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Travels of Guru Nanak: A Brief
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<blockquote data-quote="dalvinder45" data-source="post: 225001" data-attributes="member: 26009"><p><span style="font-size: 18px"><strong> Travels of Guru Nanak: A Brief</strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong> Dr. Dalvinder Singh Grewal</strong></p><p><strong> Prof Emeritus Desh Bhagat University</strong></p><p></p><p>Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was born in an epoch making-period, the period of adventure, discovery, inquiry and renaissance. The adventures and discoveries not only led to physical achievements but also to colonization, domination, oppression and invasion, while the inquiry and renaissance led to the search into human existence and reformation of the oppressive systems.</p><p></p><p>The famous kings invaders and oppressors like Bahlol Lodhi (1451-1489), Sikander Lodhi (1486-1517), Ibrahim Lodhi (1517-1526), Dault Khan Lodhi, Babar (1483-1530)and Suhang Mang (1497-1539 A.D.); the traders and travellers like Columbus (discovered America in 1442) Vasco-Da-Gama Portugal (1460-1524) (discovered sea route to India in 1498), Albuquerque (1453–1515) a Portuguese nobleman who conquered and established the Portuguese colonial empire in the Indian ocean, co-existed along with eminent reformists, sages and saints like Guru Nanak (1469-1539) Vallabhacharya (1479-1530), Chaitnya Mahaprabhu (1486-1533) Kabir (1440-1518) Namdev (1217-1351), Sankardeb (1449-1569), Mira Bai (1499-1570), Eknath (1528-1595/1609), Dadoo (1544-1603), Tuka Ram (1608-1648), Surdas (1478-1581/1585), Tulsi Das (1523-1623) Jambonath 1451-1533, Haridas Niranjni 1453-1536, Isasmus (1466-1536), Zawang (1484-1531) Calvin (1564-1605) Saint Francis Xavier (1506-52), Nicolas Copernicus, Poland, (1473-1543) who shared the modern concept of Cosmos; Martin Luther, Germany (1483-1546) and Michelangelo, Italy (1475-1564).</p><p></p><p>Backdrop to these historical developments in India, in which Guru Nanak chose his path are hence of consequence. From tenth century onwards, successive hordes of invaders had poured in from Central Asia. As the highway to Delhi lay through the Punjab, the greatest suffering was caused to the people of this province.</p><p></p><p>Bhai Gurdas (1531-1639 A.D.) described this situation in Guru Nanak's biographical accounts:</p><p></p><p>"Degeneration occurred in the world, leading to the four-caste division and enactments about four stages of life. The sanyasis were divided into ten, and the yogis belonged to twelve. Various orders of hermits, Jain monks and unclad recluses had set up endless recrimination debate; None practiced the way of salvation." [1]</p><p></p><p>Under these circumstances, "Melting at the wail of humanity, The Lord sent Guru Nanak to earth"[2] to bring peace and reconciliation. The first words that came from him on emerging from the rivulet Bein after enlightenment were: "There is no Hindu, no Muslim"; thus presenting to mankind the image of undivided humanity, 'where in all men are brothers, without the walls created by warring creeds.' In his passion to fulfil the divine mission entrusted, Guru Nanak travelled far and wide. His message was to know the basics of each faith and to apply them leaving behind rituals and conventional appearance; the essence of consciousness about the True Lord towards the path of noble life and the brother-hood of mankind.