Gurgaddi Diwas of Sri Guru Angad Dev Sahib Ji

In Sikh history, Gurgaddi Diwas holds special significance. The Gurgaddi Diwas of Sri Guru Angad Dev Sahib Ji is the sacred occasion when Sri Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji manifested his divine light in the form of Baba Lehna Ji and appointed him as his successor. This day symbolizes the continuity of the Guru lineage and the spiritual heritage of the Sikh Panth.

Historical Background

Baba Lehna Ji was born on 31 March 1504 CE to Mata Sabhrai Ji and Baba Pheru Mall Ji in the village of Matte Di Sarai, now known as Sarai Naga, in present-day Muktsar district of Punjab. From a young age, he exhibited deep devotion and a pious nature. He was married to Mata Khivi Ji, and together they had two sons, Baba Datu Ji and Baba Dasu Ji, and two daughters, Bibi Amro Ji and Bibi Anokhi Ji. Baba Lehna Ji was a devout worshipper of the goddess Durga and led a group of devotees to the temple at Jawalamukhi.

His life transformed when he heard Bibi Amro Ji, the daughter of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji, singing a hymn of the Guru. The hymn, 'Dhanaasaree Mahalla 1', deeply moved him. Bibi Amro Ji was married to Bhai Jodha Ji, and through her, Baba Lehna Ji learned about Sri Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji. Overwhelmed with a desire to meet the Guru, he set out for Kartarpur.

Upon meeting Sri Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji, Baba Lehna Ji dedicated his life to the Guru's service. He served the Guru and the community with utmost humility and devotion for several years. His selfless service, unwavering faith, and complete surrender to the Guru's will were unparalleled. Sri Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji tested him in numerous ways, and Baba Lehna Ji passed every test with flying colours.

The Event of Gurgaddi

As Sri Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji approached the end of his earthly journey, he needed to choose a successor. His own sons, Sri Chand Ji and Lakhmi Das Ji, were not deemed suitable due to their worldly attachments and egos. Sri Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji found in Baba Lehna Ji the perfect embodiment of humility, service, and devotion. In 1539 CE, at Kartarpur, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji placed a coconut and five paise before Baba Lehna Ji, applied a tilak of sandalwood paste on his forehead, and bowed before him, thus bestowing upon him the Guruship. Baba Lehna Ji was renamed Sri Guru Angad Dev Sahib Ji, meaning 'the limb of the Guru'.

This historic event took place on the 13th day of the month of Bhadon (around September) in 1539 CE. The exact date is commemorated annually as Gurgaddi Diwas. Sri Guru Angad Dev Sahib Ji served as the second Guru for thirteen years, from 1539 to 1552 CE. He continued the mission of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji, spreading the message of Naam Simran, Seva, and Sarbat da Bhala. He compiled the hymns of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji and wrote the first biography of the Guru, known as 'Janam Sakhi'. He also popularized the Gurmukhi script, which became the script of the Sikh scriptures.

Significance

The Gurgaddi Diwas of Sri Guru Angad Dev Sahib Ji is celebrated with great reverence by Sikhs worldwide. It reminds them of the importance of humility, selfless service, and complete surrender to the Guru's will. It also highlights the continuity of the Guru lineage, which passed from Sri Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji to Sri Guru Angad Dev Sahib Ji and subsequently to the other Gurus, culminating in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The day is marked by Akhand Path, Kirtan, and lectures on the life and teachings of Sri Guru Angad Dev Sahib Ji. Sikhs reflect on the Guru's message of unity, equality, and devotion to the One Creator.