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Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Guru 1 of 10 · 1469–1539 · Founder of Sikhi
"Me, the bard out of work, the Lord has applied to His service. In the very beginning He gave me the order to sing His praises night and day. The Master summoned the minstrel to His True Court."
— Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, pg. 150
Quick facts
Born
20 October 1469, Talwandi
Guruship
1469 – 1539
Key contribution
Founded Sikhism
Scripture composed
Japji Sahib, Asa di Var
Predecessor
None — first Guru
Successor
Guru Angad Dev Ji
Passed away
22 September 1539, Kartarpur
Principles
1. Naam Japoo — Meditate on God's Name
2. Kirat Karo — Earn an honest living
3. Vand Chhako — Share with others
Early life & Background
Born on 20 October 1469 in Talwandi — now called Nankana Sahib in present-day Pakistan Guru Nanak Dev Ji was the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. His father was Mehta Kalu Ji and his mother Mata Tripta Ji. From childhood he showed a profound spiritual nature, preferring the company of holy men over worldly pursuits.
Around the year 1500, Guru Nanak Dev Ji went to bathe in the river and did not return for three days. When he reappeared, filled with the spirit of God, he uttered: “There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim.” From that moment his life’s work as a Guru began and the seeds of Sikhism were planted in the world.
Four great journeys (Udasis)
Guru Nanak Dev Ji undertook four great journeys — known as Udasis — traveling across South Asia, the Middle East, and Central Asia. He visited Mecca, Baghdad, Sri Lanka, and countless sacred sites, speaking before Hindus, Muslims, Jains, Buddhists, and Parsees alike. He never asked his listeners to follow him — instead he asked Muslims to be true Muslims and Hindus to be true Hindus, teaching that God’s love transcends all religious boundaries.
His famous encounter at Mecca — where he rested with his feet pointing toward the holy shrine — perfectly demonstrated his core belief. When a priest demanded he show respect, Guru Nanak replied: “Kindly point my feet toward the place where God does not exist.” God, he taught, is everywhere.
Legacy & Contributions
In his final years, Guru Nanak Dev Ji settled in Kartarpur on the banks of the Ravi river, where he established the first Sikh community. He founded the Gurdwara, the Sangat (holy congregation), and Langar (communal kitchen) — all central to Sikh life today.
He passed his spiritual light to Guru Angad Dev Ji in 1539, choosing his most devoted disciple over his own sons — establishing that Guruship is earned through devotion, not inherited by birth. His message unfolded over 240 years through nine successors, culminating in the eternal Guru Granth Sahib.
Teachings & core message
Guru Nanak Dev Ji taught Ik Onkar — the absolute oneness of God. He rejected the caste system, empty rituals, and the mistreatment of women, teaching that all human beings are equal before God regardless of birth or religion.
