Facts you need to know about Guru Nanak

NATIONAL | November 12, 2019:

Here are facts you need to know about Guru Nanak.

#1 Guru Nanak was born in the year 1469, in the village Talwandi which is located in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent. He was born to Mehta Kalu, and Mata Tripta. His parents were both Hindu Khatris and employed as merchants. Nanak was married to Mata Sulakkhani. His birth is celebrated worldwide as Guru Nanak Gurpurab on Kartik Pooranmashi, the full-moon day in the month of Katak, October-November.

#2 Nanak was a Guru (teacher), and founded Sikhism during the 15th century. The fundamental beliefs of Sikhism, articulated in "Guru Granth Sahib" (principal scripture of Sikhism) include faith and meditation on the name of the one creator, unity of all humankind, engaging in selfless service, striving for social justice for the benefit and prosperity of all, and honest conduct and livelihood while living a householder's life. The "Guru Granth Sahib" is worshipped as the Supreme Authority of Sikhism and is considered the eleventh and final guru of Sikhism. As the first guru of Sikhism, Guru Nanak contributed a total of 974 hymns to the book.

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#3 Nanak was considered as an illumined soul, Sikhs believe that Guru Nanak's message was divinely revealed. Sikhs give the utmost importance to the writings of the gurus in Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book that is revered as the 11th and perpetual guru. Guru Nanak's own words in Guru Granth Sahib state that his teachings are as he has received them from the Creator Himself.

#4 Guru Nanak traveled extensively during his lifetime. Some modern accounts state that he visited are Tibet, most of South Asia and Arabia starting in 1496. At the age of 27, when he left his family for a thirty-year period. These claims include Guru Nanak visiting the Mount Sumeru of Indian mythology, as well as Mecca, Baghdad, Achal Batala and Multan, in these places he debated religious ideas with competing groups. These stories became widely popular in the 19th and 20th century, and exist in many versions.

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#5 Guru Nanak appointed Bhai Lehna as the successor Guru, renaming him as Guru Angad, meaning "one's very own" or "part of you". Shortly after proclaiming Bhai Lehna as his successor, Guru Nanak died on 22 September 1539 in Kartarpur, at the age of 70.