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Guru Nanak

Guru Nanak (1469–1539) was an Indian spiritual teacher, poet, and religious reformer who is regarded as the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Guru Nanak (1469–1539) was an Indian spiritual teacher, poet, and religious reformer who is regarded as the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. His teachings emphasized devotion to one God, equality, honest living, and service to others. Guru Nanak is widely venerated by Sikh communities in Canada, where Sikhism is one of the country’s major minority religions and Guru Nanak Gurpurab is observed by many Canadians.

Early life

Guru Nanak was born on 15 April 1469 in Talvandi, now Nankana Sahib in Punjab, Pakistan. He later worked in Sultanpur before beginning his public religious mission.

Teachings

His message centred on the oneness of God, equality of all people, meditation on the divine name, and ethical living. Sikh tradition associates him with opposition to caste hierarchy, superstition, and empty ritual.

Founding of Sikhism

Guru Nanak is regarded as the founder of Sikhism and the first Sikh Guru. His teachings formed the basis of the Sikh religious tradition that was later developed by succeeding Gurus.

Legacy

Guru Nanak remains a central figure in Sikh identity and devotion. His birth is commemorated by Sikhs through Guru Nanak Gurpurab, one of the religion’s major festivals.

Key facts

  • Guru Nanak is widely regarded as the founder of Sikhism.
  • He is the first of the ten Sikh Gurus.
  • His teachings are preserved in hymns and sayings associated with Sikh scripture.
  • He stressed devotion to one God and rejected religious ritualism and caste distinctions.
  • He is associated with the Sikh principles of honest living, sharing, and remembrance of God.
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Canadian context

Guru Nanak is widely venerated by Sikh communities in Canada, where Sikhism is one of the country’s major minority religions and Guru Nanak Gurpurab is observed by many Canadians.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Guru Nanak?
Guru Nanak was a 15th- and 16th-century Indian spiritual teacher, poet, and religious reformer regarded as the founder of Sikhism and the first Sikh Guru.
When was Guru Nanak born and when did he die?
He was born on 15 April 1469 and died on 22 September 1539.
Where was Guru Nanak born?
He was born in Talvandi, now known as Nankana Sahib in Punjab, Pakistan.
What did Guru Nanak teach?
He taught devotion to one God, equality of all people, honest work, sharing with others, and remembrance of the divine through meditation and devotion.
Why is Guru Nanak important to Sikhs?
He is considered the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus, making him the central starting point of the Sikh tradition.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Guru-Nanak
    Supports: Birth and death, founder of Sikhism, first Guru, core teachings
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guru_Nanak
    Supports: Dates, birthplace, role as founder of Sikhism
  3. BBC — https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/sikhism/people/nanak.shtml
    Supports: Founder of Sikhism, birthday observance, birth location
  4. Pluralism Project — https://pluralism.org/guru-nanak
    Supports: Early life, revelation experience, later preaching and community formation