The second Guru of the Sikhs is Guru Angad Dev Ji. When they were not the Guru, they went by the name Bhai Lehna Ji. Guru Nanak Dev Ji gave them the name Angad, which means "the limb of Guru Nanak Dev Ji," after they attained the guruship. We will discover more about Guru Angad Dev Ji's life and how they came to be a Guru in this blog.
Guru Angad Dev Ji’s original name was Bhai Lehna Ji and was born on Saturday, Vasakhi Sudi 1, 1561 Bikrami which converts into 23rd April 1504 AD. Guru Ji was born in the family of Trehan lineage. Guru Ji’s father was Baba Pheru Mal Ji who worked as a trader. Guru Ji’s mother was Mata Sabrai Ji (Mata Daya Kaur Ji) and Guru Ji was born at a place called Matte Ki Serai (Nagge Di Serai), Ferozepur. Guru Ji got married to Mata Khivi Ji of Khadur Sahib at a young age and had two sons, Baba Dasu Ji and Baba Datu Ji. Guru Ji also had two daughters, Bibi Amro Ji and Bibi Anokhi Ji
As a trader and shop owner, Bhai Lehna Ji lived a comfortable lifestyle. Bhai Lehna Ji also worshipped Mata Durga, a Hindu goddess, under the influence of his devoted Hindu mother. Every year, Bhai Lehna Ji guided worshipers to the Jawalamukhi Temple as the leader of a group of pilgrims. Lehna Ji felt spiritually empty in spite of his religious lifestyle and intense focus on Hinduism.
While travelling one day, Bhai Lehna Ji overheard Bhai Jodh Singh reciting a Shabad (hymn) of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Bhai Lehna Ji questioned Bhai Jodh Singh, who composed the Gurbani (the Guru's words), after falling in love with it right away. They were informed by Bhai Jodh Singh that this was written by my cherished Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who resides in Kartarpur. Bhai Lehna Ji made the decision to visit Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Kartarpur Sahib. Bhai Ji unintentionally encountered Guru Nanak Dev Ji while he was returning home from the fields while travelling to Kartarpur Sahib. Bhai Lehna Ji asked Guru Ji how to reach the Dharamsala and Guru Nanak Dev Ji guided Bhai Ji’s horse.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji once started thrashing anyone who tried to follow him with a big stick as he was travelling toward the forest. While others fled quickly, Bhai Lehna Ji continued to follow him, claiming that Guru Sahib was his only source of shelter. Guru Nanak Dev Ji came to the realisation that there was no longer any distinction between them and Bhai Lehna Ji on that day. Bhai Ji embodied the same sense of service and devotion to Waheguru. Guru Nanak Dev Ji granted Bhai Lehna Ji the name Angad, which means "the limb of Guru," at the age of 35 and after seven years of service, on Assu Vadi 5 1596 B, or October 6, 1539 AD, at Kartarpur Sahib, he was granted with the holy Guruship. Guru Angad Dev Ji travelled to Khadur Sahib and founded a city there following Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Joti Jot (immersion into the Eternal Light).
There existed a fundamental Punjabi alphabet throughout the reign of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The Gurmukhi script that we use today was further developed by Guru Angad Dev Ji from the Gurmukhi alphabet. The Gurmukhi alphabet contributed to preserving the integrity of Gurbani and preventing any confusion that would result from changing pronunciations to correspond with a new alphabet. Gurmukhi literally translates as "the script of the Guru." Gurmukhi's development enabled Sikhs to forge their own unique religious identity.
In the 48 years of Guru Ji's existence, Guru Angad Dev Ji assisted in guiding Sikhi through one of its most crucial phases: infancy. It was still a fledgling faith, thus after Guru Nanak Dev Ji, it may have easily disintegrated. But Guru Angad Dev Ji gave it care and supported its development. Guru Angad Dev Ji travelled extensively to aid in the establishment of new Gurdwaras and Sangats, much like Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He gathered every Gurbani in Pothis (Hymn books). In order to emphasise the value of physical fitness among the Sikhs, Guru Sahib also instituted the practise of Mal Akhara (wrestling pits). He created the intellectual and physical foundation for Sikhi's continued growth under the guidance of succeeding Gurus who, like him, would embody Guru Nanak Dev Ji's ideals of Seva and love for Vaheguru.
Guru Angad Dev Ji’s Joti Jot (immersing into the Eternal Light) day falls on Chet Sudi 4, 1609 i.e. 1552 AD
