500+ Words Essay on Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was the founder of the religion of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. He is revered for his spiritual wisdom and humanitarian values. His teachings laid the foundation for Sikhism, emphasizing the oneness of God, equality, and social justice. His teachings and life continue to inspire millions around the world.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born on April 15, 1469, in the village of Rai Bhoi di Talwandi (now known as Nankana Sahib in Pakistan). He was born into a Bedi (Kshatriya) family to Mehta Kalyan Das Bedi (also known as Kalu Mehta) and Mata Tripta Devi. His father worked as a patwari (crop revenue accountant) in the village of Talwandi. At the age of 5, Guru Nanak expressed interest in divine subjects, and by 7, he was enrolled in the village school. Later, he followed his elder sister to Sultanpur, where he lived with her and her husband, Daulat Khan, at the age of 16. He married Mata Sulakhni at about 19 years of age, and they had two sons, Sri Chand and Lakhmi Das.
At the age of 30, he had a spiritual vision and disappeared from the village. He disappeared for three days and reappeared with a God’s path: “There is neither Hindu nor Musalman, so whose path shall I follow? I shall follow God’s path.” He said that he had been taken to God’s court. There he was offered a cup filled with Amrit (nectar) and given the command, as if, from God Himself—”This is the cup of the adoration of God’s name. Drink it… I have bestowed the gift of my name upon you. Let this be your calling.” He emphasized that there is only one God, eternal Truth, and that God resides in every creation. Guru Nanak’s teachings rejected rituals, idols, and religious divisions. He preached love, compassion, and unity among all people.
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Guru Nanak Dev Ji made four major journeys— first, towards Bengal and Assam; second, towards Tamil Nadu; third, towards Kashmir, Ladakh, and Tibet; and the final tour towards Baghdad, Mecca, and Medina on the Arabian Peninsula. One evening at Mecca, Guru Nanak Dev Ji was sleeping with his feet towards the Kaaba Mosque. An orthodox Muslim Kazi Rukan-ud-din observed this and angrily objected. Guru Nanak replied to turn his feet in a direction that did not have a house of God. The Kazi understood the meaning that “God is everywhere” and was struck with wonder. Guru Nanak preached “God is the Doer and without God, there is no other.” He advised his followers to practise his teachings in three ways:
(1) Naam Japna: Chanting the Holy Name,
(2) Kirat Karo: Earning a living by honest means,
(3) Vand Chakko: Helping those helpless people who are in need of your help.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji passed away on 22 September 1539, in Kartarpur at the age of 70. His death marked the end of an era, but his legacy lived on through his disciples and the subsequent Sikh Gurus. His birthday, Guruparab, is celebrated across the Sikh community. Sikhs honour his teachings by participating in charitable deeds and acts of brotherhood on this day.