Guru Nanak: His Life & Teachings

by Roopinder Singh

Guru Nanak, founder of the Sikh religion, was born on 1469. He declared that there was only one God. He traveled far and wide to spread the Word of God. In his own inimitable way, he used subtle persuasion, humour, sarcasm and even admonition to spread the message that everyone, the rich and the poor, man and woman, had equal status in His Court. He fought a tireless battle against ritualism. He dismantled the manmade barriers of caste and creed and established a religion that has twenty-three million followers worldwide. This book studies the life and teachings of Guru Nanak, reflected in his compositions. Special stress has been laid on discussing the morning prayers, Japji, the establishment of the institutions of Sangat and langar and the Guru's message for improving the status of women. Reproductions of rare eighteenth century miniature paintings and line drawings, and of a series from a nineteenth century Janamsakhi that has never been published before, have been used to illustrate the life of Guru Nanak. Maps depicting the travels of Guru Nanak help give a clearer picture of his travels.

138 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 13, 2004

About the author

Roopinder Singh is a senior journalist, author, and chronicler whose work has shaped public understanding of Sikh history, culture, and contemporary life for decades.
His latest book, “Gurdwaras: Abodes of the Guru” (Gentry Press, 2025), was featured at the Frankfurt World Book Fair and has been released in various parts of the world, including the USA, Canada, and India. He was an editorial consultant for “Sikhs: The Story of Their Faith and Culture” (DK, 2023), and he edited the festschrift “An Inspiring Journey: Inderjit Kaur Sandhu” (Sahit Parkashan, 2021). Earlier, he wrote “Delhi ’84” (Sahit Parkashan, 2014) and co-authored “Sikh Heritage: Ethos and Relics” (Rupa, 2012). He was co-editor of the bilingual festschrift “Giani Gurdit Singh 2023–2007” (Sahit Parkashan, 2008). His “Guru Nanak Jiwan aur Sikshaian” was published by Rupa in 2007. It was a translation of “Guru Nanak: His Life and Teachings” (Rupa, 2004). Roopinder’s first book was “MIAF Arjan Singh DFC” (Rupa, 2002).
A graduate of St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi, where he earned his BA (Hons) and MA degrees, he has spent over three and a half decades in journalism, serving in editorial roles in New York and Chandigarh, and retired in 2020 as Senior Associate Editor of The Tribune, Chandigarh. Roopinder has written extensively on international affairs, technology, Sikh history, and culture, and is widely respected for bringing balance, clarity, and depth to complex subjects.

Reviews

[Manish Bhojwani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This read is must for people who believe that religion can change way of living. This book gives clear concept of 'Sikh' religion which Guru Nanak ji himself propounded and established this great religion. This book tells the reader how Guru Nanak ji established this religion by facing insurmountable taboos of other religions. Teaching of japji i.e. pray to god but be involve in domestic responsibility was the focal point.

[Kathi Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enlightening

I found this book to be easy to read and informative. I think one mark of a good book is that it makes you want to read more by the author and on the topic. And I do! My gratitude to the author for his work on this book.