Sulakhani betrothed Guru Nanak on July 8, 1487 (Harh 24, 1544) at Batala, although this auspicious day is usually observed in Batala in late August each year. She outlived Guru Nanak and died at Kartarpur, the Guru's settlement on the right bank of the Ravi, where she had spent the last years of her life.
Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha recounts in his book Mahan Kosh that a daughter was born to Baba Mool Chand Khatri and Mata Chando Rani in the village Pakhoke, district Gurdaspur. Her father was a devout Chona Khatri businessman who also served as the village tax collector (patwari). The year is not specified, however based on her marriage year, it is likely that it occurred around 1473. The author claims she was born with "super characteristics," but does not explain what they were. It's clear that he wasn't very concerned about this child.
Many interesting anecdotes have been written in the lead up to the wedding day by previous writers. Nanak appears to have hesitated to follow the marital ceremonies prescribed by the Brahmins of the day. He remarked that the wedding may take place at any time. He was not superstitious, thus there was no need to cast horoscopes. He was always trying to shatter old rules.
Mool Chand became alarmed and refused to marry his daughter to Guru Nanak. This would have been considered a tremendous scandal back then. This scandal became well known very fast. Another gentleman, Shri Bhandari of Batala, proposed marriage for his daughter to Guru Nanak. Mool Chand, on the other hand, did not want Guru Nanak to marry Bhandari's daughter. He believed that this could be regarded as rejection of his daughter and thus an insult to his family's honor. Instead, he plotted to murder Nanak.
Mool Chand arranged for the temple priests and the Guru to discuss the specific marital rituals. The Guru was seated beside a crooked mud wall (kandh) with the Brahmin clergy, discussing marriage prospects. Because the wall was broken and in bad condition, and there had been recent storms, some in the bride's party feared it would collapse on top of the Guru. The bride's family asked an elderly lady to warn Guru Nanak about the danger. The elderly lady approached the Guru and cautioned him about the impending danger posed by the damaged wall.
The marriage finally took place in 1487, despite the Brahmin steps. Guru Nanak and his bride took four circles around the sacred fire rather than the recommended seven. He is also claimed to have spoken a few words at the ceremony. Unfortunately, these statements were not properly preserved, and nothing has been published about Sulakhani's feelings or opinions on the matter.
Dera Sahib Gurdwara was established on the site of Mul Chand's residence, father of Bibi Sulakhni, wife of Guru Nanak Dev, where the real wedding took place. Kand Sahib Gurdwara was established on the site where Guru Nanak Dev's wedding party was forced to rest before the wedding ceremony.Nanak spent fourteen years at the Sahib of Nankana with Sulakhani. He disregarded tradition once more by living away from both his and her households. His sister Nanaki would try to deflect any criticism by claiming that her brother required a lot of space because of all the people who were continually drawn to him to listen to his lectures.
Sulakhani gave birth to two boys, Sri Chand and Lakhmi Das, throughout those fourteen years. Nanak was devoted to his family and lavished them with love and attention. He proved his personal dedication to his teachings via his conduct, demonstrating that salvation is best achieved through a married family life. His teaching of women's equality must have been exhibited by the way he treated his wife, Sulakhani's self-esteem and happiness improved with each passing day. She, in turn, supported his effort by singing hymns (kirtan) and working tirelessly to feed the masses who came to hear her husband.
Nanak left for his religious tours of preaching the doctrines of his mission at the age of 32, after making plans for the well-being of his family. At the time, his sons were five and six years old. Before leaving, he made certain that his growing congregation of disciples was being well taken care of.It was critical that they not split up and lose faith in his absence. He assigned his wife the job of being their spiritual and moral support until he could return. As a result, Sulakhani, a woman, was the first preacher and protector of the new faith. She was tasked with ensuring that the congregation (Panth) remained on track.
On the flip side, no one would dare to criticize their husband's decisions when women were entirely enslaved by men. Here is conclusive evidence that Guru Nanak held a strong regard for his family. He must have been incredibly courteous to his wife, so much so that she felt free to ask whatever she wanted.Her self-esteem gave her the confidence to seek answers when she had a query. Guru Nanak's response was neither rebuking nor dismissive of her. He'd made a choice. Lehna was more qualified to be the next Guru. It was a straightforward statement; the rest was up to God.
According to early sources, Sulakhani spent the rest of her life in Kartarpur following Guru Nanak's death, contributing to the establishment of Sikh beliefs and customs as she always did. Her job as the first Guru's wife was critical, and she performed admirably.
