Guru #1 of 10
Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Founder of Sikhism · Light of the World
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was the first Sikh Guru and the founder of Sikhism. Born into a world divided by religion and caste, he brought a simple, powerful message: there is only One God, and all human beings are equal.
The Story
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born on April 15, 1469, in the village of Rai Bhoi Ki Talwandi — now called Nankana Sahib in Pakistan. From childhood, he was different from other children. He spent hours in meditation and deep thought, and often gave away food and belongings to those in need.
At age 30, while bathing in a river, Guru Nanak Ji received a divine call from Waheguru (God). He was taken into God's presence and told to go into the world and teach people to love God, to live honestly, and to serve others. He emerged from the river saying, 'There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim' — meaning that in God's eyes, all people are one.
For the next 25 years, Guru Nanak Ji undertook four great journeys — called Udasis — traveling thousands of miles on foot. He walked east to Assam, south to Sri Lanka, north to the Himalayas, and west to Mecca and Baghdad. Everywhere he went, he sang hymns of God, debated with scholars, and showed people a path of love, truth, and equality.
He settled in Kartarpur (now in Pakistan) in his final years, where he farmed the land and lived simply. He established the first Langar — a free community kitchen where everyone, no matter their caste, religion, or status, sat together and shared a meal as equals.
Key Contributions
- Founded Sikhism — the world's fifth-largest religion
- Composed the Mool Mantar — the core statement of Sikh faith
- Started the tradition of Langar (free community kitchen)
- Traveled over 28,000 miles across Asia, the Middle East, and South Asia
- Composed 974 hymns in Guru Granth Sahib Ji
- Established Kartarpur — the first Sikh community
- Rejected the caste system and taught equality of all people
Core Teachings
- Ik Onkar — There is only One God, the Creator of all
- Kirat Karni — Earn your living by honest work
- Vand Chakko — Share what you have with others
- Naam Japna — Meditate on God's Name
- No one is high or low — all are equal before God
- Serve God by serving people
Legacy
Guru Nanak Dev Ji's teachings form the foundation of Sikhism. His words are enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The faith he started now has over 25 million followers worldwide, and his message of equality, love, and one God continues to inspire people of all backgrounds.