Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025: Story of the First Sikh Guru Nanak Dev Ji - Know Birth, Early Life, and Spiritual Teachings

Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025: Story of the First Sikh Guru Nanak Dev Ji - Know Birth, Early Life, and Spiritual Teachings (AI generated image)

Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born on April 15, 1469, in Rai Bhoi di Talwandi, present-day Nankana Sahib. However, the Sikh community celebrates his birth anniversary on the full moon day of Kartik (Kattak Purnima), which usually falls in November. This is why Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025 will be celebrated in the Kartik month according to the lunar calendar.

His parents, Mehta Kalu Chand and Mata Tripta, belonged to the Khatri Hindu family. His father was a revenue official in the village. From a young age, Guru Nanak displayed deep spiritual wisdom and compassion that astonished everyone around him.

From childhood, Guru Nanak showed a divine inclination. At the age of five, he expressed his interest in spiritual matters. At seven, when sent to school, he amazed his teacher by explaining how the first letter of the alphabet, resembling the numeral one, symbolizes the oneness of God (Ik Onkar) — the very foundation of Sikhism.

Many janamsakhis (sacred birth stories) describe miracles during his early years, such as a cobra shading him from the sun and trees remaining still to protect him. These stories, though symbolic, reflect the belief that Guru Nanak was born with divine grace and purpose.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji married Mata Sulakhani in 1487 at Batala, Punjab. The couple had two sons (Sri Chand and Lakhmi Chand). He lived a householder’s life, fulfilling family duties while spreading his spiritual message. This harmony of spirituality and responsibility became a key teaching in Sikhism, living in the world yet remaining devoted to God.

Around 1496, Guru Nanak began his Udasis - long spiritual journeys across India, Tibet, Arabia, and parts of Asia, spreading the message of Ik Onkar (the belief in one universal Creator).

He met people of various faiths, engaging in dialogues with saints, sufis, yogis, and scholars. Through these interactions, he emphasized that all religions lead to the same truth, and that love, compassion, and honest living are the real forms of worship.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s core teachings are preserved in the Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred scripture of Sikhism. He composed 974 hymns (shabads), including Japji Sahib, Asa Di Var, and Sidh Gosht.

His philosophy can be summarized in three guiding principles:

• Naam Japna (Meditate on God’s Name)
• Kirat Karni (Earn an Honest Living)
• Vand Chakna (Share with Others)

These teachings form the essence of the Sikh way of life - devotion, honesty and service.

Every year, Guru Nanak Jayanti (Gurpurab) is celebrated with great devotion in Punjab, India, and across the world. The celebrations include Akhand Path (continuous recitation of Guru Granth Sahib), Nagar Kirtan processions, and Langar Seva, where devotees serve free meals to all, reflecting Guru Nanak’s message of equality and selfless service.

The festival symbolizes light over ignorance, reminding humanity of Guru Nanak’s timeless message — There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim, only humanity united under one Creator.

Guru Nanak’s legacy continues through the Guru Granth Sahib and the teachings of the nine Sikh Gurus who followed him. His message of equality, peace, and devotion transcends religion, inspiring global harmony even today.

In his final years, Guru Nanak settled in Kartar Pur Sahib, where he established the first Sikh community. He passed away in 1539, leaving behind a spiritual revolution that shaped Sikh identity forever.

As Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025 approaches, devotees around the world prepare to honor the life and wisdom of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, whose words continue to guide generations toward truth, humility, and oneness. His teachings remind us that true spirituality lies not in rituals, but in righteous living and service to others.