Guru #2 of 10
Guru Angad Dev Ji
Creator of the Gurmukhi Script
Guru Angad Dev Ji was originally a devout Hindu named Bhai Lehna. After meeting Guru Nanak Dev Ji and witnessing his divine greatness, he devoted himself completely to the Guru. Guru Nanak chose him as his successor — naming him Angad, meaning 'my own limb.'
The Story
Born on March 31, 1504, in the village of Harike, Punjab, Bhai Lehna grew up as a devoted worshipper of the goddess Durga. He led annual pilgrimages to her temple until one day he heard Guru Nanak Dev Ji singing a hymn. That hymn changed his life forever.
Bhai Lehna served Guru Nanak with complete love and selflessness. He would carry heavy grass on his head, work in the fields, and do any task with a joyful heart. Guru Nanak Ji tested him many times, and each time Bhai Lehna passed with complete dedication.
In 1539, Guru Nanak Dev Ji chose Bhai Lehna as his successor, calling him Guru Angad Dev Ji. The passing of Guruship was a formal act — Guru Nanak bowed to Guru Angad, showing that the spirit of the Guru was the same, only the body was different.
Guru Angad Dev Ji's greatest contribution was standardizing the Gurmukhi script — the alphabet used to write Punjabi and all the sacred writings of the Sikh Gurus. He wanted every child to be able to read God's Word. He opened schools and encouraged education for all.
Key Contributions
- Standardized the Gurmukhi script so everyone could learn to read Gurbani
- Collected and preserved the hymns of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
- Opened schools for children throughout Punjab
- Promoted physical fitness — he organized wrestling matches for young Sikhs
- Expanded the tradition of Langar (community free kitchen)
- Named the next Guru — Guru Amar Das Ji
Core Teachings
- Serve others with complete humility and selflessness
- Education is a gift — learn to read so you can read God's Word
- The body is a temple — keep it healthy and strong
- True devotion has no ego; serve the Guru with your whole heart
Legacy
The Gurmukhi script that Guru Angad Dev Ji standardized is used by Sikhs worldwide to this day. Every child who learns Gurmukhi and reads the Guru Granth Sahib Ji benefits from this great Guru's gift to the world.