Home , History , Ten Gurus , Guru Angad Dev Ji
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. He became a devoted follower of Guru Nanak Dev Ji after meeting him and was so transformed by his Guruship that he spent years serving him with total dedication. Guru Nanak Dev Ji recognized his exceptional devotion and humility and chose him as his successor in 1539 — a decision that surprised many, as Guru Nanak passed over his own two sons.
The name Angad — meaning “my own limb” — was given to him by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, signifying how close Bhai Lehna had become to the Guru.
The Gurmukhi Script
Guru Angad Dev Ji’s most significant contribution to Sikhism was the standardization and popularization of the Gurmukhi script — the alphabet in which the Sikh scriptures are written to this day. He collected and compiled the hymns of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, ensuring they were preserved accurately for future generations.
He established schools across the Punjab where children could learn to read and write Gurmukhi, making Sikh scripture accessible to ordinary people rather than only to scholars and priests.
Legacy & Contributions
Guru Angad Dev Ji formally institutionalized Langar — the community kitchen — making it a central obligation of Sikh worship and equality. He also promoted wrestling and physical exercise, believing that a healthy body supported a healthy spiritual life.
He composed 63 hymns that are included in the Guru Granth Sahib. He passed the Guruship to Guru Amar Das Ji in 1552, 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 demonstrated this through his own life, serving Guru Nanak Ji with complete humility before being chosen as his successor. He also strongly promoted physical and mental well-being alongside spiritual development.
