Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469–1539) was the founder of the Sikh faith and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. Born in Talwandi (present-day Nankana Sahib, Pakistan), he revealed the oneness of God and the equality of all humanity.
Key Teachings
- Ik Onkar — There is One God, the Creator of all
- Equality of all human beings regardless of caste, gender, or religion
- Kirat Karo — Earn an honest living through honest work
- Naam Japo — Meditate on God's Name
- Vand Chhako — Share your earnings with others
The Udaasis (Journeys) Guru Nanak undertook four major journeys (Udaasis) covering tens of thousands of miles — east to Assam, south to Sri Lanka, north to Tibet, and west to Mecca and Baghdad — spreading the message of universal love and oneness.
Bani in SGGS Guru Nanak Dev Ji composed 974 hymns in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, set in 19 different raags. The Japji Sahib, which begins every morning prayer, is his composition.