In a fitting tribute to one of the greatest spiritual leaders who ever walked this earth, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 550th Prakash Utsav (birth anniversary) is drawing global attention. Year-long celebrations around the world will culminate on 12th November, the day on which Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birthday is traditionally celebrated. An exponential rise in visitors is expected in Punjab and other places of prominence in the Sikh tradition. Gurdwaras historically associated with Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji are likely to receive the maximum attention and are preparing to receive the faithful.
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh faith, was one of the greatest spiritual leaders of all time. Raised in a Hindu home and conversant with Islamic traditions, the Guru had a deep understanding of spirituality and his teachings were original and continue to be relevant and universal to this date. His teachings, expressed through remarkable poetry, speak of equality, brotherhood and peace. He laid down a set of guiding principles that he believed led to a spiritually fulfilling life, and these are followed by millions of Sikhs globally.
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s ideas and philosophy emerged from living in a deeply divided social environment that was entrenched in superstition and bigotry. Above all things, he wanted to liberate people from their medieval mindsets and hypocrisy. As illustrated by accounts in the janamsakhis (anecdotal life stories) about his early life and subsequent travels, he employed derision, humour, caution and informed argument to drive home his point. He questioned baseless rituals, and he spoke out emphatically and persuasively against discrimination on the lines of caste, creed and gender. He also emphasised the importance of being a responsible, involved householder and discouraged asceticism as a means to spiritual enlightenment.
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via Lonely Planet India
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