Guru Nanak

Who He Was

Gurū Nānak (15 April 1469 – 22 September 1539; Gurmukhi: ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ), also known as Bābā Nānak (Father Nanak), was an Indian spiritual teacher, mystic and poet, who is regarded as the founder of Sikhism and is the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. Nanak is said to have travelled far and wide across Asia teaching people the message of Ik Onkar (ੴ, 'One God'), who dwells in every one of his creations and constitutes the eternal Truth. With this concept, he would set up a unique spiritual, social, and political platform based on equality, fraternal love, goodness, and virtue. Nanak's words are registered in the form of 974 poetic hymns, or shabda, in the holy religious scripture of Sikhism, the Guru Granth Sahib, with some of the major prayers being the Japji Sahib (jap, 'to recite'; ji and sahib are suffixes signifying respect); the Asa di Var ('Ballad of Hope'); and the Sidh Gosht ('Discussion with the Siddhas'). It is part of Sikh religious belief that the spirit of Nanak's sanctity, divinity, and religious authority had descended upon each of the nine subsequent Gurus when the Guruship was devolved onto them. His birthday is celebrated as Guru Nanak Gurpurab, annually across India. Recognized in: Sikhism.

Birth and Early Life

Traditional and historical sources place Guru Nanak in the era of 1469–1539 CE. Where such dates are traditional, mythic, or disputed rather than historically established, they should be read as the tradition's own reckoning rather than confirmed chronology.

His Calling / Mission

The scriptures and traditions of Sikhism describe the calling and mission of Guru Nanak; the key passages are listed under Sacred Texts and Scripture below.

Religion and Teachings

Guru Nanak is honored within Sikhism. His teaching and significance are set out in the sacred texts that record his life.

Sacred Texts and Scripture

Scriptural references: the Gurū Granth Sāhib (which opens with his compositions)

Major Accomplishments and Events

The account of Guru Nanak's life, works, and significance is preserved in the scriptures cited above and in the living tradition of Sikhism.

Death and Legacy

Guru Nanak is remembered across Sikhism as one of the foundational figures of faith, and continues to be honored in scripture, devotion, and scholarship. Source: Wikipedia