Guru Nanak Dev Ji was the first Guru of the Sikhs. He was born in Ray Bhoi Ki Tailwindi on Baisakh 3, Samat 1526 (1469 year as per our calender) in District Shaikhupura. His father’s name was Mehta Kalu who was a Patwari of Rai Bolar. Rai Bolar was a true disciple of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He became disciple when he two miracles of Guru Nanak. Firstly, the Miracle of snake.Secondly, the land spoiled by the cattle turning green again.Guru Ji’s Mother’s name was Mata Tripta.At the time of birth, the nurse Daulta saw a glittering light in the room.Sister Bibi Nanaki loved him very much.Guru Ji’s birth place is now known as Shri Nankana Sahib.
The following Gurdwaras are located in Siri Nankana Sahib: Bal Lila, Patti Sahib (Where Gopal Panda listened the Patti Bani and this made him the true follower of Guru Sahib. A Gurdwara is also built in the memory of Guru Sahib where Rai Bolar saw snake shading his face from sun. Kayara Sahib! This is place where no damage was done to the farm as complained by the farmer to Rai Bolar. He also became the disciple of Guru Sahib. Pandit Hardial who was an astrologer said to Kalu Ji, that his son Nanak would be the prophet in Kalyug and that proved perfectly correct. Mehta Kalu became very upset, when he saw Nanak is great distress eating nothing. “Neither he took any food nor talked with anyone.” He called Har Dass Vaid for feeling the pulse of Guru Nanak, who could not trace any disease. At last Guru Ji told him, “ You cannot cure me.” Vaid felt that Nanak will cure the whole world giving them “Nam”. In another function which is very famous among the Hindus, “putting on Janeu”, the whole family, uncle Laloo, Father Kalu and all other Bedis gathered to celebrate that function, but to their surprise Guru Nanak refused to wear the Janeu. Guru Ji told all of them to but a real Janeu which contains Mercy, contentment and truth, etc.
In those days some people used to address Guru Ji as “Korahia” Guru Ji’s mother-in law was Bibi Chando and the name of Guru Ji’s wife was Mata Sulakhani Ji. Guru Ji had two soas named Baba Siri Chand Ji and Lakhmi Dass. After some time Guru Ji went to his sister Bibi Nanaki, where Bhaya Jai Ram Ji got him appointed in the Modi Khana of Daulat Khan Lodhi in Sultanpur Lodhi. He started his work of distributing the store articles by saying ‘Tera Tera’; everyone came to take his requirements.
The following Gurdwaras are in the memory of Guru Sahib:-
(1) Hutt Sahib
(2) Kothi Sahib
(3) Bair Sahib.
omeone reported to Nawab Daulat Khan Lodhi that Guru Sahib was distributing all the things without considering their price ,and sometime distributed free to deserving persons saying “Tera” and there was every possibility that the store would suffer in loss. When the account was submitted to Daulat Khan Lodhi, instead of loss it showed profit. Daulat Khan Lodhi requested him to continue his service but Guru Sahib refused to continue. Bhai Mardana also remained with Guru Ji.
One day Guru Sahib went to have a bath in the “Vaieen Nadi” leaving a sarvant on the bank of the Nadi. The Servant waited for two hours, but Guru Sahib did not come back. He went to Bibi Nanaki and Bibi Sulakhani in search of Guru Sahib but was greatly disappointed not finding him there. For three days, Guru Nanak Sahib disappeared from the Nadi to “Sach Khand”. After three days Garu Sahib reappeared from the Nadi: Jhaji Gurdwara ‘Sant Ghat’ is known in his memory. Here Guru Sahib announced ‘there is neither Hindu nor-Muslim.’When Guru Sahib spoke these words, the’ Maulana requested him to attend Nimaz along with him. Guru Ji agreed and went to the mosque. When all of them started praying Guru Ji stood there silently. When they finished the prayer, Maulana asked him why did he not join the prayer? At this Guru Sahib told him that he was not praying but thinking about the colt that might fall down. When Daulat Khan Lodhi asked why has not he joined him? Then Guru Sahib told him that he was also busy in buying horses in Kabul. Gurdwara ‘Anter-Yamta’ celebrates this incident. In Sach Khand Guru Ji was given a Cup of Amrit and was bestowed that he will be Gur-Parmaisher and I will be remembered as Sat Parmaisher. Guru Ji got “Nam” and “Garibi” from God. God is one, truth, creator, fearless, without enmity unborn, self, illuminated and kind. This is Mool the Mantra of Sikh Dharma.
