Guru Nanak Dev – The First Sikh Guru

Guru Nanak was the first Guru of the Sikhs. Guru Nanak Devji was the founder of Sikhism, which is a religion that is the world renowned and has thousands of followers. Guru Nanak dev was born on 15th April, 1469. Guru Nanak dev was born at Rai-Bhoi-di Talwandi in the present district of Shekhupura, which is in Pakistan. This place is now called Nanakana Sahib. Although at that point of time it was in India. The Birthday of Guru Nanak Sahib is celebrated on 15th full moon day of this month of Kartik, which is a month in Indian calendar.

On this day, devotees all over the world celebrate the birthday of Guru Nanak Sahib. Every year there are great celebrations at the Gurudwara to commemorate the birthday of Guru Nanak dev.

Guru Nanak's father was called Mehta Kalyan Das. His other name was Mehta Kalu. Guru Nanak dev’s father was the Chief Accountant of a Nawab, Rai Bular. Guru Nanak 's mother’s name was Mata Tripta, She was a simple, holy and extremely religious woman. Baba Nanak had an elder sister, Nanki, who loved Guru Nanak.

Baba Nanak was not an ordinary child in many ways. Baba Nanak had been gifted with a very good intellect. He could think deeply and was spiritually inclined right since the time he was very young.

When Guru Nanak dev was seven years old he learned two languages, Hindi and Sanskrit. Guru Nanak dev surprised his teachers with the extra-ordinary knowledge about all things spiritual and about God. Then, when Guru Nanak dev was thirteen, he learned another two languages, Persian and Sanskrit and at age 16, he was a scholar in the region and his village. Guru Nanak dev was married to Mata Sulakhni ji, and they had two sons from her called Sri Chand and Lakhmi Das.

Then in the year 1504, Guru Nanak dev was taken to Sultanpurlodhi. He went there because his sister insisted. There he got a job as the storekeeper for the local nawab.

When Guru Nanak dev was 38 years old, he heard a calling from God. God asked Guru Nanak to give up all worldly goods and concentrate on serving mankind. This happened after Guru Nanak came out after bathing in a small river. The first things that he spoke after he came out where there is no difference between Hindus and Muslims.

Then, Guru Nanak decided to go on long travels to teach and spread to the world his new and innovative principles of Sikhism. Guru Nanak visited all the different places in Punjab, and then he decided to proceed on four long tours, which took him to several different religious places. All of these places were in India and abroad. These tours undertaken by Guru Nanak bagan to be known as Char Udasis of Guru Nanak Sahib.

Guru Nanak Sahib visited several different religious places in order to spread and preach Sikhism. He went to almost all the cities, towns and villages throughout India and even abroad.

Guru Nanak Sahib was a supporter of Hindus and Muslims and did not differentiate between them. Therefore, he also visited Muslim holy places. He was very different in that regard.

Guru Nanak devji went to Mecca and Medina.. Although this can’t be proven, people say that Guru Sahib reached Mecca by sea. Guru Nanak devjialso went to other countries such as Syria, Turkey and Tehran in Iran. From there he went to Kabul, Kandhar and Jalalabad.

The main purpose and objective of the tour were to make the people find out the truth about God and let them know about the new religion Sikhism and its wonderful teachings. Guru Nanak devji set up a large number of worshiping centers. These centers taught Sikhism and all the things associated with it.

Guru Nanak devji also asked his followers to come forward to head these centers and spread the word of god around to one and all.

Guru Nanak devji went ahead to spread the basic principles of Sikhism, which were applicable to people from all walks of life and all religions. Guru Nanak dev helped to spread Sikhism in India and abroad in a manner that was planned and regulated.

The seeds of Sikhism were sown all over India and abroad. This was done in a systematic manner. Finally, Guru Nanak dev settled in the city of Kartarpur and this is where he breathed is last.