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Guru Angad Dev Ji
Guru 2 of 10 · 1504–1552 · Developer of the Gurmukhi Script
"One who performs selfless service, without thought of reward, shall attain his Lord and Master."
— Guru Angad Dev Ji, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji
Quick facts
Born
31 March 1504, Harike, Punjabi
Guruship
1539 – 1552
Key contribution
Developed Gurmukhi script
Original Name
Bhai Lehna Ji
Predecessor
Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Successor
Guru Amar Das Ji
Passed away
29 March 1552, Khadur Sahib
Principles
1. Seva — Selfless service without reward
2. Simran — Daily meditation on God's name
3. Nimrata — Humility in all things
Early life & Background
Originally named Bhai Lehna, Guru Angad Dev Ji was born on 31 March 1504 in Harike, Punjab. After meeting Guru Nanak Dev Ji, he became a devoted follower — so transformed by the Guruship that he spent years serving him with total dedication. Recognising his exceptional humility and devotion, Guru Nanak Dev Ji chose him as his successor in 1539. Notably, this decision surprised many, as Guru Nanak passed over his own two sons to appoint Bhai Lehna.
The name Angad — meaning ‘my own limb’ — came from Guru Nanak Dev Ji himself, signifying how close Bhai Lehna had grown to the Guru
The Gurmukhi Script
Guru Angad Dev Ji’s most significant contribution to Sikhism was the standardisation and spread of the Gurmukhi script — the alphabet in which Sikh scriptures are written to this day. He collected and compiled the hymns of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, ensuring their accurate preservation for future generations.
Furthermore, he established schools across Punjab where children could learn to read and write Gurmukhi. In doing so, he made Sikh scripture accessible to ordinary people rather than only to scholars and priests.
Legacy & Contributions
Guru Angad Dev Ji formally institutionalised Langar — the community kitchen — making it a central obligation of Sikh worship and a symbol of equality. He also promoted wrestling and physical exercise, believing that a healthy body supports a healthy spiritual life.
He composed 63 hymns that appear in the Guru Granth Sahib. In 1552, he passed the Guruship to Guru Amar Das Ji, who had served him with extraordinary devotion for over a decade.
Teachings & core message
Guru Angad Dev Ji taught that selfless service — Seva — is the highest form of devotion. He embodied this through his own life, serving Guru Nanak Ji with complete humility before his own appointment as Guru. Additionally, he strongly promoted physical and mental wellbeing alongside spiritual development, teaching that body, mind and soul must all be tended with equal care.
