Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, began his mission to transform humanity through a series of spiritual journeys known as Udasis. The first journey, or Pehli Udasi (1500–1506 CE), aimed to challenge social injustices, promote equality, and inspire spiritual awakening. Accompanied by his devoted companion Bhai Mardana, Guru Nanak touched countless lives during this transformative journey.

 

 

The Origins of the Pehli Udasi

Before embarking on his first Udasi, Guru Nanak Dev Ji resided in Sultanpur Lodhi, a small town in Punjab, where he worked as a Modi (storekeeper) for the local Nawab. Known for his integrity and compassion, Guru Nanak lived a simple yet spiritually profound life.

 

At the age of 30, he underwent a transformative spiritual experience. One morning, while bathing in the River Bein, Guru Nanak disappeared for three days. His sudden absence caused alarm among the locals, but upon his return, Guru Nanak revealed a divine revelation. He proclaimed, “Na koi Hindu, na Musalman” (There is no Hindu, no Muslim), signifying the unity of all humans under one universal Creator.

 

This spiritual awakening ignited a sense of purpose in Guru Nanak. He realized that his mission was to challenge ignorance, superstitions, and social inequalities and to guide humanity toward truth and oneness with God. Thus, he decided to undertake the Pehli Udasi—his first major journey—to spread this universal message of unity, love, and equality across diverse regions.

 

The Pehli Udasi was a journey of not just physical exploration but spiritual awakening for countless individuals. Guru Nanak, accompanied by his loyal companion Bhai Mardana, began a mission that would redefine societal norms and establish a foundation for Sikhism.

The Route of the Pehli Udasi

The Pehli Udasi was a monumental journey that spanned the vast expanse of the Indian subcontinent, covering regions of present-day India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Guru Nanak Dev Ji, accompanied by Bhai Mardana, traveled to cities, villages, and sacred centers of various religions to engage with people and disseminate his teachings of oneness, equality, and devotion to God. Each destination served as a unique platform for his divine mission.

 

Sultanpur Lodhi
Starting Point: Sultanpur Lodhi, a town in Punjab, holds immense significance as the starting point of Guru Nanak’s first Udasi. It was here that Guru Nanak received his divine calling after his spiritual revelation by the River Bein. Leaving behind his job, home, and worldly comforts, Guru Nanak set forth with Bhai Mardana to awaken humanity.

Talwandi (Nankana Sahib)
Reconnecting with Roots: Guru Nanak revisited his birthplace, Talwandi (modern-day Nankana Sahib, Pakistan), to seek the blessings of his parents before embarking on his spiritual mission. His visit to this sacred place symbolized his respect for family values while initiating a lifelong journey to spread universal truths.

Eminabad (Saidpur)
A Lesson on Honest Living: In Eminabad, Guru Nanak stayed with Bhai Lalo, a carpenter known for his simplicity and honesty. Here, Guru Nanak exposed the greed and exploitation practiced by Malik Bhago, a wealthy landlord. By comparing Bhai Lalo’s simple food, earned through hard work, with Malik Bhago’s extravagant offerings obtained through exploitation, Guru Nanak emphasized the virtue of earning an honest livelihood.

Tulamba (Makhdumpur)
Transforming Sajjan Thug: Tulamba was home to Sajjan Thug, a deceptive innkeeper who robbed travelers. Guru Nanak’s profound teachings and hymns not only exposed Sajjan’s wrongdoing but also inspired him to repent and transform his life. Sajjan became a devoted follower and dedicated himself to honest living, demonstrating the transformative power of Guru Nanak’s message.

Banaras (Varanasi)
Challenging Ritualism: In the sacred Hindu city of Banaras, Guru Nanak confronted the rigid caste system and ritualistic practices of the Brahmins. He urged people to focus on inner devotion to God rather than performing superficial rituals. This engagement highlighted Guru Nanak’s commitment to breaking barriers of caste and dogma.

Nanakmatta (Gorakhmata)
Dialogue with Yogis: In the Himalayan foothills, Guru Nanak encountered the Nath yogis at Nanakmatta. These ascetics believed in renunciation as the path to spirituality. Guru Nanak countered this notion, encouraging them to lead a life of active service and societal contribution, asserting that spiritual liberation could be achieved while living in the world.

Kamrup (Assam)
Confronting Sorcery: Guru Nanak’s journey to Kamrup, a region steeped in occult practices, brought him face-to-face with Nur Shah, a sorceress. Through compassion and wisdom, Guru Nanak convinced her to renounce her ways and embrace a life of truth and humility. This episode underscored the universal applicability of his teachings.