Bibi Nanaki loved Guru Sahib very much. While Guru Sahib was making tour all around the world, Bibi Nanki remembered Guru Sahib four times and every time Guru Sahib appeared before her. In travelling whenever Bhai Mardana felt disturbed and did not like to continue, Guru ji advised him to trust in God which is the only source of contentment. It is advisable not to seek help from people. See how the nature acts.
Guru Sahib’s First Journey:- From Sultanpur Lodhi Guru Sahib along with Bhai Mardana and Bhai Bala went to the East side from Samat 1554 to 1566. Guru Ji wore brown Chola. They reached Amnabad known as Saidpur. Here they stayed with Bhai Lalo a carpenter. It was announced by Malik Bhago that all saints residing near about, should join the Brahm Bhoj. All Jogis, Sanyasis went there but Guru Sahib did not go. This made Malik Bhago a bit annoyed. He sent messengers to bring him by force. Guru Sahib went there along with Malik Bhago. When they reached there, they Were asked to join in the Brahm Bhoj. Guru sahib took some portion of the Brahm Bhoj in one of his hands and Bhai Lalo’s bread in the other hand. By squeezing; it was noticed by the public that blood was coming from the Braham Bhoj and milk from the bread. There Guru Ji stayed for about 25 days. There Guru Ji wrote about the invasion of Babar. In the memory of Guru Ji, there are two famous Gurdwaras named Poori Sahib and Bhai Lalo’s house. Then Guru ji started towards Tolaba Distt. Multan. Guru ji met Sajjan Tag and brought him on the right path. There a ‘Dharamsala was built. The Peers of Multan came to Guru Sahib with a cup filled with milk. Guru ji put a Chambeli flower in it indicating that he was not going to stay there permanently.Then Guru Sahib started towards Kurukshetra.There was much gathering due to sun Eclipse. There Guru ji met Nanu Pandit. There Guru Sahib read some verses regarding meat.Guru ji met Sheikh Tahar at Panipat (Karnal) and satisfied him regarding ‘Fakiri’. Then Guru Sahib went to Delhi and met King Abrahim Lodhi. Here he advised him to have justice and pity on the poor. Here two Gurdwaras Paio Sahib aud Tilla Majnoo stand in memory of Guru Sahib. From here Guru ji reached Hardwar. Then they started towards river Ganges, the holy place of Hindus. Here they saw Pandit and other people throwing water towards the Sun. Guru Sahib started throwing water to the opposite side. When the people enquired, in reply Guru Sahib said that he was throwing water towards his land Kartarpur, at (Punjab). People were amused to hear these words and said it was not possible. In reply Guru ji asked how was it possible to send the water to he Sun when his place Kartarpur was nearer as compared with the Sun. On hearing this, they also became the followers Guru ji.
