Guru Nanak Jayanti: A Day to Reflect on Unity, Service and Devotion
Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, is a major celebration in Sikhism marking the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh faith. This day brings together millions of people worldwide to reflect on the profound teachings of Guru Nanak, who emphasized equality, love, unity, and selfless service. Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrates his message that all people, regardless of background, race, or belief, are equal in the eyes of God. It is a time for Sikhs and people from all faiths to gather in prayer, share meals in community kitchens (langar), and engage in acts of kindness and charity. The celebration includes singing hymns, participating in processions, and attending prayers at Gurdwaras, where devotees honor Guru Nanak’s teachings of humility, respect, and devotion to service. This auspicious occasion serves as a reminder of his timeless vision for a just, peaceful, and inclusive world.
Who was Guru Nanak Devji?
The founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus was Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He was born on April 15, 1469, in Rai Bhoi di Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib, Pakistan). His main message was that there is only one God, and all people—no matter their religion, caste, or background—are equal in His eyes.
Guru Nanak’s life was not just about religious practices but about making the world a better place. His teachings encourage us to treat everyone with respect and to live with honesty and compassion.
Why we celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti
Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, is one of the most important celebrations in Sikhism, honoring the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh faith. This day is important because it reminds us of the teachings Guru Nanak shared about living a life of love, kindness, and equality. On Guru Nanak Jayanti, Sikhs around the world come together to celebrate his life and reflect on how we can follow his example in our own lives. It’s a day to remember the values of equality and selfless service and to spread love and kindness to everyone we meet.
The Meaning Behind ‘Ik Onkar’: Guru Nanak’s Message in One Word
When we talk about Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings, one of the most powerful phrases is ‘Ik Onkar’. This simple yet deeply meaningful phrase appears at the very beginning of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, and serves as the foundation for the Sikh faith.
In Punjabi, ‘Ik’ means ‘One’ and ‘Onkar’ means ‘God’ or ‘The Creator’.
Together, ‘Ik Onkar’ translates to ‘There is One God’ or ‘One Creator’.
This simple phrase carries a powerful message about the nature of God and the universe.
In daily life, Sikhs are encouraged to meditate on ‘Ik Onkar’ as a way of connecting with the divine. The phrase is often repeated in prayer and meditation as a way to center the mind, open the heart, and cultivate a deeper sense of spiritual awareness.
As the first verse of the Japji Sahib, the sacred prayer of Sikhism, ‘Ik Onkar’ holds a central place in Sikh worship. It is the first thing Sikhs hear when they enter a Gurdwara (Sikh place of worship), and it sets the tone for their entire spiritual journey.
Ik Onkar is a reminder that we are all connected through this one divine energy, regardless of our backgrounds, religions, or beliefs. Ik Onkar calls for unity, not just among Sikhs but among all people. It teaches that we are all equal in the eyes of the Creator, and no one is superior or inferior based on their caste, creed, or social status.
Celebrations and Rituals:
Akhand Path: Devotees participate in the continuous reading of Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, known as ‘Akhand Path’.
Nagar Kirtan: Processions, known as Nagar Kirtan, are held where the Sikh community sings hymns, carries the Sikh flag and spreads the message of Guru Nanak’s teachings.
Gurdwara Decorations: Gurdwaras, Sikh places of worship, are decorated with lights. Special prayer sessions and kirtans are held to mark this occasion.
Langar (Community Service): A hallmark of Sikhism is the concept of Langar, a community kitchen that serves free meals to people of all backgrounds. On Guru Nanak Jayanti, Langars operate on an even larger scale, embodying the principles of equality and self-service.
Guru Nanak's Golden Temple
The Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib, is one of the most important and sacred places in Sikhism. Located in Amritsar, Punjab, this beautiful temple is not just a place of worship but also a symbol of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings.
While Guru Nanak Dev Ji didn’t build the Golden Temple himself, his teachings laid the foundation for its creation. It was Guru Nanak’s message of unity and equality that inspired the temple’s design. The Golden Temple was later built by Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru, in the 16th century.
The Golden Temple is a stunning structure made of marble and gold, surrounded by a peaceful holy pool (Amrit Sarovar). The temple is open on all four sides, symbolizing that the path to God is open to everyone. The Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhism, is kept inside the temple and is read continuously. The Langar at the Golden Temple serves thousands of people every day, reminding us of the importance of kindness, humility, and generosity.
For many, visiting the Golden Temple is more than just a religious experience; it’s a moment of peace and reflection. The quiet, serene atmosphere and the sound of kirtan (devotional songs) create a calming space for prayer and meditation. The holy pool surrounding the temple is said to have healing powers, and many come to the Golden Temple seeking spiritual peace and strength.
How Guru Nanak showed us the Way
Guru Nanak, the first Guru of Sikhism, shared simple yet powerful teachings that guide us on how to live a good, meaningful life. His message was about love, equality, kindness, and living with honesty and compassion. Even though Guru Nanak lived over 500 years ago, his teachings are still relevant today and can help us find peace and purpose in our lives.
Let’s look at the key lessons Guru Nanak shared and how they can guide us:
1. Serve Others (Seva) :
Guru Nanak showed by example that true spirituality is about helping others without expecting anything in return. He called this Seva, or selfless service. Whether it was feeding the hungry or helping the sick, Guru Nanak believed that serving others was one of the best ways to serve God. Today, his message reminds us that small acts of kindness—like helping a neighbor or volunteering—make the world a better place and bring us closer to our true selves.
Seva can take many forms:
- Volunteering time to help others, whether it’s in the community or the home.
- Serving food in the Langar (community kitchen) to feed those in need, no matter their social status.
- Offering your skills to help others, like teaching, providing medical care, or providing companionship to the elderly.
2. The Practice of Remembrance of God (Simran) :
The second core practice in Sikhism is Simran, which means remembering and meditating on the name of God. The term “Simran” comes from the root word “Simar,” which means to meditate. In Sikhism, Simran is the practice of repeating or reciting God’s name (Waheguru), allowing the mind to focus on the divine presence and bring peace to the soul.
Simran is not only a personal practice but is also an expression of faith and surrender to God. Sikhs often recite the Waheguru mantra, which means “God is great.”.
This repetition can take place in formal prayer, during daily activities, or in moments of meditation.
In today’s world, where individualism, stress, and materialism often dominate, the practices of Seva and Simran provide powerful antidotes. Whether you are a Sikh or not, these practices can be adapted to help you lead a life of greater purpose, peace, and service to others.
Conclusion
On this day, it’s a quality time to ask ourselves: How can we bring people together? How can we help others without expecting rewards? How can we live with more love and devotion in our hearts? Guru Nanak Jayanti is a reminder that true spirituality is about how we live, how we treat others, and how we connect with the divine through our actions.
At Jupical, we follow Guru Nanak Ji’s teachings of unity, helping others selflessly, and living with a connection to the divine. These values guide us in creating a community based on kindness, equality, and integrity.
Let this Guru Nanak Jayanti inspire us to live with purpose, serve with compassion, and remember the oneness of all.