Guru Angad Dev Ji: The Light of Sikhism and His Inspiring Teachings

Guru Angad Dev Ji: The Second Sikh Guru and His Teachings

Guru Angad Dev Ji was the second Guru of Sikhism. He played a very important role in shaping the Sikh community after Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He carried forward the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and introduced many reforms that helped Sikhs grow as a strong and united community. His life was full of devotion, humility, and service to humanity.

Early Life of Guru Angad Dev Ji

Guru Angad Dev Ji was born on March 31, 1504, in a small village called Matte Di Sarai, now in Punjab, India. His birth name was Lehna. His father, Bhai Pheru Mal, was a trader, and his mother, Mata Ramo (also known as Mata Sabhrai), was a kind-hearted and religious woman. From a young age, Lehna was deeply spiritual and followed the Hindu goddess Durga's worship.

As he grew up, Lehna got married to Mata Khivi, and they had two sons and two daughters. He was a devoted husband and a loving father. He worked as a trader and lived a simple life.

Meeting Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Lehna's life changed when he heard the divine words of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He was deeply moved by Guru Ji's teachings of one God and selfless service. He decided to meet Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Kartarpur.

When Lehna met Guru Nanak Dev Ji, he was so impressed that he became his disciple. He left his previous beliefs and started following the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji with full dedication. He served Guru Nanak Dev Ji with complete love and humility.

Lehna Becomes Guru Angad Dev Ji

Guru Nanak Dev Ji tested Lehna many times to see if he was worthy of becoming the next Guru. Lehna always obeyed Guru Ji’s orders without any hesitation. His deep love, devotion, and humility impressed Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

In 1539, before leaving his physical body, Guru Nanak Dev Ji declared Lehna as his spiritual successor. He gave him the name Angad, which means "a part of the Guru’s body." This showed that Lehna was now an inseparable part of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s mission. This is how Lehna became Guru Angad Dev Ji, the second Guru of the Sikhs.

Guru Angad Dev Ji’s Contributions

Guru Angad Dev Ji made many contributions that helped the Sikh community grow stronger. He followed the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and introduced some important changes that helped in spreading Sikhism.

1. Development of Gurmukhi Script

One of the greatest contributions of Guru Angad Dev Ji was the development of the Gurmukhi script. He standardized and improved the script to make it easier for common people to read and write.

This helped in spreading the message of Sikhism, as people could now read the holy teachings in their own language. Today, the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhs, is written in Gurmukhi.

2. Promotion of Education

Guru Angad Dev Ji believed that education was very important. He encouraged people to read and write. He established schools where children were taught using the Gurmukhi script.

These schools helped people gain knowledge and become aware of their rights. This step was revolutionary at a time when education was limited to a few people.

3. Physical Fitness and Wrestling

Guru Angad Dev Ji promoted physical health along with spiritual growth. He encouraged people to engage in sports, especially wrestling.

He started akhadas (wrestling arenas) where young people were trained to stay fit and healthy. He believed that a strong body was necessary for a strong mind and soul.

4. Emphasis on Langar (Community Kitchen)

Like Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Guru Angad Dev Ji continued the tradition of Langar (free community kitchen). He made sure that everyone, regardless of caste, religion, or social status, could sit together and eat.

This practice promoted equality and removed discrimination from society. Guru Ji’s wife, Mata Khivi, played a key role in managing the Langar and ensuring that food was served with love and respect.

5. Stories of Humility and Service

There are many stories from Guru Angad Dev Ji’s life that show his humility and dedication to serving others. One famous story tells us how Guru Ji showed the power of selfless service.

One day, a group of people came to visit Guru Angad Dev Ji. Instead of sitting on a special throne, Guru Ji was found serving food in the Langar. He was washing the utensils and cleaning the place.

The visitors were shocked and asked, "Guru Ji, why are you doing this work? You are our Guru, and you should not be doing such small tasks!"

Guru Ji smiled and replied, "Service is the highest duty. A true leader is one who serves others."

This story teaches us the importance of humility and selfless service.

Guru Angad Dev Ji’s Teachings

Guru Angad Dev Ji continued the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and emphasized some key principles:

Naam Japna (Remembering God): He encouraged people to always remember and meditate on God’s name.

Kirat Karni (Honest Living): He taught that one should always earn an honest livelihood through hard work.

Vand Chakna (Sharing with Others): He asked people to share their earnings and help those in need.

Equality: He promoted equality among all human beings, regardless of caste, religion, or gender.

Guru Angad Dev Ji’s Last Years and Legacy

Guru Angad Dev Ji served as the Sikh Guru for 13 years. During this time, he strengthened the foundation of Sikhism and prepared the community for the future.

In 1552, before leaving his physical body, he appointed Guru Amar Das Ji as his successor. Guru Amar Das Ji continued his mission and further strengthened Sikhism.

Guru Angad Dev Ji’s contributions are still remembered today. The Gurmukhi script, the tradition of Langar, and the emphasis on education and physical fitness are all part of his great legacy.

Conclusion

Guru Angad Dev Ji’s life is an inspiration for all. His humility, devotion, and service to humanity teach us valuable lessons.

He showed that a true leader is one who serves others and works for the betterment of society. His teachings of equality, honesty, and selfless service are still relevant today.

By following Guru Angad Dev Ji’s path, we can create a world full of love, kindness, and unity.