietly, lost in thought and contemplating life’s more philosophical questions, while other children played games.

He had an insatiable curiosity, always asking about the nature of God, life, and why people were treated differently based on their birth. His sharp mind and pure heart realized something was wrong in a world where rituals, religion, and caste divisions were the norm.

Marriage, Family, and Spiritual Calling

Despite having a strong spiritual connection, Guru Nanak accepted his earthly responsibilities. He wed Mata Sulakhni when he was sixteen, and they had two sons, Sri Chand and Lakshmi Chand. Though he was a devoted parent and spouse, his true feelings were always for people’s suffering. He was aware of the greater goal of his life, which was to spread the divine truth that everyone is created equal, that God resides in every soul, and that gender inequality and caste-based divisions are unfair social problems.

Even though his family was dear to him, his spiritual mission was his true calling. He balanced both, but his inner desire to serve humanity and spread the message of divine love always took precedence.

A Divine Revelation: Guru Nanak’s Moment of Enlightenment

There is a beautiful moment in Guru Nanak’s life that transformed him from a seeker into a Guru. One morning, he disappeared when he went to take a morning dip in the Bein (ਬੇਈਂ) river near Sultanpur. The villagers and his family feared the worst, but he returned after three days, and when he reappeared, his face glowed with a divine radiance, and his heart was overflowing with the message he had received from the Divine.

The first words that came from his mouth were: “There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim, there is only One God.” With this simple yet powerful declaration, Guru Nanak Dev Ji began his mission to break the walls that divided people by religion, caste, and creed.

The Great Journey: Guru Nanak’s Travels

With this divine revelation in his heart, Guru Nanak embarked on a journey that would take him across the length and breadth of the Indian subcontinent and beyond. For more than 20 years, he travelled on foot, with little more than the clothes on his back and his unwavering faith in God. These journeys, known as Udasis, were not just physical; they were spiritual missions to awaken humanity.

Guru Nanak didn’t see boundaries, so he visited Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Jains, and people of various other faiths. He sat with saints, scholars, farmers, and kings alike. His message was always the same: God is One, and we are all equal in His eyes.

During one of his most famous travels, he visited Mecca, the holiest site in Islam. When a local cleric saw Guru Nanak lying with his feet pointing towards the Kaaba, he scolded him for being disrespectful. But Guru Nanak calmly replied, “Turn my feet in the direction where God is not,” reminding the cleric that God is omnipresent.

Throughout his travels, Guru Nanak challenged societal norms. He denounced empty rituals, spoke against caste discrimination, and fought for the dignity of women, who at the time faced severe oppression. His message of universal love was not limited to any specific religion; he spoke the language of the heart, which everyone could understand.

His Teachings: A Universal Message of Love and Equality

Guru Nanak’s teachings were simple yet revolutionary. He preached that the path to God was through Naam Japna, i.e., Constant remembrance of God’s name; Kirat Karni, i.e., Earning an honest living without exploitation or greed; and Vand Chakna, i.e., Sharing with others, especially those in need. He believed life wasn’t mere rituals but love, service, and humility. One of his most beautiful contributions to humanity was the concept of Langar. In this community kitchen, people from all walks of life, regardless of their status or background, would sit together and share a meal as equals.

For Guru Nanak, service to others was the highest form of worship. He taught that God resides in every human being, and the best way to serve God was to serve humanity.

Family Ties: His Relationship with Bebe Nanaki

A pivotal figure in Nanak’s early life was his elder sister, Bebe Nanaki. His bond with his sister, Bebe Nanaki, stands out among all the relationships in Guru Nanak’s life. She was not just his sister by blood but his closest confidant, unwavering supporter, and the first to recognize his spiritual greatness. She played a critical role in shaping his early life, offering him the emotional and spiritual encouragement he needed.

Even as Guru Nanak travelled far and wide, spreading his message, Bebe Nanaki’s faith in him never wavered. Their bond was a beautiful reminder of the power of love and devotion within a family.

The Final Years and Legacy of Guru Nanak Dev Ji

In his later years, Guru Nanak settled in Kartarpur, a town he founded. Here, he continued teaching, preaching, and living the simple life he advocated. As his end approached, Guru Nanak chose Guru Angad Dev Ji as his successor, ensuring that the light of Sikhism would continue to shine through the Gurus who followed.

The world lost a great soul when Guru Nanak Dev Ji passed away in 1539, but his message continued. His teachings were compiled in the Guru Granth Sahib, the eternal Guru for Sikhs worldwide. Guru Nanak left behind not just a religion but a way of life—a way to see the divine in every person and to live in service of others.

Conclusion

Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s life exemplifies the strength of humility, love, and harmony. He removed obstacles, crossed gaps, and drew individuals nearer to one another and their actual selves. His message is ageless; it constantly reminds us that regardless of our identities or origins, we are all members of the same divine spirit. Millions of people are still guided by his teachings today, which promote equality, peace, and devotion to humanity.

When we consider the life of Guru Nanak, we are reminded of the virtues of compassion, justice-abiding courage, and the transformational power of love. His legacy is not just for Sikhs; it’s a universal message for all of humanity, calling us to live in harmony and to see the divine in all.