Dhaka and Sylhet (Bangladesh)
Promoting Harmony: Guru Nanak extended his travels to the easternmost parts of the subcontinent, visiting Dhaka and Sylhet. Here, he engaged with communities of diverse faiths, advocating harmony and mutual respect. His universal message resonated with people across cultural and religious divides, fostering a spirit of unity and love.

During the Pehli Udasi, Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings directly challenged the socio-religious systems of his time. He addressed deeply entrenched practices such as caste discrimination, hollow rituals, and social inequality, offering instead a universal message of love, equality, and devotion. These teachings formed the cornerstone of Sikhism and continue to guide millions worldwide.

Key Teachings and Interactions

Throughout the Pehli Udasi, Guru Nanak’s teachings challenged the prevailing socio-religious systems. His universal message resonated with people from all walks of life, promoting:

Oneness of God

One of Guru Nanak’s core messages during the Pehli Udasi was the concept of Ek Onkar—there is one universal, formless Creator who transcends religious divisions. Guru Nanak preached that God does not belong to any single religion, culture, or region, and that all humans are equal in the Creator’s eyes.

 

This teaching aimed to dissolve the divisions between Hindus, Muslims, and people of other faiths. By proclaiming “Na koi Hindu, na Musalman” (There is no Hindu, no Muslim), Guru Nanak called for unity among all individuals under the singular divine truth.

Equality and Social Justice

Guru Nanak denounced the caste system and any form of discrimination based on social or economic status. He emphasized the inherent dignity and equality of every individual, irrespective of their background, birth, or gender. His interactions with Bhai Lalo, a humble carpenter, and his condemnation of Malik Bhago’s greed highlighted the importance of honest living and equal treatment for all.

 

By promoting equality, Guru Nanak provided a powerful critique of the societal hierarchies of his time, paving the way for a more inclusive spiritual and social framework.

Honest Living (Kirat Karni)

Guru Nanak advocated for Kirat Karni, the practice of earning a livelihood through honest and ethical means. He believed that wealth obtained through exploitation or deceit was spiritually worthless, as exemplified in his teachings at Eminabad.

 

This principle was coupled with the concept of Vand Chakna—sharing one’s earnings with those in need. Guru Nanak encouraged selflessness and generosity, reminding people to view their wealth as a means to serve others rather than for personal gain.

Inner Devotion Over Rituals

Guru Nanak’s teachings consistently rejected hollow rituals, idol worship, and external symbols of religiosity. He argued that true spirituality lay in inner devotion, meditation, and remembrance of God (Naam Japna), rather than in elaborate ceremonies or pilgrimages.

 

At Banaras, Guru Nanak directly confronted the ritualistic practices of the Brahmins, emphasizing that actions rooted in love, compassion, and truth were far more significant than any outward show of piety.

Through these teachings, Guru Nanak offered a vision of a just, harmonious society rooted in spiritual principles. His messages during the Pehli Udasi not only challenged the religious orthodoxy of his time but also set the foundation for a faith that celebrates unity, service, and equality.

Key Incidents During Pehli Udasi

The Story of Bhai Lalo and Malik Bhago

In Eminabad, Guru Nanak stayed with Bhai Lalo, a poor but honest carpenter known for his hard work and simplicity. During his stay, Bhai Lalo humbly offered Guru Nanak simple food made from his honest earnings.

 

Meanwhile, Malik Bhago, a wealthy landlord and local official, hosted a grand feast and invited Guru Nanak. When Guru Nanak declined the invitation, Malik Bhago confronted him. To explain his refusal, Guru Nanak performed a symbolic act. He took Bhai Lalo’s dry bread in one hand and Malik Bhago’s luxurious food in the other. When he squeezed them, milk flowed from Bhai Lalo’s bread, while blood dripped from Malik Bhago’s food.

 

 

This powerful gesture illustrated that Bhai Lalo’s food was earned through honest means, while Malik Bhago’s wealth was stained with the blood of exploitation and injustice. The incident taught a profound lesson on the importance of ethical living and the virtue of earning a livelihood through honest work (Kirat Karni).

 

Transforming Sajjan Thug

At Tulamba, Guru Nanak encountered Sajjan Thug, a deceptive innkeeper who posed as a pious man to lure and rob travelers. Sajjan had built a grand inn and adorned it with religious symbols to appear devout, but behind this facade, he engaged in criminal acts.

 

Guru Nanak and Bhai Mardana stayed at Sajjan’s inn. During the evening, Guru Nanak sang a hymn (Shabad) that resonated deeply with Sajjan:

"As long as the pitcher is unbroken, fill it with water. Once it breaks, the water spills, and nothing remains."

 

The hymn reflected Sajjan’s life—despite his material wealth and false piety, his deeds were empty and corrupt. Moved to repentance, Sajjan fell at Guru Nanak’s feet and vowed to change his ways. Guru Nanak advised him to live an honest life and serve humanity.

