Story of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Shri Guru Nanak Dev ji was the 1st Guru of Sikhs who founded Sikhism. Guru Nanak Dev Ji was a God born in human form to guide the people of world to follow the true path.
Birth
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born on 15th April 1469 at Rai Boi di Talvandi [near Lahore, Pakistan]. Guru ji’s parents were Mehta Kalu ji (Father) and Mata Tripta Devi (Mother). The birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji is describe better by this song.
Udasis (Journeys)
Guru ji traveled over 24 years about more than 28,000 Kilometers (17398.393 Miles) on foot including these nine nations: India, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, China (Tibet), Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan; to give his sermons to people.
Guru ji’s these sacred journeys called “udasis”. The first Udasi was towards the east (towards Bengal and Assam); The second was towards the south (towards Sri Lanka); The third was towards the north (towards Kashmir, Ladakh and Tibet); and the fourth was towards the west (towards Baghdad, Mecca and Medina on the Arabian Peninsula).
Writings
Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji authored “Japji Sahib” and “Asa Di Vaar” (Bani). Guruji composed 974 shabads, which are register in Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Sacha Soda (True Bargain)
The custom of langar was begin by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, in which, anybody from any background, caste, race, religion, etc. can eat and serve food without any discrimination.
Once when Guru ji was 18, his father Mehta Kalu Ji sent him to do a “True Bargain” by giving him 20 rupees (according to sources, that time it was enough to help a whole village). Guru Ji avoided involvement in worldly activities because he was in love with God. But Guru ji never said no to what his parents told him to do.
On his way, he saw some saints and stopped there to listen them and observe them. Guruji told his servant to bought food items from market of those 20 rupees. Guruji spent all that money to organize langar which was serve for many days.
This is how Guruji did the TRUE BARGAIN and started the custom of langar.
Panj Chor (5 Evils of People)
Guru Ji aware people of the 5 evils: Kam (Lust), Krodh (Anger), Lobh (Greed), Moh (Attachment), and Ahankar (Pride).
Guruji said, “If anybody, defeated these 5 evils within them, they shall attain God.”
Janeu (Sacred Thread)
Janeu is a sacred thread which was wear by people back than by doing a Upanayana ceremony before advent of adulthood. When Guruji asked to wear Janeu, he refused.
Guruji gave his sermon to people to wear a Janeu which would give them control over their 5 senses, the thread of which should made up of truth. To wear a Janeu that cannot be broken, is non-inflammable, and cannot get dirty. One should wear this type of Janeu.
Guruji’s Disappearance
Once, Guru Nanak Dev Ji went to the Kali Bein river in Sultanpur Lodhi, Punjab, and disappeared in that river for three days. After 3 days Guruji got out of the river and the 1st sentence he said was, “No one is Muslim and no one is Hindu.” Means everyone is equal, everyone is child of that ONE GOD.
Jyoti Jyot
Before his Jyoti Jyot (death), Guru Nanak Dev Ji transferred the responsibility of “Guru Gaddi” to his true devotee, Bhai Lehna Ji, trusting him to spread his sermons further. Guru Nanak Dev Ji changed Bhai Lehna’s name to Guru Angad Dev, and Shri Guru Angad Dev Ji became the Sikhs’ 2nd Guru.