Sadguru Nanak
The Great Indian Reformer
Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of the Sikh faith, was born in the month of Kartik (October/November), and his birthday is known as Guru Nanak Jayanti.
Born in 1469 A.D. at Tolevandi, some 30 miles from Lahore, the religion of Sikhism may be termed the fruit of his great vision, dedication and devotion.
The festivities in the Sikh religion revolve around the anniversaries of the 10 Sikh Gurus, known as guruparabs.
These Gurus were responsible for shaping the beliefs of the Sikhs. Their anniversaries are celebrated with great dedication and devotion. On the auspicious occasion of Guru Nanak , and indeed all guruparabs, free sweets and langar (community lunches) are offered to everyone irrespective of religious faith. Men, women, and children, participate in this karseva as service to the community, cook food and distribute it in the 'Guru ka Langar', with the traditional 'Karah Prasad'.
The Sikhs also visit gurdwaras where special programs are arranged and religious songs are sung in praise of Guru Nanak. Houses and gurdwaras are lit up to add to the festivities.
The most sacred shrine of the Sikhs is the Golden Temple, located in the city of Amritsar, in Punjab, where Sikhs comprise the majority of the population. The Golden temple is named after its dome which is covered completely with 400 kg of gold leaf.
Guru Nanak Dev's life served as a beacon light for his age. He was a great seer, saint and mystic. A prolific poet and a unique singer of God's laudation, he was the messenger of peace, love, truth and renaissance.
Even in his childhood, Guru Nanak had a mystic disposition and he used to talk about God with Sadhus. He had a contemplative mind and a pious nature. He began to spend his time in meditation and spiritual practices. He was, by habit, reserved.
Gurunanak dev's ideas were ahead of his times. His universal message is as fresh and true even today as it was in the past and Sikhs all over the world practice what Guru Nanak Dev preached, to reaffirm their beliefs in the teachings of their founder.
Guru nanak dev believed in and preached the concept of one god, one without any physical form. That is why the Sikhs don't worship idols.
Guru Nanak became part of India's progressive movement from medievalism to modernity.
He pioneered a change in religious beliefs creating new convictions and fervour among his followers.
Guru Nanak came to the world with a message of peace, unity, love and devotion to God. He came at a time when real religion was replaced by mere rituals and forms.
He came to preach the gospel of peace, brotherhood or the unity of humanity, love and sacrifice.
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courtsey: My Pandit.com