Guru Nanak Dev Ji – Life, Teachings, and Legacy of Sikhism’s First Guru

Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469–1539) was the first Guru of Sikhism and the founder of this great faith. He taught that there is only one God, and all human beings are equal, no matter their caste, color, or religion. His life and teachings spread a message of peace, truth, and service to others.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji – Life, Teachings, and Legacy of Sikhism’s First Guru

1. Early Life

• Guru Nanak was born on 15 April 1469 in Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib in Pakistan).
• His parents were Mehta Kalu and Mata Tripta.
• From childhood, he asked deep questions about life and religion.
• He studied languages and religious books and worked for some time as a storekeeper.
• He married Mata Sulakhni, and they had two sons.
• Later, he devoted his whole life to spreading divine truth and equality.

2. The Time He Lived In (Historical Context)

During the 15th century, Indian society was full of caste divisions and religious conflicts. People focused more on rituals than on true spirituality.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji became a reformer, teaching that good actions and kindness matter more than status or birth.

3. Spiritual Journeys (Udasis)

Guru Nanak traveled widely across India, Tibet, Arabia, and Persia to spread his message.
He met people of many faiths — Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and Jains — and taught that all paths lead to the same God.
His travels spread values of truth, compassion, humility, and equality.

4. Main Teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Guru Nanak Dev Ji gave three main life principles for everyone to follow:

1. Naam Japna – Remember and meditate on God’s name.
2. Kirat Karni – Earn an honest living with hard work and honesty.
3. Vand Chakna – Share what you have with others, especially the poor.

He also stood for women’s equality and against empty rituals.
His famous teaching, “Ik Onkar” (There is One God), became the heart of Sikhism.

5. Establishment of Sikhism

Guru Nanak founded Sikhism on the values of service, equality, and humility.
He started two important institutions:

• Sangat (Community) – where people gather for prayer and learning.
• Langar (Community Kitchen) – where everyone eats together, breaking caste barriers.

These practices continue in every Gurdwara even today.

6. Legacy and Influence

Guru Nanak Dev Ji passed away in 1539 at Kartarpur Sahib, which he founded.
His followers and the next nine Gurus carried forward his message, later compiled in the Guru Granth Sahib.
His birthday is celebrated worldwide as Guru Nanak Jayanti (Gurpurab) with processions, prayers, and community service.

He is remembered not just as a religious leader but as a visionary who inspired equality, kindness, and truth.

Question & Answer

Q1. When was Guru Nanak Dev Ji born?
(a) 1465
(b) 1469
(c) 1475
(d) 1480
Answer: 1469
Explanation: Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born on 15 April 1469 in Talwandi (now in Pakistan).

Q2. What is the core message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings?
(a) Worship through rituals only
(b) One God and equality of all humans
(c) Caste-based devotion
(d) Pilgrimage for salvation
Answer: One God and equality of all humans
Explanation: Guru Nanak taught that there is one God and everyone is equal, regardless of caste or religion.

Q3. What does “Naam Japna” mean?
(a) Working hard
(b) Serving food to the poor
(c) Remembering and meditating on God’s name
(d) Giving charity
Answer: Remembering and meditating on God’s name
Explanation: Naam Japna is the practice of constant remembrance of God through prayer and meditation.

Q4. What is the name of the community kitchen started by Guru Nanak Dev Ji?
(a) Sangat
(b) Langar
(c) Dharamshala
(d) Gurukul
Answer: Langar
Explanation: Langar is a free community kitchen where people of all religions and castes eat together.

Q5. Where did Guru Nanak Dev Ji pass away?
(a) Amritsar
(b) Nankana Sahib
(c) Kartarpur Sahib
(d) Lahore
Answer: Kartarpur Sahib
Explanation: Guru Nanak Dev Ji passed away in 1539 at Kartarpur Sahib, a town he founded himself.

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