From Moradabad Guru Ji reached gorakh Matta.As Guru ji was against miracles, so they became the followers of Guru Sahib, Now, that place is known as Nanak Matta. At some distance another .Gurdwara is there in the memory of Guru Sahib known as Reetha Sahib. Then they reached Mathura, Vrindaban and preached to the preachers of those Temples. In Banaras Guru Sahib told the Pandits what the ‘Nam’ was. In Patna Sahib Salis Rai Johri and his servant (Adhraka) became the followers of Guru Ji. In Gaya, Guru Sahib removed the misunderstandings regarding ‘Pitter Gatti’. The Raja of Chittagang also became the follower of Guru Sahib. In Jagan Nath Puri, Guru Sahib explained what the true Arti was? In Assam (Kam-Rup) Nurshah Jadoogarni became the follower of Guru Ji alongwith her companions. Here with the help of a miracle, Bhai Mardana was turned as Iamb (Meeda) and with the help of Guru Ji, he was again brought back to the normal position. In Katik the worshippers of Bhairo became the followers of Guru Sahib. In Agra to Mata Jassi Guru Sahib gave description of ‘Nam’. In Rohail Khand Guru ji got the slaves free. In Lahore Ouru Sahib preached about ‘Saradh’ uttered 15 verses of “Asa Di Var” and Dunichand became the follower of Guru ji. In Pak-Pattan Guru ji uttered 9 verses of Asa Di Var to Shaikh Braham. In Dipal Pur a leopard was recovered. In Shri Kiratpur Sahib Pir Budan Shah presented a jag of milk to Guru ji which Guru Sahib said that he would drink when he would come again as sixth Guru. In Sialkot the misunderstandings of Pir Hamiza Ghos were removed, “there is only one God. In Pakho-ka-Randhawa, the house of his father-in-law, on the bank of Ravi at the request of Bhai Doda and Karovia this place was named as Shri Kartarpur Sahib and Guru Sahib with his family settled here.
Guru Sahib’s Second Journey:- He started his second journey in the year 1567 Bikrami toward South. Bhai Saido and Sheehan were alongwith Guru ji.They started from Shri Kartarpar Sahib towards Sultanpur Lodhi. Then from Sultanpur Lodhi, they reached Bhatinda and Hanumangarh. Guru ji then reached Sirsa. Here they met Abdul Shakur and Pir Bahawal-Hak. There Sahaj Yog was taught to them by Guru Sahib. Then they proceeded towards Bindiachal. They met ‘Kauda Rakish’ while they were crossing a thick jungle, Koda was advised to adopt true path. In this memory Gurdwara Jabal Pur is situated. From here they went towards Singla Deep. Here Raja Shivnabh came to see Guru ji. A Dharamsala was built to commemorate the visit. In Kajli forest Bharthari Jogi was preached how to adopt the true path. To Siddhjogis Guru ji preached about the family life and true path and here Guru ji conversed with them to love God and their fellowbeings. To the Western side of Malabar Sea, Gujarat, Bombay via Sindh they reached Bahawalpur and met Uch Da Pir residing there. There Guru ji advised them that the wealth is perishable and God is eternal. In the memory of Guru Sahib there are also two Gurdwaras at Manikaran in Kulu State and Jhaira Sahib in Bihar State.
Guru Sahib’s Third Journey:- Guru Sahib started histowards the North in the year 1571 Bikrami Samat. Bhai Sheehan and Hasu were accompanying the Guru. From Siri Kartarpur Sahib they reached Mattan Sahib via Jammu. From here they reached Sumer Parbat. Here they met a group of Sadhus. They enquired what power brought them there? Guru Sahib told them that they reached there with the help of Almighty God. They enquired about the true path and the condition of the country. Guru ji told them that we believe in Truth and the condition of the Country is pitiable and Rajas had adopted a wrong path and no justice was being done there. Siddh told Guru ji to show some miracles. Guru Sahib replied that we did not believe in miracles. The only miracle for him was prayer to God. Siddhs showed some miracles but to no effect and they became disciples.
Guru Sahib’s Fourth Journey:- Now Guru Sahib started the along with Bhai Bala and Bhai Mardana towards the West in the year 1571 Bikrami Samat. The dress of Guru Sahib was dark blue. From Shri Kartarpur Sahib they reached Sialkot and were informed about the death of Moola Khatri. Guru Sahib gave two paise to Bhai Mardana Rababi to bring falsehood and truth. He went to Moola Khatri who wrote on a piece of paper that to die is true while living is false.