</p><p></p><p>The reasons of travels of Guru Nanak has been described by Bhai Gurdas in his first 'var' (verse), as to redeem the 'the four lands and nine regions' and to convey the True message of the Lord. Quoting Puranas, Dr. Kohli mentions these regions to be Bharat, Kimpursh, Hari, Harvarat or Kraunch, Ramyaka, Haranamaya or Hiranyak. and Kuru of Uttar Khand. Bharat is the central region of Jambu Dveep and is flanked by Bhadrasva Khand to the right and Ketumala Khand on the left. The uppermost region is Uttar-Khand and lowest is Bharat Khand. Hiranamay Khand and Ramayak Khand lie between Bharat Khand and IIIavrat. The seven Kulaparvat (Mountain ranges), in Jambu Dweep are Neel, Shwet, Hemkunt, Hamasen, Sringeven, Nishid and Sumer. Guru Nanak is supposed to have visited all these regions.[3] As per Janamsakhi Bhai Bala, Nanak Parkash of Bhai Santokh Singh and 'Guru Nanak Suryoudai of Mahant Ganesha Singh, Guru Nanak visited following seven islands :- Jambu, Plaksh, Kush, Salmali, Kraunch, Shak and Pushkar [6]. These islands have been identified by scholars as follows:</p><p>[ATTACH=full]22150[/ATTACH]</p><p></p><p></p><p>It is to be noted that the researchers differ in their views. However, generally the distribution shows the area coverage to be nearly the whole world except North and South America, Arctic and Antarctic regions. Thus the area travelled by Guru Nanak is quite vast.</p><p></p><p>It would have been nearly impossible for an individual to travel in those days of tardy means of communication and their near non-availability to a common man. In Janamsakhi by Bhai Bala this difficulty has been covered by giving an explanation that the Guru flew through space, etc. "While on Mount Una, he shut his eyes. His disciples Bala and Mardana also shut their eyes. When the eyes are opened on the instructions of the Guru, they found themselves on Mount Abu". Possibly this concoction has been a copy of the myth about Pandavas who are described to have been flown into space from Mount Sumer. The researcher visited all these areas and found Guru’s footprints negating the above concoction.</p><p></p><p><strong>Sources for the evidence of the visit</strong></p><p></p><p>The evidence to the travels by Guru Nanak is available in secondary sources as under:</p><p></p><p>1.Varan Bhai Gurdas</p><p>2. Janam Sakhis: The life stories recorded by later compilers in 16th to 18th century</p><p>3. Legends recorded by visitors</p><p>4. Research by various scholars</p><p>5. Landmarks and other circumstantial evidence connected with Guru Nanak and his Companions</p><p></p><p><strong>Janamsakhis as a source</strong></p><p>Janamsakhis are considered the closest records of the life events of Guru Nanak.</p><p>[ATTACH=full]22154[/ATTACH]</p><p></p><p><strong>Photo1: Bhai Bala Janamsakhi MS</strong></p><p></p><p>Manuscript versions of Puratan Janmsakhi: The earliest versions in manuscript are of (a) 1701 AD available in Moti Bagh, Rajbhavan Pustaklya, Patiala whose copy is available in (b) Sikh Reference Library, Sri Amritsar (Ms 5462). Other versions are a copy of (c) 1734 AD with Shamsher Singh Ashok, (d) a copy of 1757 AD with Baba Kuldip Singh Bedi of Batala and (e) a copy of 1772 AD (Ms No. 2310) in Khalsa College Amritsar and in (f) Bhasha Vibhag Punjab, Patiala, Ms 164: (g) The printed versions of Puratan Janamsakhi of Survey of India Press, Dehradun (1885 AD), (h) MA Manulife (1885) Gulshan Punjab Press, Rawalpindi and (j) Khalsa Samachar Press, Amritsar (1959) Other Janamsakhis include (k) Janam Sakhi Sodhi Meharban (2 Vols), Khalsa College, Amritsar, 1763-69 AD, (l)Janam Sakhi Paida Mokha also called of Bhai Bala Ms with Shamsher Singh Ashok. These Janamsakhis are found in print edited by Dr Kirpal Singh, Dr Surinder Singh Kohli, Shamsher Singh Ashok, Bhai Vir Singh, Dr. Piar Singh etc.