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Who was Guru Nanak?

Guru Nanak was a spiritual leader and the founder of Sikhism. He was born in 1469 in the village of Talwandi, now known as Nankana Sahib, in present-day Pakistan. He was born into a Hindu family and was raised as a devout Hindu. From a young age, he showed a deep interest in spirituality and spent a lot of time in meditation and contemplation.

As he grew older, Guru Nanak started to question the traditional Hindu beliefs and rituals. He believed that there was only one God and that all human beings were equal, regardless of their caste, gender, or social status. He also rejected the idea of idol worship and emphasized the importance of inner devotion and connection with God.

At the age of 30, Guru Nanak had a spiritual awakening while bathing in the river Bein. He disappeared for three days and when he reappeared, he declared, "There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim". This marked the beginning of his spiritual journey and the founding of Sikhism.

Guru Nanak spent the rest of his life traveling and spreading his message of love, equality, and unity. He traveled on foot, covering thousands of miles, and visited many places including Tibet, Sri Lanka, and Mecca. He also composed many hymns and poems, which were later compiled into the holy book of Sikhism, the Guru Granth Sahib.

Guru Nanak's teachings were centered around the concept of "Ik Onkar", which means "One God". He believed that God was present in all of creation and that all human beings were connected to each other and to God. He also emphasized the importance of living a simple and honest life, and practicing selfless service and compassion towards others.

Guru Nanak's teachings had a profound impact on society, challenging the existing social and religious norms. He spoke out against the caste system and the mistreatment of women, and he encouraged people to live a life of service and equality. His message resonated with people from all walks of life, and he gained a large following of disciples who became known as Sikhs.

Guru Nanak's legacy continues to live on through the Sikh community and his teachings continue to inspire people around the world. He is remembered as a spiritual leader, a social reformer, and a visionary who dedicated his life to spreading love, compassion, and unity among all human beings.