Bhai Mardana holds an important place in the history of Sikhism. Bhai Mardana Ji is considered one of the first Sikhs of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. He was Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s longtime companion and was a skilled rabab player. Some historians describe him as Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s childhood friend.
When is Bhai Mardana Ji’s Akal Chalana Diwas in 2026?
Bhai Mardana Ji is remembered every year on his death anniversary, or Akal Chalana Diwas. During this time, the Sikh congregation remembers his lifelong dedicated service as Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s companion and rabab player.
| Observance | Date | Day | Nanakshahi date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ਅਕਾਲ ਚਲਾਣਾ ਭਾਈ ਮਰਦਾਨਾ ਜੀ | 28 November 2026 | Saturday | 13 Maghar 558 |
When and where was Bhai Mardana Born?
Bhai Mardana was born into a Mirasi Muslim family in 1459 at Rai Bhoi di Talwandi. It is now known as Nankana Sahib in Pakistan. Badra and Lakkho were his parents. Bhai Mardana’s wife was Bibi Rakhi. He had two sons, Shahzada and Raezada, and a daughter. He was the first kirtania (kirtan singer) of the Sikhs.
Bhai Mardana Ji’s main occupation was as a musician and rabab player. He is honoured in history as the first kirtania of the Sikhs. He also received direct blessings from Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Why is he called Bhai Mardana?
The meaning of the name Bhai Mardana is: Bhai means brother, and Mardana comes from “Marda-na,” meaning “one who does not die. Bhai Mardana’s original name was Marjana. His parents named him Marjana because their previous six children had all died at birth. When Guru Nanak Dev Ji met him at a young age and learned about his name, he told his parents that as long as their son remained with him, he would not die. Guru Nanak Dev Ji changed his name from Marjana to Mardana.
How did Bhai Mardana meet Guru Nanak Dev Ji?
Bhai Mardana was born in 1459, and Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469, so he was ten years older than Guru Ji. Both were born in the same village, Rai Bhoi di Talwandi, and were childhood friends who grew up together. Since they lived in the same village and knew each other from childhood, they developed a deep and lifelong bond.
Bhai Mardana Ji’s parents’ first six children had died at birth, and Guru Nanak Dev Ji lovingly gave him the name Mardana. When Guru Nanak Dev Ji moved to Sultanpur Lodhi, Mehta Kalu asked Mardana to bring news of Guru Nanak from Sultanpur. Guru Nanak Dev Ji invited his old friend Mardana to join him for his travels.
What was Bhai Mardana Ji’s role in Sikh music?
Bhai Mardana was a skilled musician who knew how to play the rabab. Mardana was the musical companion of Guru Nanak Dev Ji during his recitation of divine Gurbani and the initiator of the Sikh kirtan tradition. He stayed with Guru Nanak Dev Ji for decades, undertaking long spiritual journeys and making an important contribution to Sikhism.
Following Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s instructions, Bhai Mardana Ji obtained his rabab from a craftsman and musician named Bhai Firanda. Bhai Mardana both sang and played the rabab. Bhai Mardana Ji helped lay the foundation of the Sikh rabab tradition. By playing the rabab alongside Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s singing of divine hymns, he helped shape Sikh devotional music, known as Gurmat Sangeet.
Did Bhai Mardana Ji accompany Guru Nanak Dev Ji on his Udasis?
Bhai Mardana Ji accompanied Guru Nanak Dev Ji on four important spiritual journeys called Udasis. These journeys took them across South Asia and parts of the Middle East, spreading the message of one God, truth and equality. When Guru Nanak Dev Ji sang and composed divine hymns, Bhai Mardana Ji played the rabab. They also visited Mecca, Baghdad, and other places. There are several stories about Bhai Mardana, including those associated with Panja Sahib, Wali Kandhari, Reetha Sahib and Kauda Rakshas.
Is Bhai Mardana mentioned in the Guru Granth Sahib?
Bhai Mardana Ji is mentioned in the Guru Granth Sahib. But sources differ over authorship. Some saloks associated with him are recorded on Ang 553 of Sri Guru Granth Sahib under "Salok Mardana Pehla" or "Bihagare Ki Vaar." Bhai Mardana Ji’s name appears in the headings of saloks in Sri Guru Granth Sahib, within Bihagare Ki Vaar. Bhai Gurdas Ji also described Bhai Mardana Ji beautifully in his Vaaran, portraying him alongside Guru Nanak Dev Ji as his constant companion and rabab player.
When and where did Bhai Mardana die?
Bhai Mardana Ji died at the age of 75 in 1534. Historical accounts give different dates and places for his death. Some sources list Kartarpur, others Baghdad, or the Kurram River in Afghanistan. Guru Nanak Dev Ji was present when Bhai Mardana Ji passed away. Guru Nanak Dev Ji himself performed the last rites of Bhai Mardana Ji, his lifelong companion.
Bhai Mardana Ji was born into a Muslim Mirasi family but he moved with Guru Nanak Dev Ji all his life and broke all the barriers of caste and religion. He was a loyal friend, a true devotee, and an exceptional rabab player.