 

Sajjan transformed into a devout follower, dedicating himself to helping others and using his inn as a sanctuary for travelers. This incident demonstrated Guru Nanak’s ability to reform even the most hardened individuals through wisdom and compassion.

 

Challenging Rituals and the Caste System

In the holy city of Banaras, a major Hindu pilgrimage site, Guru Nanak encountered priests and scholars deeply entrenched in ritualistic practices and the rigid caste system. These religious leaders believed that rituals and caste status determined a person’s spiritual worth.

 

Guru Nanak challenged this notion through discourse and hymn-singing. He taught that true spirituality lies in devotion to God, honesty, and compassion, not in performing elaborate rituals or adhering to caste divisions. Guru Nanak emphasized that God does not judge people based on their social status or religious practices but on their deeds and inner purity.

 

This incident highlighted Guru Nanak’s mission to break down barriers of inequality and inspire people to seek truth and humility.

 

Confronting Nur Shah the Sorceres

In Kamrup, Guru Nanak encountered Nur Shah, a sorceress who practiced black magic and used her powers to manipulate and harm others. She attempted to use her sorcery on Guru Nanak, but his spiritual strength rendered her efforts futile.

 

Through his calm demeanor and divine wisdom, Guru Nanak conveyed to Nur Shah that her powers were being misused. He explained the futility of such practices and urged her to turn towards truth and humility. Moved by his teachings, Nur Shah abandoned her ways and became a follower of Guru Nanak, dedicating herself to a life of service and righteousness.

 

This incident demonstrated Guru Nanak’s ability to dispel ignorance and evil through compassion and wisdom, underscoring the universal relevance of his teachings.

 

Dialogue with Nath Yogis

In Nanakmatta, situated in the Himalayan foothills, Guru Nanak encountered the Nath yogis, ascetics who practiced renunciation and believed that detachment from worldly life was the only path to spiritual liberation.

 

The yogis questioned Guru Nanak on why he, as a spiritual teacher, chose to live a worldly life instead of renouncing it. In response, Guru Nanak explained that true spirituality lies not in abandoning the world but in serving humanity while staying connected to God.

 

Through hymns and discourses, Guru Nanak emphasized the need for a balanced life, where one could meditate on God while fulfilling their responsibilities. His teachings inspired many yogis to rethink their practices and adopt a more compassionate and service-oriented approach. This incident highlighted Guru Nanak’s belief in active engagement with the world rather than isolation.

 

Rescuing the Prisoners

During his stay in Eminabad, Guru Nanak witnessed the aftermath of Babur’s invasion of the area. Many local residents were taken prisoner by the Mughal forces. Guru Nanak sang hymns lamenting the pain and suffering caused by war and violence.

 

He fearlessly approached Babur, challenging the emperor’s actions and reminding him of the moral consequences of his deeds. Babur, deeply moved by Guru Nanak’s courage and wisdom, ordered the release of the prisoners.

 

This incident not only exemplifies Guru Nanak’s compassion for the oppressed but also showcases his fearless commitment to justice, regardless of the consequences.

 

Meeting with Kauda the Cannibal

In Assam, Guru Nanak encountered Kauda Rakshas, a fierce cannibal who lured travelers to his dwelling, where he would kill and consume them. Guru Nanak and Bhai Mardana intentionally visited Kauda, despite the danger.

 

When Kauda attempted to harm them, Guru Nanak’s calm demeanor and divine presence overwhelmed him. Guru Nanak sang hymns about the futility of sinful actions and the possibility of redemption through self-awareness and repentance. Moved to tears, Kauda fell at Guru Nanak’s feet and vowed to change his ways. He became a devout follower, dedicating himself to helping others.

 

This incident underscores Guru Nanak’s ability to transform even the most hardened individuals through compassion and forgiveness.

 

The Lesson of Humility

In Sialkot, Guru Nanak stayed at the home of a simple potter rather than accepting an invitation from a wealthy man. The townspeople were curious about his choice, and Guru Nanak explained that true worth lies in humility and purity of heart, not in wealth or status.

 

This act highlighted Guru Nanak’s belief that God resides with those who live honestly and humbly, inspiring the locals to value inner virtues over material possessions.

 

A Lesson on Sharing

Guru Nanak visited Kurukshetra during the solar eclipse festival, a time when thousands of pilgrims abstained from food and drink, believing it would cleanse their sins. Guru Nanak, however, set up a langar (community kitchen) and began serving food to the poor and hungry.

 

When questioned by the religious authorities, Guru Nanak explained that feeding the hungry and serving others is a far greater act of devotion than ritual fasting. This incident is considered one of the earliest examples of the Sikh tradition of langar, which continues to be a cornerstone of Sikh practice.

