Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji
ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇਵ ਜੀ
The founder of the Sikh faith. Preached the oneness of the Creator (Ik Onkar), divine equality of all human beings, and the dignity of honest labor.
1469 – 1539 CE
Rai Bhoi Di Talwandi (Nankana Sahib, Punjab)
Kartarpur Sahib (1539 CE)
Major Historical & Spiritual Contributions
- Traveled thousands of miles across four extensive divine journeys (Udasis) through South Asia, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
- Established the holy town of Kartarpur Sahib, building an egalitarian commune rooted in community farming.
- Institutionalized Guru ka Langar (free communal kitchen) and the sacred pillars of Kirat Karo (honest work), Naam Japna (mindful remembrance), and Vand Chhako (selfless sharing).
- Composed 974 hymns across 19 classical Ragas, including the foundational morning liturgy Japji Sahib, Asa Ki Var, and Sidh Gosht.
ਸਚਹੁ ਓਰੈ ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਉਪਰਿ ਸਚੁ ਆਚਾਰੁ ॥
“Truth is the highest virtue, but higher still is truthful living.”
Ang 62Frequently Asked Questions
What are the three core teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji?
Guru Nanak Dev Ji taught three universal pillars of Sikh living: Naam Japna (remembering and meditating on the One Divine Creator), Kirat Karo (earning an honest livelihood through ethical effort), and Vand Chhako (sharing one’s earnings and serving humanity selflessly).
Where did Guru Nanak Dev Ji establish the first Sikh community?
Following his four great journeys (Udasis), Guru Nanak Dev Ji founded Kartarpur Sahib on the banks of the River Ravi, where men and women of all backgrounds worked the land together, recited Gurbani, and shared Guru ka Langar as equals.