In Katas Raj Guru ji met Jogis at the festival of Baisahi. There Guru ji preached them about the true and false love. Guru Sahib went to tilla Bal Gondai in Rohtas and met him. His diet was very simple which pleased Guru ji very much. Guru ji then reached Mecca. Guru ji lay down to take some rest. The direction of the legs was towards Mecca. Jiwan whose duty was to take care of this holy place, saw Guru Sahib lying with his legs towards Mecca. Jiwan asked Guru ji why was he lying in this position. In reply Guru Sahib told that he was feeling tired so he did it.Jiwan when asked about the direction of the legs. Guru Ji told him to move his legs where there was no God. Jiwan was surprised to see that Mecca also rotated according to the direction of legs.To Kazi Rukan Din Guru Sahib presented his Kharhavan which are still lying with the family of Kazi Rukan Din (Varan of Bhai Gurdas proves above). From here they reached Madina, Bagdad Kanddhar and kabul. Then came to Shri Panja Sahib. The name of this place was known as Hassan Abdal in Disrict Camel pur (pakistan). A Fakir Vali Kandhari was living at the top of the hillock. These were a tank of water in his possession.
Bhai Mardana Rahabi went twice to him to quench his thirst but every time Vali Kandhari refused to give even a drop of water. Bhai Mardana Rababi came to Baba Nanak Ji and told him all that had happened there. Guru ji was sitting under that hillock. He slightly removed the stone, which was lying there. Bhai Mardana Rababi was greatly surprised to see the constant flow of water from there. He quenched his thrist, but Vali Kandhari was greatly surprised to see that the whole water from his tank had gone. This made him very angry. A big stone was pushed by him with the intention that it will fall on them and they will be crushed, but to his great surprise Guru Sahib stopped that big stone with a hand with the result that the impression of his hand is still there. Vali Kandhari was very much impressed with this and became a follower of Guru Ji the writer has also visited Shri Panja Sahib West Pakistan Guru Ji met Baber and asked him why to beg from a human being when God was at his back.
“Naseehat Nama” was tought to king Karoon. In Achal Batala Guru Ji preached the Siddhas about Japuji & Siddh Goshat. Kalyug’ appeared before Guru Ji. Guru Ji preached him all about ‘Sat nam’. Baba Nanak Ji travelled all around the four directions and preached the people about ‘Sat Nam’. Guru ji presented a Cocoanut with five paise and bowed before Bhai Lehna Ji (Shri Gum Angad Dev Ji, and told the public that after his expiry he will consIdered as second Guru. Guru Sahib left for Heavenly abods on Vadi 10, Samat 1596 at Shri Kartarpur Sahib. In Dera Baba Nanak a cloak or garment and other things in the memory of Guru Nanak Dev ji are lying there. It is said that at the time of leaving the world Guru Sahib covered his face with a piece of cloth. The struggle arose between Hindus and Muslims. Each saying that he was their Pir or Guru. When the cloth was removed they were surprised to see that nothing was found there. So the cloth was torn into two pieces. One piece was taken by Muslims for the burial purpose the remaing half was burnt by Hindus.
The names of some of the Guru Sahib followers are as follows :-
Shahsohegan, Bhumia Choar, Jhanda Badi, Aliyar, Bbai Sadharan, Ajitta Randhawa, Ubara Khan, Braham Dass, Chattar Dass, Kamala, Chaiten Dass, Taru, Abdul Rahman Bhai Lalo, Bhai Bala, Bhai Mardana, Baba Buddhaji.
To his disciples and other sangat he advised them the follow-
1. Remember Gurmantra Wahi Guru’ and Mool Mantra. God is one, Truth creator, fearless without enmity, unborn, self illuminated, gracious.
2. To be an honest worker.
3. To show mercy towards the poor. The Sikhs believe in the Guru from Guru Nanak Dev ji to Guru Gobind Singh ji. Guru Gobind Singh ji instructed his panth to follow Shri Guru Granth Sahib and take it as the eleveth Guru. He advised the Sikhs not to believe in anyone who takes birth and dies.