 

Gurudwaras

 

Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Pehli Udasi is commemorated through numerous Gurdwaras that mark the places he visited and the profound teachings he shared. These sacred sites, spread across India and beyond, stand as reminders of his universal message of oneness, equality, and devotion. While countless Gurdwaras honor his journey, here are a few prominent ones:

1. Gurdwara Nanakmatta Sahib, Uttarakhand

Significance: Situated in the Himalayan foothills, this Gurdwara commemorates Guru Nanak’s meeting with the Nath yogis. He taught them that true spirituality is achieved through active engagement with society rather than renunciation.

Key Lesson: Spiritual liberation can be attained by living righteously within the world.

2.Gurdwara Sri Siddh Vati Sahib, Haryana

Significance: Guru Nanak visited Kurukshetra during the solar eclipse festival. He set up a langar (community kitchen) and served the poor, challenging the ritual fasting practices of the pilgrims.

Key Lesson: Serving humanity with compassion holds greater value than performing empty rituals.

3. Gurdwara Sant Ghat, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)

Significance: In the sacred city of Banaras, Guru Nanak confronted caste-based discrimination and ritualism practiced by the Brahmins. He emphasized inner devotion over superficial practices.

Key Lesson: God values sincerity and love, not outward displays of religiosity.

4. Gurdwara Makhdumpur Pakhoran, Tulamba (Pakistan)
Significance: Built at the site where Guru Nanak transformed Sajjan Thug, a deceitful innkeeper, into a devoted follower. Guru Nanak’s hymn inspired Sajjan to abandon his life of deceit and dedicate himself to honest living and service to humanity.

Key Lesson: Compassion and forgiveness can lead to transformation.

These are just a few of the many Gurdwaras associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Pehli Udasi. Each one tells a unique story of transformation, reflecting the enduring relevance of his teachings and the deep impact of his journey.

 

Impact of Guru Nanak’s journeys

The Pehli Udasi, Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s first spiritual journey, was a groundbreaking mission that not only spread his divine message but also laid the foundation for Sikhism. Through his teachings, actions, and interactions, Guru Nanak addressed deep-seated societal and spiritual challenges, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire millions.

Spiritual Awakening
Guru Nanak’s teachings during the Pehli Udasi brought a profound spiritual awakening among the people. By emphasizing the universal brotherhood of humanity and devotion to a formless Creator, he helped individuals transcend narrow religious identities and rituals. His message encouraged people to focus on self-awareness, truth, and compassion, laying the groundwork for a spirituality that valued inner devotion over outward displays.

Transformation of Communities
The journey had a transformative impact on communities across the Indian subcontinent. Guru Nanak inspired individuals to abandon practices rooted in greed, deceit, and superstition.

Sajjan Thug turned from a con artist into a devoted follower who committed himself to serving humanity.
The ascetics of Nanakmatta embraced the principle of engaging with society rather than renouncing it.
These stories showcase Guru Nanak’s ability to bridge divides and bring about meaningful change, regardless of societal or religious barriers.

Establishment of Pilgrimage Sites
The locations visited by Guru Nanak during the Pehli Udasi became sacred places for Sikhs and followers of his teachings. Over time, many Gurdwaras were built at many of these sites like:

Gurdwara Nanakmatta Sahib in Uttarakhand, marking his interaction with Nath yogis.
Gurdwara Makhdumpur Pakhoran, Tulamba (Pakistan) where Sajjan Thug transformed his life.
These pilgrimage sites not only preserve Guru Nanak’s legacy but also serve as reminders of his universal message of love and equality.

Inclusion in Sikh Scripture
The hymns, teachings, and discourses delivered by Guru Nanak during the Pehli Udasi were later compiled into the Guru Granth Sahib, the eternal scripture of Sikhism. These verses continue to guide Sikhs in their spiritual journey, emphasizing the principles of Naam Japna (meditation), Kirat Karni (honest living), and Vand Chakna (sharing with others).

The Pehli Udasi was far more than a journey; it was a transformative mission that redefined the spiritual and social landscape of its time. Guru Nanak’s teachings from this period continue to resonate globally, fostering a spirit of unity, equality, and service to humanity. His legacy remains a source of inspiration, urging individuals to live with purpose, compassion, and devotion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Pehli Udasi was not just a physical journey but a mission of love, unity, and spiritual awakening. Guru Nanak Dev Ji traveled far and wide to share his message of oneness, equality, and devotion to God. Through his teachings, he challenged social and religious injustices, inspired people to live with honesty and compassion, and laid the foundation for Sikhism. 

The impact of this journey is still felt today, as his words and actions continue to guide millions on the path of truth and harmony.

 

 

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