Guru Nanak was the first Nanak and the founder of the Sikhism in India. He looked forward to bring together the two major communities of the country, Hindus and Muslims. So he created a new religion called Sikhism, which combined the best features of both Hinduism and Islam. 'Sikh' literally means 'disciple.' Guru Nanak believed that salvation is achieved only under the guidance of a true master or a 'sadguru'.
Guru Nanak Dev ji was born in 1469 in village Talwandi, of Sheikhupura district (now Nanakana Sahib) that is 65 kms in west of Lahore,Pakistan.
He was born on 15th Kartik Puranmashi i.e. full moon day of the month Kartik to Mehta Kalyan Das and Mata Tripta.
His marriage with Sulakshana Devi in 1487 blessed him with two sons- Sri Chand and Lakhmi Das. He was never interested in worldly affairs and was dedicated to serve needy. So he left home in search of the truth. He believed loyalty to truth, mercy, happiness, devotion, compassion, peace and adventure are his family members.
Guru Nanak was child with extreme talent. He learned Hindi, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Persian and Arabic too by the age of 15.
Iin August 1507, Guru Nanak Sahib dedicated himself to the service of mankind after bathing in "Vain Nadi". He traveled long distances to preach divine doctrine of Sikhism.
The tour awakened the people of the truth about God. He explained the omnipresence of God and the futility of rituals. He believed in the theory of Karma and Rebirth. He established a network of preaching centers of Sikhism called "Manjis" where committed followers were appointed heads.
In 1520, Guru Nanak Sahib challenged the brutality of Babar’s attack on India strongly. He was arrested and released, after Babar realise his blunder. Guru Nanak Sahib spent the rest of his life at Kartarpur city. Daily Kirtan and Langar (free kitchen) was introduced there.
Guru Nanak Sahib stressed on living a Ghristha life without attracting to materialism. The Sewa of mankind, Kirtan, Satsang and devotion to a single God are the basic concepts of Sikhism. He laid on Supremacy, Universality, Almightiness and truthfulness of the God. He said God is Nirankari, it has no form, the Creator, Ever-lasting and Satnam, the Eternal and Absolute Truth.
Guru Nanak Sahib acted as social reformer too. He supported the cause of women, oppressed and the poor. He was against caste system of Hindus and theocracy of Muslim rulers.
He wrote 947 hyms comprising Japji Sahib, Asa-Di-Var, Bara-Mah, Sidh-Gosht, Onkar (Dakhani). First chapter of the holy Guru Granth Sahib has a set of poems about meditations and thoughts from his teachings composed by him. The life journey of Guru Nanak finally halted in 1538 AD at the age of 70. Angad became his successor and guided the Sikhs into a new awakening.
इस आर्टिकल को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें