As a Sikh, I have grown up hearing stories and teachings about Guru Nanak Dev Ji, our first Guru and the founder of Sikhism. For me, he isn’t just remembered as a figure from history, but as a guiding light who influences the way I live my life.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469 in a village called Talwandi, which is now in Pakistan. Rather than caring about wealth or status, Guru Nanak cared about truth, kindness and fairness. He taught us that there is only one God, who belongs to everyone, no matter what religion, language or country they come from. That message makes me feel proud, because it shows how open and welcoming Sikhism really is.
Guru Nanak- The Traveler
Guru Nanak Dev Ji travelled for more than 20 years, on foot to spread his teachings. Historical accounts hold details of him journeying as far as the Middle East, Europe and Asia. He’s believed to have visited places such as Mecca, Baghdad, Achal Batala and Multan. He is revered in many different cultures and has been given various names as a sign of respect. In Afghanistan, he is known as Nanak Peer, in Nepal as Nanak Rishi, in Iraq as Baba Nanak, in Sri Lanka as Nanaka-Chraya and in Tibet as Nanak Lama.
Life stories
In the life stories of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, many tales teach important lessons. These stories are called ‘sakhis’ (folktales). Some popular ones are- Kauda the Cannibal, The Sweet Labor of Lalo and Guru Nanak and the True Prayer of God. In most of these, it is shown how honest work carries more value than wealth gained unfairly, and that true prayer comes from sincerity and good actions, not just following rituals. These stories, passed through generations, reveal how he lived his teachings in real situations, through kindness, fairness and faith.
What inspires me the most is Guru Nanak’s belief in equality. At a time when people were divided by gender and power, he stood up for equality. He started the tradition of Langar, the community kitchen, where everyone sits down and eats the same food. It still happens in gurudwaras to this day, as a living proof of his teachings.
Legacy
When Guru Nanak’s time on Earth was coming to an end, he chose his follower Bhai Lehna Ji to become the next Guru. He later became Guru Angad Dev Ji, the second Sikh Guru.
Guru Nanak passed away in 1539 in Kartarpur, a town he had founded. Both Hindus and Muslims who followed him wanted to perform his last rites in their own ways. However, a faqir who had been instructed by Guruji, told both the sects to place flowers on his body. He explained that whoever’s flowers would be fresh the next morning would have claim over the body. The next morning, when they lifted the cloth that covered his body, they found that the body was gone. Only fresh flowers remained. The Hindus took some to cremate, while the Muslims buried the rest. This symbolized that Guru Nanak belonged to everyone, not just one faith.
This story beautifully represents his lifelong message of unity, peace and equality among all people.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji also taught us to live honestly, to work hard and to always remember God. The teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji were later collected in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism. More than 500 years later, his message of peace, equality and service to humanity remains as powerful and relevant as ever. Whenever I hear ‘shabads’ from the Guru Granth Sahib, I feel connected back to him and his wisdom.
Writer : Harman
Grade : 8 (Year 2025)
Place : Sydney, Australia
Image courtesy- Pinterest
