The Source Book On Sikhism

Chapter Three

Guru Nanak Dev Ji

(For Children)

Shamsher Singh &

Narinder Singh Virdi

Birth of Guru Nanak

It was at an hour of calamity for India that Guru Nanak appeared on the scene. He was born on April 15, 1469, at Talwandi, in the Sheikhupura District of West Pakistan. The place later came to be known as Nankana Sahib.

His father Kalyan Dass, popularly known as Mehta Kalu, was a village Patwari in the service of a local Muslim landlord, Rai Bular, a Bhatti Rajput, who was kindly disposed towards him. Mehta came of a long line of kashatryas of the Bedi clan and wielded a considerable influence in the village. Guru Nanak’s mother, Triptan, was a pious and gentle lady.

There was great rejoicings at the birth of Nanak. People flocked to shower good wishes on the happy parents.

The family priest, Hardyal, predicted that the new-born would be a great seer and prophet and his fame would ascend to the stars.

The parents were happy that their son would occupy a position of power at the court and would be a source of comfort and solace to them.

From his very birth Guru Nanak was a symbol of peace and good-will on earth. Holy men from far and near came to have their fill at this fountain of bliss everlasting.