Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024: Key journeys of First Guru of Sikhism
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024: Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Guru of Sikhism, embarked on numerous spiritual journeys during his lifetime, known as Udasis. These travels played a pivotal role in spreading his message of oneness of God, equality, and devotion to service. Guru Nanak Dev ji's journeys were not only religious pilgrimages but also missions to challenge social injustices, eliminate superstitions, and promote peace and harmony among diverse communities. His teachings, passed down through these journeys, continue to inspire millions today.
The Significance of the Udasis
Guru Nanak Dev Ji's travels, or Udasis, were an integral part of his mission to share the message of God's oneness and to transcend the boundaries of religion, caste, and social divisions. He embarked on these long journeys to different regions, meeting people from various walks of life, including Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and others. Through his teachings, he emphasised that true devotion lies in the remembrance of God's name and selfless service to humanity.
Guru Nanak's primary objective during these journeys was to teach people about the unity of God, reject superstition, and encourage harmony among all people. His messages were deeply spiritual yet practical, and they resonated with people across religious and social boundaries.
Key Journeys of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
The First Udasi – The Journey to Sultanpur Lodhi and Beyond
Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s first major journey began after his spiritual awakening at the age of 30, when he disappeared for three days. When he returned, he declared, "There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim," which signified his rejection of religious divisions and his vision of a unified humanity.
After this experience, Guru Nanak Dev Ji set off on his first long journey. He travelled to various parts of northern India, including places like Sultanpur Lodhi, Delhi, and Haridwar, meeting spiritual leaders, scholars, and common people to share his message. His travels aimed to show people that true worship is not confined to rituals but is found in one's daily life and service to others. He is said to have meditated in places like the banks of the Ganges to experience the divine presence.
The Second Udasi – Journey to South India
Guru Nanak Dev Ji then travelled to the southern part of India. He visited places like Rameswaram, Tiruvannamalai, and Kanchipuram, where he preached to the people of different faiths, including Hindus and Jains. His visit to Rameswaram is significant because he met with Hindu scholars there and engaged in deep discussions about God and religion, emphasising the importance of spiritual devotion over blind rituals.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji also visited Sri Lanka and preached to the people about equality, service, and the importance of remembering God's name. During these journeys, he continued to challenge the established norms and encouraged people to look beyond rituals and social distinctions to experience the oneness of God.
The Third Udasi – Journey to Tibet and the Far East
In his third major journey, Guru Nanak Dev Ji travelled towards the north, reaching regions like Tibet and parts of China. Here, he interacted with Buddhist monks and shared his message of oneness and devotion to the one true God. His teachings on the equality of all human beings transcended religious boundaries and appealed to many across these diverse regions. His encounters with the people of Tibet, particularly with the Buddhist monks, led to further discussions on meditation, spiritual awakening, and the nature of God.
The Fourth Udasi – Travels to Mecca and Medina
The most well-known and important journeys of Guru Nanak was to Mecca and Medina, two of the holiest cities in Islam. This journey was unique, as it demonstrated Guru Nanak's inclusive approach to spirituality and his respect for all religions.
While in Mecca, Guru Nanak Dev Ji is said to have been challenged by the local Muslim authorities for his unconventional ways. One famous incident during this journey involves Guru Nanak Dev Ji being asked to lay down in a certain direction for prayer. Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who was a devout believer in the oneness of God, pointed his feet toward the Kaaba (the holiest site in Islam) in response. When the Muslim priests questioned him, Guru Nanak is said to have replied, "Wherever you turn, there is the face of God."
In Medina, Guru Nanak Dev Ji engaged in deep philosophical discussions with the Muslim clergy, spreading the message of peace, humility, and devotion to the one true God. His interactions during these travels helped bridge the gap between different religious communities and emphasized the idea of living a truthful life based on the remembrance of God’s name.
The Journey to the Punjab Region and Surrounding Areas
Guru Nanak Dev Ji also made extensive journeys across the Punjab region, visiting places like Amritsar, Lahore, Multan, and Makka. These visits were significant in establishing a spiritual connection with the land that would later become the cradle of Sikhism. In these regions, he gathered a large following, and many of his hymns, which form the core of Guru Granth Sahib, were composed during these travels. Guru Nanak's teachings of community service (Langar), honesty, and equality became deeply ingrained in the Sikh community during these travels.
Lessons from Guru Nanak's Journeys
Guru Nanak Dev Ji's travels were not just physical; they were spiritual odysseys meant to break down barriers and foster unity among diverse peoples. Some key lessons from his journeys include:
Oneness of God: Guru Nanak emphasised that there is only one God, and he is the same for all human beings, irrespective of their religion, caste, or creed.
Equality of All People: He rejected the caste system, religious rituals, and social discrimination, promoting the idea that all people are equal in the eyes of God.
The Importance of Selfless Service: Guru Nanak’s Langar (free kitchen) and emphasis on service to humanity taught that true devotion lies in helping others selflessly.
Living a Life of Truth and Integrity: His teachings urged people to live truthful lives, earn an honest living, and always uphold justice and righteousness.
Unity Among Religions: Through his interactions with people from different faiths, Guru Nanak showed that all religions lead to the same ultimate truth, and there is no need for division.
- PTC NEWS
