Guru Nanak

Date of Birth: April 15, 1469

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: September 22, 1539

Biography

Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus, was born in 1469 in the village of Talwandi, near Lahore in present-day Pakistan. He is one of the most revered spiritual leaders in Indian history. Guru Nanak’s teachings focus on the oneness of God, the equality of all human beings, and the importance of living a truthful, honest life. He traveled extensively throughout the Indian subcontinent and beyond to spread his message of love, compassion, and unity. Guru Nanak’s philosophy is encapsulated in the Japji Sahib, a prayer that is recited daily by Sikhs. He emphasized the importance of meditation (Simran) and the pursuit of understanding the divine within oneself. His teachings also focused on social justice, denouncing the caste system and advocating for the rights of women and the poor. Guru Nanak established the community of Kartarpur, where he spent the latter part of his life. This community became a model of egalitarian living, emphasizing the values of hard work, sharing, and community service. Guru Nanak passed away in 1539, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire millions.

5 Interesting Facts about Guru Nanak

1. Guru Nanak is the founder of Sikhism, which is the fifth-largest religion in the world.

2. He traveled extensively, covering more than 28,000 kilometers during his lifetime to spread his message.

3. Guru Nanak emphasized the importance of three key principles: Naam Japna (meditation on God’s name), Kirat Karni (honest living), and Vand Chakna (sharing with others).

4. He wrote 974 hymns, which form part of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism.

5. Guru Nanak’s teachings were revolutionary for his time, as they promoted the idea of a casteless society and gender equality.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Guru Nanak

1. “There is neither Hindu nor Muslim, for all in the eyes of God are equal.”

2. “Speak only that which will bring you honor.”

3. “Let no man in the world live in delusion. Without a Guru, none can cross over to the other shore.”

4. “He who has no faith in himself can never have faith in God.”

5. “The world is a drama, staged in a dream.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Guru Nanak did not accumulate personal wealth; his teachings were centered around spirituality and community welfare rather than material gain.

Children

Guru Nanak had two sons: 1. Sri Chand (1494–1629) – He founded the Udasi sect, which focused on asceticism and meditation. 2. Lakhmi Das (1497–1555) – Unlike his older brother, Lakhmi Das did not establish a religious order but was involved in the community’s secular activities.