</p><p></p><p>Kirpal Singh (Dr.) (ed.) Janamsakhis in Janamsakhi Prampara published by Punjabi University, Patiala containing edited versions of Puratan Janamsakhi (Janamsakhi Walaitwali), Janam Sakhi Bhai Bala, Janam Sakhi Meharban (Sach Khand Pothi and Pothi Har Ji) and Janamsakhi Bhai Mani Singh (Gian Ratnawali) are the most read. Puratan Janamsakhi edited by Bhai Vir Singh and later by Shamsher Singh Ashok, however, remains to be the most reliable and have been referred in addition to the other Janamsakhi versions contained in Dr Kirpal Singh Janasakhi Prampara furthering this research. The traditions, legends and names of the places connected with Guru Nanak are also considered. This evidence was collected as a major project. A few place names connected with the Guru are as follows:</p><p></p><p><strong>Names of Places</strong></p><p>Nankana Sahib (now Pakistan), Dera Baba Nanak (Punjab), Nanaksar (Harappa), Nanak Jhira (Karnataka), Nanakmata (Pilibhit UP), Kurukal Mandap (Guru’s village, Sri Lanka), Nankana Sahib and Nanak Thara (Nainital, UP), Nanak Lodhiana (Dholka, Gujrat), Bab Nanka (Uganda Near Kampla), Nanak Fungi (Hong kong), Nanking, Nanchiang, Nanching (China), Nankeyn Thagla Ridge (Indo-Tibet Border, Nanki La (Nepal) etc.</p><p></p><p><strong>Body Print/Hand Print/ Foot prints</strong></p><p>Body prints of Guru Nanak are said to be preserved at the following places: Panja Sahib, Nanak Jhira Bidar, Shapji (on the bank of Mansarovar), Chung Thang and Lachen (Sikkim), Menchukha (Arunachal Pradesh), Dacca and Sujatpur (Bangla Desh), Kotdwar and Airinagar (Uttrakhand), Wat Sarkat (Bangkok, Thailand), Dhibar (Sri Lanka), Nainital (UP)</p><p></p><p><strong>Names of natural Objects</strong></p><p>Similarly there are gardens, trees, tanks and platforms connected with Guruji’s visits: Ritha Sahib, Nanak Bagichi (UP), Thara Sahib (Delhi), Nanak Thara (Naital), Baba Nanak ki Dheri (Haldaur Bijnaur, UP), Guru Ka Bahi (Banaras), Nanak sagar (Nanak Mata, UP), NanakKund-Rajgir (Bihar) and Hajo (Gwahati), Guru Ka Bagh (Malda, Bengal), Nanak Ghar (Matsya Dhwaj, Hajo Gwahati), Wahiguru Math (Jagan Nath Puri), Baoli Math ( Puri), Guru Ghati (Ajmer), Mal Tekri (Nanded)and Ram Tekri (Pune) Idols of Guru Ji can be seen in Himalayan region in almost all gomphas (Lama temples) e.g., in Chungthang and Lachen in Sikkim, Twang, Menchukha and Walong in Arunachal Pradesh, Thynagboche (Nepal), Leh (Ladakh) and in a Gompha on the bank of Raksh Tal (Tibet).</p><p></p><p><strong>Names on Guru Nanak’s companions</strong></p><p>Even there are places and tanks etc., in the name of Bhai Mardana and Bhai Bala (companions of Guru Nanak during his Udasis) i.e., Bala Kund, Mardana Kund (Hajo Gwahati); Chashma Bhai Mardana (Balakot), Mardana (Colombo) and Majnu Tila (Delhi) are on the name of companions of Guru Nanak. Further there are places on Guru Nanak’s followers names i.e., Nanakshahi Sangats, Nanak Panthies, Murid Nanaki etc. There are also inscriptions available about Guru’s travels at Dibar, Batticulova (Sri Lanka), Baku (Azirbaijan, Russia) and Pyakochin (Sikkim). It is said that manuscripts of Guru’s Shabad are preserved in Aksarai (Kabul), Thyangboche (Nepal), Chungthang and Fodong (Sikkim) and Manchukha (Arunachal Pradesh).</p><p></p><p>All these can help further research in preparing a comprehensive history of Guru Nanak. However for this a deliberate effort and a planned project are needed especially for a spot study and search of old chronicles of the period in the concerned areas.</p><p></p><p>It must be noted that Guru Nanak belonged to the entire world <em>(Jagat Guru</em>) hence had a global following. As such he should be considered as a global figure. Study thus has to be on a wider scale to fathom his sphere and achievements.