Guru Nanak Dev, affectionately known as Baba Nanak (Baba, meaning father) was the founder of the religion Sikhism and the first Sikh Guru of the 10 Gurus as well is renowned for his teachings on hope, life, love, peace, equality, and humanity. Born on 15 April 1469 near Lahore, he emphasized 'One God' and sought to reconcile Hinduism and Islam within Sikhism. Millions of Sikhs all around the globe continue to be inspired by his teachings today.

Celebrated annually on the full moon day of Kartik month, Guru Nanak Gurupurab or Guru Nanak Jayanti commemorates his birth, with this year, 2023, marking the 554th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev.

His Beliefs:

The holy scripture of the Sikh religion, Sri Guru Granth Sahib, scripts his beliefs, teachings, and words. Guru Nanak rejected the concept of a 'Trinity of Gods' and the idea of God being assumed in human form. He denounced superstitions, caste distinctions, and unnecessary rituals related to superficial diety. Guru Nanak's most famous teachings include the assertion that there is only one God and that all individuals can directly access God without the need for rituals or priests. Emphasizing the unity of all religions, he advocated the belief in one universal God which is present in anything and everything.

According to Guru Granth Sahib, being religious means regarding all men as equals. He also emphasized that one who lacks faith in oneself can never have faith in God, and those who have loved are the ones who have found God. He believed that there is only One God, named Truth. He is the Creator, fears none, is without hate, never dies, is beyond the cycle of births and death, self-illuminated, and realized through the kindness of the True Guru. The Truth was present in the beginning, continues through the ages, and remains true now.

His teachings:

Guru Nanak Sahib's message actively promotes the significance of devotional worship to the divine, selfless service to others and the rejection of caste and social hierarchies. He advocates for speaking only that which brings honour and emphasizes universal brotherhood, transcending caste, creed, gender, and race, making equality mandatory for all. Nanak encourages individuals to cultivate kindness, compassion, and empathy, stressing the importance of sharing received blessings with the needy before consumption. He asserts, "Dwell in peace in the home of your own being, and the Messenger of Death will not be able to touch you. The realization of Truth is higher than all else. Higher still is truthful living."

His death:

He passed away on 22 September 1539 at Kartarpur, present-day Pakistan, at the age of 70. Legend has it that as devotees realized their master was preparing to leave his mortal coil, a tense dispute arose among Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims over who would claim his body for funeral rites. While Sikhs and Hindus felt cremation was in line with their traditions, Muslims wanted to bury the body by theirs. They went to Nanak for help in settling their differences. And finally, a thorough discussion was had by Guru Nanak Dev Ji to resolve the disagreements.

Debate on the origin of Sikhism:

Some historical theory debates that Punjab's history and the sociopolitical climate of the northwest Indian subcontinent in the 17th century are closely entwined with the history of the Sikh religion. According to many contemporary historians, Nanak's teachings are closely linked to the Hindu/Islamic tradition's earlier bhakti, sant, and wali. The nirguni ('formless God') tradition of the Bhakti movement in mediaeval India is said to have influenced Nanak and Sikhism. And according to some historical concepts and research, the Bhakti movement and Sikhism developed simultaneously in the early Middle Ages. It also arose in reaction to the Muslim rulers' frequent incursions against the Hindu community, especially in North India during the Mughal era (1526–1857 A.D.).

Conclusion:

The principle of Sikhism is all about peace, harmony and empathy for humanity. Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of the religion emphasises that there is only one true God that is formless, yet so divine. Faith is nothing but a source of hope and a form that brings oneself inner peace and prosperity. God is in kindness, in sharing happiness; it is selflessness, love and empathy. Everyone has the right to faith regardless of caste, creed and gender.

Happy Gurupurab! Let's commemorate the founder of Sikhism on this Guru Nanak Jayanti.