Guru Angad Dev Ji

Guru Angad Dev was born on 31st March, 1504 in Ferozpur (Punjab) to a Hindu family and was named Bhai Lehna.

In January of 1520 Guru Angad married Mata Khivi. Together they bore 4 children - 2 boys and 2 girls - Bhai Dasu, Bhai Datu, Bibi Amro and Bibi Anokhi.

Before Guru Angad became a sikh, he worshipped the Hindu Godess Durga and would take yearly pilgrimage to Jawalamukhi Temple. On one such trip he heard about Guru Nanak Dev and made a detour to see him. His very first meeting with Guru Nanak Sahib completely transformed him and he became the most faithful and sincere disciple of Guru Nanak Dev.

The Gurmukhi script was introduced by Guru Angad Dev. The Gurmukhi script is the modification of the old Punjabi script with new vowels and alphabets which made it more easy to write and read Punjabi. The new language made it more accessible for the local masses and the downtrodden to embrace the new language and the teachings of the Gurus.

Apart from introducing the Gurmukhi script, Guru Angad Dev had some more notable contributions to Sikhism and Humanity.


Maintaining and Growing of the Sikh religion

It was Guru Angad's devotion and faith to the teachings of Guru Nanak's Sahib that kept the Sikh religion prospering and growing after the death of Guru Nanak Sahib. It was very easy for the new religion to be absorbed by Hinduism but Guru Angad's belief and actions kept the Sikhs united and true to their beliefs.

Education

Guru Angad was a great teacher who personally taught Punjabi in Gurmukhi script to children. He started many schools which were open for all children of all castes to study.

Physical Fitness

He stressed the importance of the physical body as an instrument of spiritual development. He took a keen interest in physical fitness, and encouraged his devotees to be involved in sports after their morning prayers. Guru Angad Dev ji inspired people to lead healthy lives. According to Guru ji, if you are physically fit only than you can pursue higher goals in life, because a sound mind can exist only in a sound body. He provided opportunities to underprivileged sections of the society to maintain good health. He encouraged all people to be involved in wrestling bouts or Mal Akharas to compete in physical competitions. This was again his way of doing away with social taboos of people of lower caste not having physical contact with higher castes. These steps initiated by him laid the foundation for a spiritually, educated and enlightened, healthy Sikh community, without distinctions of caste and creed.

Role of Women in Society

Guru preached that man and women were equal before God. He welcomed women to the Sangat, offered them seats side by side and gave them religious rights that have so far been denied to her. Women were given equal rights and participated in and helped in the temples, household and work.

Langar

The institution of langar was maintained and developed. The Guru's wife personally worked in the kitchen. She also served food to the members of the community and the visitors. Her devotion to this institution finds mention in Guru Granth Sahib.

Langar is a free kitchen open to all served at the Sikh temple daily after prayers.

To this day, after every service, visitors to a Sikh gurudwara (temple) witness a congregation who join and eat Langar together. Langar also emphasized that service to fellow man was an important tenet of the Sikh way of life, as it is customary for members of the congregation to serve one another.