</p><p></p><p>Guru Nanak started his journey, when he was in his twenties. He went for Divine service by serving mankind and by becoming Lord's bard. He travelled from Russia to Sri Lanka (North to South) and from China to Africa & Europe (East to West) for a period of about twenty-six years from 1498 to 1524 A.D. His travels are called Udasis, major ones being four in number:</p><p>[ATTACH=full]22151[/ATTACH]</p><p></p><p>The names of various places recorded in Janamsakhi are interpreted as follows to relate to the existing states, cities & villages:</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]22152[/ATTACH]</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]22153[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong> Map 1: Depicting Guru Nanak's Four Itineraries</strong></p><p>Having attained enlightenment, Guru Nanak thought of redeeming the lost souls. "I left my home in search of the righteous and followed this course to evolve a new philosophy of life. Being a peddler of truth, I am out to trade in truth. It is through the righteous that I shall ferry my following across the ocean of existence". [4]</p><p></p><p>The present book is a detailed account of Guru Nanak's journey from 1498-1524 A.D. This researcher collected all available evidence for a period of over 50 years and visited almost every place in India and abroad to collect evidence. Evidence was available in the form of legends, places names, material items and the traditions of worshipping of idols and the legends connected with his visit. The evidence was checked with the legends recorded in Janamsakhis. It turned out to be a logical and connected account. Account of the first travel is given out here for the general readers and the researchers, who I am sure, would not only gain some more information about Guru Nanak's amazing journey but will also try to explore further. Journey of Second and third itinerary have already published by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee as ‘Amazing Travels of Guru Nanak.’ “So Than Suhawa’ and 18 booklets. 40 more booklets are ready for print in English and Punjabi. Book Life and Travels of Guru Nanak will be published in 3 Volumes, This being the first volume, it will soon be developed into an encyclopedias.</p><p></p><p>In addition to study of the above material the researcher visited most of the places connected with Guru Nanak. From the information available, it clearly appears that:</p><p>(a) He moved generally from one religious Centre to another, also visiting the Centre of power in the respective areas.</p><p>(b) He generally travelled on beaten tracks and 'Yogi Trails'.</p><p>(c) He scaled the mountain on foot travelling from one place to another leaving no gaps to vouch for the myth according to which he could have covered the distance by flying. .</p><p></p><p>Guru Nanak’s Udasis have not been fully and correctly described as yet due to the following reasons:</p><p></p><p>(i) Scanty records by historians of the period</p><p>(ii) Janamsakhis having incomplete and mixed with myth.</p><p>(iii) Areas of Guru’s travels being remote could not be visited by later historians i.e., Himalayan Region, China, Africa, Europe, Egypt, Arab countries, South East Asia, Afghanistan, Russia and remote islands like Sri Lanka and East Asia</p><p>(iv) The Guru being known by different names at different places e.g., ‘Guru Rimpoche’ in Southern Tibet, Sikkim, Nepal, Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh; ‘Bhadra Guru’ in Western Tibet and in Mansarovar Area, ‘Nana Buddha’ in Sri Lanka, ‘Nanak Rishi’ in Nepal (Dhomri) Nanak Peer’ in Jeddah (Arab), ‘Wali Hind’ in Mecca (Arab), Aleppo (Syria) and Ura Teube (Russia), ‘Nanak Wali’ in Cairo (Egypt), Nanak Wali Hind’ in Turkmenistan (Russia), ‘Baba Nanak’ and ‘Baba Nana’ in Alkoot and Baghdad (Iraq), ‘Nanak Kadamdar’ in Bukhara (Russia), ‘Balgdan’ in Mazhar-i-Sharief, ‘Baba Bhusa/Phusa’ in China etc., etc.