New Delhi

Sikhism’s founder Guru Nanak Dev spent the last 18 years of his life in Kartapur Sahib and it’s therefore only appropriate that the Gurudrawa built there has been reopened on this day for the Indians to visit it without having to obtain visas from Pakistan.

Guru Nanak Dev was born in the year 1469 in Talwandi, in today’s Pakistan. The village is on the banks of the Ravi River and has since been renamed as Nankana Sahib in memory of Sikhism’s founder.

A Gurudwara was built yhere by Maharaja Ranjit Singh later.

Since his childhood, Nanak Dev was interested in spirituality and the realization of God.

One day his father Kalyan Chand (Mehta Kalu) sent him to the house of his teacher for studies. His teachers asked him to write Om, but he wrote a numeral one alongside Om, to convey that God is one.

Once some people asked Guru Nanak Dev to explain who is great between a Hindu and a Muslim. His reply was, 'Aval Allah Noor Upaiya Kudrat Ke Sab Bande, Ek Noor Se Sab Jag upjaya Kaun Bhale Kaun Mande. (The Lord created the light; he created all human beings and the whole creation. How can we define who is good and who is bad)

Guru Nanak was a supporter of karma (action and deeds) and said without this the life of human beings is meaningless.

While living at Kartarpur, he gave three mantras to humanity:  Naam Japo, Pray to the God, 'Kirat Karen' meaning one must earn a living by working sincerely and Vand Chhako i.e.distribute whatever you have.

These three mantras can help humans cope with the present-day problems of the world.

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He not only preached but also lived what he preached. In Kartarpur Sahib, he plowed his fields. His actions sent a message that everyone must work hard in life.

Similarly, in his daily routine, he remained with the Akal Purakh, the Supreme Soul all the time and also shared money and food.

Guru Nanak’s birthday is celebrated as Prakash Parv (the festival of lights).