GURU NANAK
Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus, was one of the greatest spiritual teachers in Indian history. His life and teachings continue to inspire millions of people around the world with their timeless message of love, equality, and devotion to God.
🌼 Early Life
Guru Nanak was born in 1469 in Talwandi, now known as Nankana Sahib (in present-day Pakistan). His father, Mehta Kalu, was a village accountant, and his mother, Mata Tripta, was a kind and pious woman. From a very young age, Nanak showed deep spiritual insight and compassion. He preferred prayer, reflection, and helping others to worldly pleasures.
🌈 Divine Realisation
At the age of thirty, Guru Nanak had a divine experience while meditating in the Bein River. When he reappeared after three days, he declared, “There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim; there is only one God.”
This profound message revealed his belief that all humans are equal before God and that true religion unites people through love, not division.
🌍 His Travels and Teachings
Guru Nanak travelled across India and beyond—to Tibet, Arabia, Sri Lanka, and Persia—spreading the message of truth, compassion, and oneness of God. These journeys are known as Udasis.
He taught three main principles for a good life:
● Naam Japna – remembering God’s name,
● Kirat Karni – earning an honest living, and
● Vand Chakna – sharing with others.
He opposed caste discrimination, blind rituals, and superstitions, and emphasised simplicity, service, and humility.
🕊️ Establishment of Sikhism
Guru Nanak laid the foundation of Sikhism, a faith based on devotion to God and service to humanity. He established Kartarpur, a community where everyone lived and worked together in equality and harmony, regardless of caste or status.
🌺 Legacy
Guru Nanak Dev Ji left this world in 1539, but his divine message continues to guide humanity through the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs. His followers celebrate his birth anniversary with great devotion as Guru Nanak Jayanti or Prakash Parv.
✨ Prakash Parv: Celebrating the Light of the Guru
Prakash Parv, also called Prakash Utsav, literally means “Festival of Light.” It marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and symbolises the spreading of the light of wisdom and truth that he brought into the world.
On this sacred day, Gurdwaras are beautifully decorated and illuminated. The Guru Granth Sahib is recited continuously in a 48-hour reading called Akhand Path, and devotees join in Kirtan (devotional singing), Langar (community meals), and Nagar Kirtan (religious processions). These activities remind everyone of Guru Nanak’s teachings—to remember God, work honestly, and serve others selflessly.
🌞 Message to Humanity
Guru Nanak’s message is eternal and universal:
“There is but one God. His name is Truth. He is the Creator, without fear and without hate.”
Through faith, love, and righteous living, he showed the path to inner peace and harmony for all.
