Guru Nanak Jayanti: Here's What You Need to Know

Today, the entire country is reverently celebrating the Prakash Parv of the great Sikh saint Guru Nanak Dev Ji. But did you know that Rabindranath Tagore, the renowned poet and the creator of India’s national anthem, was deeply influenced by Guru Nanak Dev Ji? In fact, Tagore admired him greatly, and there is a fascinating story connected to this that we would like to share with you.

Tagore Hails Guru Nanak's Anthem as Universal Song of Unity

It happened that once, the famous film actor Balraj Sahni asked Rabindranath Tagore a question. He asked, “Since you wrote India’s national anthem, why don’t you write a universal anthem for the entire world?” To this, Tagore replied, “Such a song has already been written, in the 16th century, by Guru Nanak Ji.” He went on to explain to Balraj Sahni that this anthem is not just for this world but for the entire universe.

Guru Dev’s Admiration for Guru Nanak’s Aarti

Rabindranath Tagore, known as 'Gurudev', was so moved by one of Guru Nanak Ji’s Aartis that he translated it into Bengali. Let’s share with you the lyrics of this Aarti and its meaning:

Aarti Lyrics:

Gagan Mai Thaalu, Ravi Chandu Deepak Bane,

Tarka Mandal, Janak Moti.

Dhoop Malanalo, Pavan Chavro Kare,

Sagal Banrai Phulant Jyoti.

Kaisi Aarti Hoi,

Bhavkhandna Teri Aarti,

Anhat Shabad Bajant Bheri.

गगन मै थालु, रवि चंदु दीपक बने,

Meaning of this Aarti

The meaning of this Aarti is that in the vast sky, as a plate (Thaal), the sun and the moon shine as lamps (deepak), and the starry skies are like a necklace of pearls. The fragrance of sandalwood from the Malay mountains is the incense (dhup), while the wind (pavan) fans the incense like a chowra. All the trees and flowers in the forests are offered as flowers in your divine Aarti. The Anhad Shabad (the unstruck sound) is reverberating like the beating of drums.

This Aarti was recited by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Guru of the Sikhs, during his visit to Puri’s Jagannath Temple around 1506-1508.

Guru Nanak Ji's Global Popularity

Guru Nanak Dev Ji is known by 14 different names across more than 10 countries. In India, he is revered as Guru Nanak Dev Ji, while in Pakistan he is called Nanak Shah. He is known as Nankalama in Tibet and as Nanak Kamdar in Russia.

Additionally, in Nepal, he is called Nanak Rishi, in Bhutan and Sikkim, he is known as Nanak Ripochiya, in Sri Lanka, he is referred to as Nanakacharya, in China, he is known as Baba Fusa, in Iraq, as Nanak Pir, in Egypt, as Nanak Wali, and in Saudi Arabia, he is recognized as Pratham Patshahi Wali Hind.

The contribution of Guru Nanak Dev Ji to society and Sikhism is immeasurable. Nanak embodied many qualities—he was not only a philosopher, yogi, householder, social reformer, patriot, poet, and a universal friend. The core teaching of Guru Nanak Ji was that God is one, eternal, all-powerful, and truthful. He believed that God is present everywhere and in everything and that we must live in harmony with His creation.

By Priyanka Yadav

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