</p><p></p><p><strong>References</strong></p><p>1.Bhai Gurdas Vaar 1</p><p>2. Op cit</p><p>3. Dr Surinder Singh Kohli, 1969 (1978 R), Travels of Guru Nanak, Chandigarh, Punjab University</p><p>4. Sri Guru Granth Sahib, p.39</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="dalvinder45, post: 225001, member: 26009"] [SIZE=5][B] Travels of Guru Nanak: A Brief[/B][/SIZE] [B] Dr. Dalvinder Singh Grewal Prof Emeritus Desh Bhagat University[/B] Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was born in an epoch making-period, the period of adventure, discovery, inquiry and renaissance. The adventures and discoveries not only led to physical achievements but also to colonization, domination, oppression and invasion, while the inquiry and renaissance led to the search into human existence and reformation of the oppressive systems. The famous kings invaders and oppressors like Bahlol Lodhi (1451-1489), Sikander Lodhi (1486-1517), Ibrahim Lodhi (1517-1526), Dault Khan Lodhi, Babar (1483-1530)and Suhang Mang (1497-1539 A.D.); the traders and travellers like Columbus (discovered America in 1442) Vasco-Da-Gama Portugal (1460-1524) (discovered sea route to India in 1498), Albuquerque (1453–1515) a Portuguese nobleman who conquered and established the Portuguese colonial empire in the Indian ocean, co-existed along with eminent reformists, sages and saints like Guru Nanak (1469-1539) Vallabhacharya (1479-1530), Chaitnya Mahaprabhu (1486-1533) Kabir (1440-1518) Namdev (1217-1351), Sankardeb (1449-1569), Mira Bai (1499-1570), Eknath (1528-1595/1609), Dadoo (1544-1603), Tuka Ram (1608-1648), Surdas (1478-1581/1585), Tulsi Das (1523-1623) Jambonath 1451-1533, Haridas Niranjni 1453-1536, Isasmus (1466-1536), Zawang (1484-1531) Calvin (1564-1605) Saint Francis Xavier (1506-52), Nicolas Copernicus, Poland, (1473-1543) who shared the modern concept of Cosmos; Martin Luther, Germany (1483-1546) and Michelangelo, Italy (1475-1564). Backdrop to these historical developments in India, in which Guru Nanak chose his path are hence of consequence. From tenth century onwards, successive hordes of invaders had poured in from Central Asia. As the highway to Delhi lay through the Punjab, the greatest suffering was caused to the people of this province. Bhai Gurdas (1531-1639 A.D.) described this situation in Guru Nanak's biographical accounts: "Degeneration occurred in the world, leading to the four-caste division and enactments about four stages of life. The sanyasis were divided into ten, and the yogis belonged to twelve. Various orders of hermits, Jain monks and unclad recluses had set up endless recrimination debate; None practiced the way of salvation." [1] Under these circumstances, "Melting at the wail of humanity, The Lord sent Guru Nanak to earth"[2] to bring peace and reconciliation. The first words that came from him on emerging from the rivulet Bein after enlightenment were: "There is no Hindu, no Muslim"; thus presenting to mankind the image of undivided humanity, 'where in all men are brothers, without the walls created by warring creeds.' In his passion to fulfil the divine mission entrusted, Guru Nanak travelled far and wide. His message was to know the basics of each faith and to apply them leaving behind rituals and conventional appearance; the essence of consciousness about the True Lord towards the path of noble life and the brother-hood of mankind. The reasons of travels of Guru Nanak has been described by Bhai Gurdas in his first 'var' (verse), as to redeem the 'the four lands and nine regions' and to convey the True message of the Lord. Quoting Puranas, Dr. Kohli