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Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, was born on April 15, 1469, in the village of Rai Bhoi Ki Talwandi, now known as Nankana Sahib, near Lahore in present-day Pakistan. His father, Mehta Kalu, was a village accountant (patwari), and his mother, Mata Tripta, was deeply religious.

Birth and Early Life

Guru Nanak was born on April 15, 1469, in the village of Rai Bhoi Ki Talwandi (now known as Nankana Sahib) near Lahore, which is in present-day Pakistan. He was born into a Hindu family, but from an early age, he showed spiritual inclinations.

Spiritual Awakening

At the age of around 30, Nanak had a profound spiritual experience while bathing in the river Bein. After this experience, he began his missionary work, traveling extensively to spread his message.

Teachings and Travels

Guru Nanak undertook several long journeys, called Udasis, to spread his message of love, equality, and devotion to the one creator, known as “Ik Onkar” (One God). He traveled throughout India, as well as to places such as Tibet, Arabia, and Mecca. During his travels, he engaged in dialogues with religious leaders of various faiths, emphasizing the universality of divine truth.

Creation of Sikhism

Guru Nanak’s teachings emphasized the importance of meditation, honest living, equality of all humans, and the worship of one God. He rejected the caste system, rituals, and superstitions. He laid the foundation for Sikhism, which would later be developed by the subsequent Sikh Gurus.

Legacy

Guru Nanak’s teachings were compiled into the Sikh scripture known as the Guru Granth Sahib, which includes hymns composed by him as well as writings of other Sikh Gurus and saints. His teachings continue to inspire millions of Sikhs worldwide, and his message of love, compassion, and service remains central to Sikh philosophy.

Death

Guru Nanak passed away on September 22, 1539, in Kartarpur, now in Pakistan. Before his death, he appointed Bhai Lehna as his successor, who later became Guru Angad, the second Sikh Guru. Guru Nanak’s life and teachings continue to have a profound impact on Sikhism and serve as a source of inspiration for people seeking spiritual enlightenment and social justice.