GURU NANAKDEV (1469-1539)

Name: Nanak
Mother’s name: Truptaji
Father’s name: Kalyanchand Bedi

Nanakdev was one of the greatest saints of India. He like Buddha and Mahavir founded a
new religion—the Sikh Dharma. In this respect he differed from the other great saints of
India. He also differed in his approach to God. He did not believe in reincarnation (avtarvad)
of God. He was much of a philosopher who believed firmly in One Formless God. Nanakdev
did not believe in idol worship, rituals and caste. He said that we are all children of one God
and so we are all brothers.

His philosophy was to proclaim: “Truth is higher than everything but higher is the living of
truth.” He made men out of weaklings, who stood later against the might of the Moghul
Empire. Guru Nanak Ji was a sage much revered by the Sikhs as well as those belonging to
other religious communities. The Sikhs worship him and adhere to his religious philosophy.
Guru Nanak says: "A person can lead an ideal life as a householder (grihasti) doing his
normal activities, while being deeply soulful and absorbed in contemplation and devotion to
God."

His works:
Japuji, Patti, Arati, Daksinya Omkar, Siddh Gosti, Salok, Sabad and Sakhi. Besides
these works, Asa-di-war, Rahidas and Sohila are his famous works.

Teachings of Nanak
Three of the most important teachings of Nanak are known as nam simran, kirt karo, and
wand chako.

1) Nam Simran:
  Think about God. ("Listening to the name gives truth, holy wisdom,
contentment... by listening to the Name, sorrow and sin are destroyed." Guru
Nanak)

2) Kirt Kaara:

 Live a normal life.

 Earn a living through honest means and hard work.

3) Wand Chhako:

 Share with the needy whatever you can spare. Treat all men and women as
equals regardless of nationalities, religions or creed.

His teachings and message to people:

 There is only one God.

 Work hard and help others.
 Everyone is equal in the eyes of God, there is no rich, poor, male, female, black nor
white. The only difference between people is in their actions.
 Be kind to all; birds, animals and people.
 Fear nothing, pray for the good of all.
 Be simple and honest in your daily life.

Holy book
Guru Granth Sahib is the holy book of Sikhs. They consider the Adi Granth a spiritual guide
for all mankind for all generations to come, and it plays a central role in "guiding" the Sikhs'
way of life. Its hymns and teachings are called Gurbani or "Word of the guru" and sometimes
Guru ki bani or "Word of God". Thus, in Sikh theology, the revealed divine word is written
by the past Gurus.

Rituals of Guru Nanak Singh Ji’s Birthday

Guru Nanak Ji’s birthday is celebrated in the month of Kartik.(October -November) with
great fervor and devotion by the Sikhs. A copy of the Granth Sahib is kept in the Gurudwara
and is read to the devotees, and the Akhand Path is read all throughout the day. Langar,
community lunches are arranged and drinking water facilities are arranged in several places.
Kirtans are held and kar seva is organised.