mentions these regions to be Bharat, Kimpursh, Hari, Harvarat or Kraunch, Ramyaka, Haranamaya or Hiranyak. and Kuru of Uttar Khand. Bharat is the central region of Jambu Dveep and is flanked by Bhadrasva Khand to the right and Ketumala Khand on the left. The uppermost region is Uttar-Khand and lowest is Bharat Khand. Hiranamay Khand and Ramayak Khand lie between Bharat Khand and IIIavrat. The seven Kulaparvat (Mountain ranges), in Jambu Dweep are Neel, Shwet, Hemkunt, Hamasen, Sringeven, Nishid and Sumer. Guru Nanak is supposed to have visited all these regions.[3] As per Janamsakhi Bhai Bala, Nanak Parkash of Bhai Santokh Singh and 'Guru Nanak Suryoudai of Mahant Ganesha Singh, Guru Nanak visited following seven islands :- Jambu, Plaksh, Kush, Salmali, Kraunch, Shak and Pushkar [6]. These islands have been identified by scholars as follows: [ATTACH type="full" alt="1703645200982.jpeg"]22150[/ATTACH] It is to be noted that the researchers differ in their views. However, generally the distribution shows the area coverage to be nearly the whole world except North and South America, Arctic and Antarctic regions. Thus the area travelled by Guru Nanak is quite vast. It would have been nearly impossible for an individual to travel in those days of tardy means of communication and their near non-availability to a common man. In Janamsakhi by Bhai Bala this difficulty has been covered by giving an explanation that the Guru flew through space, etc. "While on Mount Una, he shut his eyes. His disciples Bala and Mardana also shut their eyes. When the eyes are opened on the instructions of the Guru, they found themselves on Mount Abu". Possibly this concoction has been a copy of the myth about Pandavas who are described to have been flown into space from Mount Sumer. The researcher visited all these areas and found Guru’s footprints negating the above concoction. [B]Sources for the evidence of the visit[/B] The evidence to the travels by Guru Nanak is available in secondary sources as under: 1.Varan Bhai Gurdas 2. Janam Sakhis: The life stories recorded by later compilers in 16th to 18th century 3. Legends recorded by visitors 4. Research by various scholars 5. Landmarks and other circumstantial evidence connected with Guru Nanak and his Companions [B]Janamsakhis as a source[/B] Janamsakhis are considered the closest records of the life events of Guru Nanak. [ATTACH type="full" alt="1703645901082.png"]22154[/ATTACH] [B]Photo1: Bhai Bala Janamsakhi MS[/B] Manuscript versions of Puratan Janmsakhi: The earliest versions in manuscript are of (a) 1701 AD available in Moti Bagh, Rajbhavan Pustaklya, Patiala whose copy is available in (b) Sikh Reference Library, Sri Amritsar (Ms 5462). Other versions are a copy of (c) 1734 AD with Shamsher Singh Ashok, (d) a copy of 1757 AD with Baba Kuldip Singh Bedi of Batala and (e) a copy of 1772 AD (Ms No. 2310) in Khalsa College Amritsar and in (f) Bhasha Vibhag Punjab, Patiala, Ms 164: (g) The printed versions of Puratan Janamsakhi of Survey of India Press, Dehradun (1885 AD), (h) MA Manulife (1885) Gulshan Punjab Press, Rawalpindi and (j) Khalsa Samachar Press, Amritsar (1959) Other Janamsakhis include (k) Janam Sakhi Sodhi Meharban (2 Vols), Khalsa College, Amritsar, 1763-69 AD, (l)Janam Sakhi Paida Mokha also called of Bhai Bala Ms with Shamsher Singh Ashok. These Janamsakhis are found in print edited by Dr Kirpal Singh, Dr Surinder Singh Kohli, Shamsher Singh Ashok, Bhai Vir Singh, Dr. Piar Singh etc. Kirpal Singh (Dr.) (ed.) Janamsakhis in Janamsakhi Prampara published by Punjabi University, Patiala containing edited versions of Puratan Janamsakhi (Janamsakhi Walaitwali), Janam Sakhi Bhai Bala, Janam Sakhi Meharban (Sach Khand Pothi and Pothi Har Ji) and