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uru Nanak Dev Ji was the first Guru of the Sikhs. Many people know what Guru Nanak Dev Ji did and what their teachings are. But another question behind all these questions is who sent him and who made him the Guru. This article explains who and why was Guru Nanak Dev Ji sent.
Why Did Guru Nanak Dev Ji Come?
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was enlightened directly by Vaheguru (God) Ji. Vaheguru Ji gave a divine mandate to Guru Ji. The preeminent Sikh historian Bhai Gurdaas Ji (His writings are honored by the fifth Guru and are called the key to understanding Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji) writes in the following quote that the Creator heard the cries of the people and sent Guru Nanak to this world.
ਸੁਣੀ ਪੁਕਾਰਿ ਦਾਤਾਰ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਗੁਰੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਜਗ ਮਾਹਿ ਪਠਾਇਆ।
The benefactor Lord listened to the cries (of humanity) and sent Guru Nanak to this world.
What was the mission of Guru Nanak?
In the following quote, Bhai Gurdas Ji writes that in Kalyug (the age of darkness), Guru Nanak Dev Ji has come to get everyone to swim across this worldly ocean.
ਕਲਿ ਤਾਰਣਿ ਗੁਰੁ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਆਇਆ ॥੨੩॥
Guru Nanak came to redeem the Kaliyug.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji came to emancipate the world and make us free from the darkness. There is a Sakhi (true story) about Guru Nanak Dev Ji going into the court of Vaheguru Ji. Guru Ji was given Amrit (nectar of immortality) to drink by the Creator and told that his mission is to spread Dharam (righteousness). In the following quote, Bhai Gurdas Ji explains that Guru Ji went to the realm of the truth and got Naam (connection to the divine) and humility.
ਬਾਬਾ ਪੈਧਾ ਸਚਿ ਖੰਡਿ ਨਉ ਨਿਧਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਗਰੀਬੀ ਪਾਈ।
Guru of The World
Guru Ji is the Jagat Guru (Guru of the world) because their teachings are inclusive. One does not have to be a Sikh to get into the court of our Creator. You need to listen to the truth and the message given. Guru Nanak Dev Ji has the power of Gurparsad (Guru’s grace) to bless us with Naam. Guru Nanak Dev Ji came to emancipate the world but also is here to bless us with Naam. One can understand Naam as a connection to the divine, but it has a deep meaning.
Guru Ji is Ever-Present
Guru Nanak Dev Ji is ever-present and is so powerful. Guru Ji is a gift from Vaheguru Ji to a Sikh. Guru Ji can bless us and save our honor in this age of darkness. Guru Ji can elevate us to an enlightened state. In Sikh history, there are many examples of great Sikhs who reached that state with the blessings of Guru Ji. For example, Bhai Mani Singh Ji, Bhai Randhir Singh Ji, Mai Bhago Ji, etc.
This article is a transcribed version of the video below.
