Guru Nanak
Guru Nanak was the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus, whose teachings emphasise one God, equality and honest living.
Guru Nanak (1469 – 1539) was the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. His birth is celebrated as Guru Nanak Gurpurab.
Life
Born in Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib in Pakistan), Nanak travelled widely across India and beyond, teaching through hymns and dialogue. He established the town of Kartarpur, where a community lived by his ideals.
Teachings
Guru Nanak taught the oneness of God (Ik Onkar), the equality of all human beings regardless of caste or gender, and three pillars: honest work (kirat karni), sharing with others (vand chakna), and remembering God (naam japna). His verses form part of the Guru Granth Sahib.
Legacy
He introduced the institution of langar, the free community kitchen still central to Sikh practice.
Frequently asked questions
What religion did Guru Nanak found?
Sikhism.
What is Guru Nanak's main teaching?
The oneness of God and the equality of all people.