Janamsakhi Bhai Mani Singh (Gian Ratnawali) are the most read. Puratan Janamsakhi edited by Bhai Vir Singh and later by Shamsher Singh Ashok, however, remains to be the most reliable and have been referred in addition to the other Janamsakhi versions contained in Dr Kirpal Singh Janasakhi Prampara furthering this research. The traditions, legends and names of the places connected with Guru Nanak are also considered. This evidence was collected as a major project. A few place names connected with the Guru are as follows: [B]Names of Places[/B] Nankana Sahib (now Pakistan), Dera Baba Nanak (Punjab), Nanaksar (Harappa), Nanak Jhira (Karnataka), Nanakmata (Pilibhit UP), Kurukal Mandap (Guru’s village, Sri Lanka), Nankana Sahib and Nanak Thara (Nainital, UP), Nanak Lodhiana (Dholka, Gujrat), Bab Nanka (Uganda Near Kampla), Nanak Fungi (Hong kong), Nanking, Nanchiang, Nanching (China), Nankeyn Thagla Ridge (Indo-Tibet Border, Nanki La (Nepal) etc. [B]Body Print/Hand Print/ Foot prints[/B] Body prints of Guru Nanak are said to be preserved at the following places: Panja Sahib, Nanak Jhira Bidar, Shapji (on the bank of Mansarovar), Chung Thang and Lachen (Sikkim), Menchukha (Arunachal Pradesh), Dacca and Sujatpur (Bangla Desh), Kotdwar and Airinagar (Uttrakhand), Wat Sarkat (Bangkok, Thailand), Dhibar (Sri Lanka), Nainital (UP) [B]Names of natural Objects[/B] Similarly there are gardens, trees, tanks and platforms connected with Guruji’s visits: Ritha Sahib, Nanak Bagichi (UP), Thara Sahib (Delhi), Nanak Thara (Naital), Baba Nanak ki Dheri (Haldaur Bijnaur, UP), Guru Ka Bahi (Banaras), Nanak sagar (Nanak Mata, UP), NanakKund-Rajgir (Bihar) and Hajo (Gwahati), Guru Ka Bagh (Malda, Bengal), Nanak Ghar (Matsya Dhwaj, Hajo Gwahati), Wahiguru Math (Jagan Nath Puri), Baoli Math ( Puri), Guru Ghati (Ajmer), Mal Tekri (Nanded)and Ram Tekri (Pune) Idols of Guru Ji can be seen in Himalayan region in almost all gomphas (Lama temples) e.g., in Chungthang and Lachen in Sikkim, Twang, Menchukha and Walong in Arunachal Pradesh, Thynagboche (Nepal), Leh (Ladakh) and in a Gompha on the bank of Raksh Tal (Tibet). [B]Names on Guru Nanak’s companions[/B] Even there are places and tanks etc., in the name of Bhai Mardana and Bhai Bala (companions of Guru Nanak during his Udasis) i.e., Bala Kund, Mardana Kund (Hajo Gwahati); Chashma Bhai Mardana (Balakot), Mardana (Colombo) and Majnu Tila (Delhi) are on the name of companions of Guru Nanak. Further there are places on Guru Nanak’s followers names i.e., Nanakshahi Sangats, Nanak Panthies, Murid Nanaki etc. There are also inscriptions available about Guru’s travels at Dibar, Batticulova (Sri Lanka), Baku (Azirbaijan, Russia) and Pyakochin (Sikkim). It is said that manuscripts of Guru’s Shabad are preserved in Aksarai (Kabul), Thyangboche (Nepal), Chungthang and Fodong (Sikkim) and Manchukha (Arunachal Pradesh). All these can help further research in preparing a comprehensive history of Guru Nanak. However for this a deliberate effort and a planned project are needed especially for a spot study and search of old chronicles of the period in the concerned areas. It must be noted that Guru Nanak belonged to the entire world [I](Jagat Guru[/I]) hence had a global following. As such he should be considered as a global figure. Study thus has to be on a wider scale to fathom his sphere and achievements. Guru Nanak started his journey, when he was in his twenties. He went for Divine service by serving mankind and by becoming Lord's bard. He travelled from Russia to Sri Lanka (North to South) and from China to Africa & Europe (East to West) for a period of about twenty-six years from 1498 to 1524 A.D. His travels are called Udasis, major ones being four in number: [ATTACH