Guru Nanak is recognized as the founder of Sikhism, whose teachings began spreading in the Punjab around 1500.
Born in 1469 at Rai Bhoi Ki Talwandi, now Nankana Sahib in Pakistan, Nanak taught devotion to one God, honest work, sharing with others, and equality. His message challenged religious divisions and social discrimination.
Guru Nanak travelled widely during his udasis, meeting people from different religious and cultural backgrounds. He later settled at Kartarpur, where a community formed around his teachings.
Nanak was succeeded by Guru Angad, establishing the line of ten human Gurus. Sikh tradition identifies Nanak as the first Guru, while Guru Granth Sahib became the eternal Guru after Guru Gobind Singh’s death in 1708.