Sikh Guru, Shri Angad Dev Ji
Why in News?
Shri Angad Dev Ji, the second of the ten Sikh Gurus, is in the news because the global Sikh community is recently observing his Jyoti Jot Diwas (death anniversary) on March 22, 2026.
Key Information
- Early Life: Born as Bhai Lehna in 1504 at Matte Di Sarai, Punjab. He was originally a devout worshiper of Goddess Durga before meeting Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
- Succession: Impressed by his humility and selfless service (Sewa), Guru Nanak chose him as his successor over his own sons, renaming him Angad (meaning "part of one's own body") to signify their spiritual unity.
- Gurmukhi Script: He is best known for standardising and popularising the Gurmukhi script, making the Guru’s teachings accessible to common people in their native Punjabi language rather than Sanskrit.
Institutional Growth
- Langar: He, along with his wife Mata Khivi, expanded the institution of Langar (community kitchen), making it a powerful symbol of equality where everyone ate together regardless of caste.
- Education: He established schools to teach children the Gurmukhi script and Punjabi literature.
- Physical Fitness: He started the tradition of Mall Akharas (wrestling arenas) to encourage physical fitness alongside spiritual development.
- Literary Contribution: He composed 62 or 63 Saloks, which are now part of the Guru Granth Sahib. He also compiled the first authorized biography of Guru Nanak.
- Foundation of Goindwal: He laid the foundation of the town of Goindwal Sahib, which later became a major Sikh pilgrimage centre.
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