type="full" alt="1703645497708.jpeg"]22151[/ATTACH] The names of various places recorded in Janamsakhi are interpreted as follows to relate to the existing states, cities & villages: [ATTACH type="full" alt="1703645717703.jpeg"]22152[/ATTACH] [ATTACH type="full" alt="1703645805017.png"]22153[/ATTACH] [B] Map 1: Depicting Guru Nanak's Four Itineraries[/B] Having attained enlightenment, Guru Nanak thought of redeeming the lost souls. "I left my home in search of the righteous and followed this course to evolve a new philosophy of life. Being a peddler of truth, I am out to trade in truth. It is through the righteous that I shall ferry my following across the ocean of existence". [4] The present book is a detailed account of Guru Nanak's journey from 1498-1524 A.D. This researcher collected all available evidence for a period of over 50 years and visited almost every place in India and abroad to collect evidence. Evidence was available in the form of legends, places names, material items and the traditions of worshipping of idols and the legends connected with his visit. The evidence was checked with the legends recorded in Janamsakhis. It turned out to be a logical and connected account. Account of the first travel is given out here for the general readers and the researchers, who I am sure, would not only gain some more information about Guru Nanak's amazing journey but will also try to explore further. Journey of Second and third itinerary have already published by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee as ‘Amazing Travels of Guru Nanak.’ “So Than Suhawa’ and 18 booklets. 40 more booklets are ready for print in English and Punjabi. Book Life and Travels of Guru Nanak will be published in 3 Volumes, This being the first volume, it will soon be developed into an encyclopedias. In addition to study of the above material the researcher visited most of the places connected with Guru Nanak. From the information available, it clearly appears that: (a) He moved generally from one religious Centre to another, also visiting the Centre of power in the respective areas. (b) He generally travelled on beaten tracks and 'Yogi Trails'. (c) He scaled the mountain on foot travelling from one place to another leaving no gaps to vouch for the myth according to which he could have covered the distance by flying. . Guru Nanak’s Udasis have not been fully and correctly described as yet due to the following reasons: (i) Scanty records by historians of the period (ii) Janamsakhis having incomplete and mixed with myth. (iii) Areas of Guru’s travels being remote could not be visited by later historians i.e., Himalayan Region, China, Africa, Europe, Egypt, Arab countries, South East Asia, Afghanistan, Russia and remote islands like Sri Lanka and East Asia (iv) The Guru being known by different names at different places e.g., ‘Guru Rimpoche’ in Southern Tibet, Sikkim, Nepal, Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh; ‘Bhadra Guru’ in Western Tibet and in Mansarovar Area, ‘Nana Buddha’ in Sri Lanka, ‘Nanak Rishi’ in Nepal (Dhomri) Nanak Peer’ in Jeddah (Arab), ‘Wali Hind’ in Mecca (Arab), Aleppo (Syria) and Ura Teube (Russia), ‘Nanak Wali’ in Cairo (Egypt), Nanak Wali Hind’ in Turkmenistan (Russia), ‘Baba Nanak’ and ‘Baba Nana’ in Alkoot and Baghdad (Iraq), ‘Nanak Kadamdar’ in Bukhara (Russia), ‘Balgdan’ in Mazhar-i-Sharief, ‘Baba Bhusa/Phusa’ in China etc., etc. [B]References[/B] 1.Bhai Gurdas Vaar 1 2. Op cit 3. Dr Surinder Singh Kohli, 1969 (1978 R), Travels of Guru Nanak, Chandigarh, Punjab University 4. Sri Guru Granth Sahib, p.39 [/QUOTE]
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Travels of Guru Nanak: A Brief
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