What did Guru Nanak Dev write in Babarvani on the cruelty of the Mughals?

Guru Nanak Dev Ji died on 22 September 1539 in Kartarpur (now Pakistan).

Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469–1539) showed the path of intense change in the social, religious and political life of the Indian subcontinent. He was not only a religious reformer, but also a strong poet of human sensibilities and also a fearless spokesperson of truth. His teachings strongly opposed caste, superstition, showy religious rituals and oppressive form of power.

Come, let us know on the death anniversary of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, in which he has mentioned the atrocities of the rulers of that period?

Babur’s attack

There was an atmosphere of political instability in India in the first phase of the 16th century. The Lodhi dynasty was weakened and Babur from Central Asia invaded India at the same time. Its purpose was to establish a permanent state here. He fought the first battle of Panipat in 1526 and shook the foundation of the Sultanate of Delhi.

Along with Babur’s invasions, there was a demolition of widespread massacre, looting and religious places. The life of the general public became difficult. Women, children and poor classes suffered the most. This was the era when Guru Nanak Dev Ji was directly witness to these events.

What is Babarvani?

Babarvani Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s lines compiled in Sri Gurugranth Sahib, in which he described the atrocities of Babur. This is a collection of four major shabdas, which are recorded in Asa Raga. These trees were said to be Babarvani because Guru Nanak ji has directly mentioned Babur’s invasion and atrocities. In this, he explained the tragedy of that era in a religious and spiritual point of view and told how the power and violence trampled humanity.

Atrocities described in Babarvani

Guru Nanak Dev Ji clearly depicted the atrocities in Babarvani, which the public faced. Its main points are as follows.

• Atrocities on women: Guru Nanak Dev Ji specially mentioned how women were humiliated. Women were forcibly picked up from village to village and shame was crushed.
• Destruction of religious places: Both Hindu temples and Muslim mosques were humiliated. Baba Nanak said that no religious place was safe in the lust of power.
• Genocide and bloodshed: Babur’s armies burnt villages without discrimination, slaughtered people and shed blood of innocents.
• Question mark on power: Guru Nanak Dev Ji asked God that when there was so much persecution on the innocents, then why was God silent? He warned the ruling rulers that injustice and violence can never remain permanent.
• Call for justice: Guru Nanak Dev not only saw these events from historical or politically, but presented him as a compassionate call of the soul. He made the pain of the exploited the real voice of religion.

Message of Babarvani

• True form of religion: Guru Nanak Dev Ji showed that religion is not a ritual, but to stand with the victims.
• Criticism of power: No ruler has the right to kill the innocents and trample humanity.
• Side of humanity: Guru Nanak ji’s vision was beyond caste or religion. He saw every victim and exploited equally.
• Spiritual approach: Even while describing atrocities, the purpose of Guru Nanak Dev Ji was to take man on the path of God and truth.

Last time story of Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Guru Nanak Dev Ji died on 22 September 1539 Kartarpur (now in Pakistan). A legend is famous for his last time.

When the last moments of his life were near, the question arose among Hindu and Muslim followers as to how his body would be cremated. Hindus wanted them to be cremated, while Muslims wanted them to be buried.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji asked both of them to choose flowers and keep it with him. He said- whose flower will be fresh, he will do the same ritual. The next day when the followers came, they saw that the body is not there, both flowers are kept with freshness. Finally the Hindus decorated the funeral pyre there and the Muslims built a grave at the same place. Even today, Hindu and Muslim meet with reverence at the same place in Kartarpur.

Babarvani is not just historical documents

Babarvani of Guru Nanak Dev Ji is not only a historical document, but a learning of humanity, which he gave in the language of poetry and devotion. It is clear from these conscies that he was not only a saint, but also a courageous poet who gives words to the suffering of society. The story of his death gives the message that the real identity of man is neither Hindu nor Muslim, nor Sikh, but the soul that is associated with God.

On the death anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, we should remember his ideals and understand that even in the violent winds of politics, the flower of humanity should not be witnessed. His life and speech teaches us that the cruelty of power is temporary, but truth and compassion are immortal.

Importance of Kartarpur Sahib

After the opening of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, it has become easy for Sikh pilgrims from India to reach this holy site. But not only Sikhs, but Hindus and Muslims also come here in large numbers. This is the last residence of the founder of his religion for the Sikhs, where he spent important years of his life and finalized his teachings.

Guru Nanak worships Dev Ji as many Hindu saints and gurus. His education-message coincides with many principles of Hinduism, such as devotion, deeds and equality. Therefore, a large number of Hindus also visit Kartarpur Sahib.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji respected the principles of monotheism and brotherhood of Islam. He had many Muslim followers who considered him Pir (saint). Their tomb is a proof that the Muslim community also considers him as his own.

Kartarpur Sahib is a sacred place which is a lively proof of the universal message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. It reminds us that the real essence of religion lies in love, tolerance and service of humanity. Here Sikhs, Hindus and Muslims come together and pay tribute to Guru Nanak Dev Ji, which symbolizes that true spirituality is beyond all boundaries and partitions. This place teaches us that we are all children of the same God and we should live together with peace and harmony.

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