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News Topical, Digital Desk : Guru Nanak Dev Ji is considered the first Guru of Sikhism and a symbol of universal humanity. This year, Guru Nanak Jayanti will be celebrated on November 5th, marking his birth anniversary. Through his life, he imparted the message that God is one and resides in every heart. His teachings are deeply rooted in truth, compassion, equality, and service.
He opposed the superstition, hypocrisy, and caste discrimination prevalent in society and inspired people to embrace the path of love and unity. Guru Nanak Dev Ji's entire life was dedicated to devotion to God, truthfulness, and human welfare. His teachings remain a guiding light for humanity even today.
Family and childhood of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (Guru Nanak Dev Ji)
Guru Nanak Dev Ji's father, Mehta Kalu Chand, was a local revenue official, while his mother, Tripta Devi, was religious and compassionate. His elder sister, Bebe Nanaki, instilled in him a sense of spirituality and devotion from childhood. Guru Nanak Dev Ji was married to Mata Sulkhani Ji, a pious and gentle woman. They had two sons, Sri Chand and Lakshmi Das. He always practiced honesty, truth, and compassion.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji's childhood was remarkable and inspiring. From a very young age, he was deeply contemplative and devoted to God. While children his age enjoyed playing, Nanak Ji contemplated the mysteries of creation, truth, and the soul. He began his education at the age of five, but soon realized that true knowledge lies not in letters alone, but in service to humanity, compassion, and devotion. He used to say that only one who sincerely seeks to know God is truly wise.
Four Udaasis of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (teachings of Guru Nanak)
Guru Nanak Dev Ji undertook four major journeys, known as Udaasis, to spread the message of truth, equality, and devotion to God. During these journeys, he visited numerous destinations, including India, Nepal, Tibet, Sri Lanka, Arabia, Mecca, Baghdad, and Afghanistan. Everywhere, he inspired people to rise above casteism, superstition, and hypocrisy and embrace the path of truth and service. The purpose of these journeys was to establish unity among humanity and to convey the message that God is one, equally present within everyone.
Chanting the Name: Guru Nanak Dev Ji taught that chanting God's name is the most sacred act in life. It means not just remembering God with words, but experiencing Him in the heart. When a person remembers God in everything they do, their mind becomes pure, peaceful, and full of love.
Performing Kirat: Performing Kirat means earning a living through honesty, hard work, and following the path of truth. Guru Nanak Dev Ji said that a person who earns through hard work and does not harm anyone is a true devotee. Spiritual satisfaction in life is achieved only through Karma Yoga.
Vand Chhakna: The message of Vand Chhakna reflects the spirit of selfless service and sharing. It means devoting a portion of one's earnings to the welfare of the needy, the poor, and society. Guru Nanak Dev Ji explained that sharing not only benefits others but also brings peace to the soul.
Service and Compassion: His message was that devotion lay not only in worship, but also in service and compassion. He founded the city of Kartarpur, where everyone shared food equally. This is where the langar tradition began, which remains a symbol of Sikh unity and equality even today.
Last days and legacy (Guru Nanak life story)
Guru Nanak Dev Ji spent the last years of his life in Kartarpur, where he established the tradition of langar and the ideal of service. He passed away there on September 22, 1539. In his final moments, he appointed his disciple Bhai Lahna Ji as his successor, who later became Guru Angad Dev Ji, the second Guru of Sikhism. He taught humanity that God is one, truth is one, and everyone should love each other, transcending caste and religion. His birth anniversary is celebrated with reverence and enthusiasm as Guru Nanak Jayanti or Prakash Parv.
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