Guru Angad Dev Ji is the second Guru of the Sikhs. His original and childhood name was Bhai Lehna. But after his meeting with Guru Nanak Dev Ji, living with him, and serving him, at the time of Guruship, Guru Nanak Dev Ji changed his name from Lehna to Angad Dev, which means "a part of my body." After Guru Nanak Dev Ji merged with the Divine Light, Guru Angad Dev Ji became the second Guru of the Sikhs in 1539. Guru Angad Dev Ji served for approximately 12 years and 9 months as the Sikh Guru.
When is Guru Angad Dev Ji Gurpurab, Gurgaddi Diwas and Joti Jot in 2026?
Sri Guru Angad Dev Sahib Ji Prakash Gurpurab, Gurgaddi Diwas, and Joti-Jot Divas Celebration Dates in 2026 are as follows:
| Event | Date 2026 |
|---|---|
| Prakash Gurpurab (Birthday) | 18 April 2026 |
| Gurgaddi Diwas | 30 September 2026 |
| Joti Jot Diwas | 22 March |
Birth and Family of Guru Angad Dev Ji
Guru Angad Dev Ji was born in 1504 in the village of Matte Di Sarai, District Muktsar, Punjab. His father was Bhai Pheru Mall Ji and his mother was Mata Ramo Ji. The name of his wife was Mata Khivi Ji, and he had two sons, Bhai Dasu Ji and Bhai Datu Ji, and two daughters, Bibi Amro Ji and Bibi Anokhi Ji.
How Bhai Lehna Met Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Before meeting Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Bhai Lehna used to worship Durga Mata, but his mind did not find satisfaction, and in the desire to meet the true Guru, his mind kept wandering here and there. One day, Bhai Lehna heard Guru Ji's Bani from Bhai Jodha, who was a servant of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He asked Bhai Jodha whose composition he was singing, and according to Bhai Jodha, it was a hymn of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. While going to the Mata temple, Bhai Lehna met Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He was greatly impressed by Guru Ji's personality and Bani Shabad and began living in Kartarpur. He became a true devotee of Guru Ji. He gladly accepted every task and every command given by Guru Ji.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji did not give the Guruship to his own sons but to Bhai Lehna because he was a true servant, devotee, absorbed in the remembrance of God, and an embodiment of humility. He was an ideal disciple, one who lived in the will of God, and a great soul who considered serving humanity as his religion.
Teachings and Contributions of Guru Angad Dev Ji
The greatest contribution of Guru Ji was that he started schools for the attainment of education for everyone and popularized the Gurmukhi script. He spread the message of Universal Brotherhood given by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He gave teachings of equality, the gift of education, service, respect for women, and healthcare. Guru Angad Dev Ji promoted physical fitness and wrestling through the Mal Akhara. He further expanded the langar service started by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, and no needy person ever returned empty-handed from the Guru's langar.
Bani of Guru Angad Dev Ji
62–63 hymns composed by Guru Angad Dev Ji are recorded in the Guru Granth Sahib. In the recitation of Asa Di Vaar, 33 saloks of Guru Sahib are included. Khadur Sahib village is closely associated with the second Guru, Guru Angad Dev Ji, as he established it as a center for religious preaching.
Joti Jot Diwas of Guru Angad Dev Ji
As the end time approached, Guru Angad Dev Ji handed over the Guruship to his worthy Sikh, Amar Das. Guru Ji merged with the Divine Light (Joti Jot) in 1552. Guru Angad Dev Ji was a true Sikh, compassionate, humble, beloved of the Guru, and an obedient disciple. Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji was a symbol of service, meditation, and tolerance, and he gave the message of living according to the command and will of God.