The Call to Travel
After the divine revelation near the Bein River, Guru Nanak Dev Ji understood that his mission was not limited to one village or one religion. Humanity itself had become divided by pride, ritual, and ignorance.
To spread the truth of Ik Onkar — One Universal Creator — Guru Nanak began long spiritual journeys known as the Udasis, meaning sacred travels undertaken for spiritual awakening.
Leaving behind comfort and family life, Guru Nanak chose the path of a traveller, teacher, and reformer.
His lifelong companion Bhai Mardana, a Muslim musician, travelled beside him. This companionship itself reflected Guru Nanak's teaching that devotion rises above religious identity.
First Udasi — Across India
Guru Nanak first travelled across northern India, visiting places where religious learning flourished but spiritual understanding had weakened.
At Haridwar, he witnessed thousands offering water toward the rising sun as part of ritual practice. Instead of criticizing harshly, Guru Nanak gently turned toward the opposite direction and began throwing water westward.
When questioned, he replied that he was watering his fields in Punjab. People laughed, saying water could not travel such distance. Guru Nanak then explained:
If water cannot reach fields hundreds of miles away, how can ritual offerings reach ancestors in another world?
Through simple actions, he challenged blind ritual and encouraged thoughtful faith.
Dialogue with Yogis and Saints
In the Himalayas, Guru Nanak met Siddha Yogis who believed spiritual liberation required isolation from society. They lived in caves, practicing strict austerities.
Guru Nanak taught them that true spirituality lies not in escaping the world but in living truthfully within it — serving humanity while remembering God.
His message reshaped spiritual understanding:
One can live as a householder and still attain enlightenment.
Service to humanity is equal to devotion to God.
Second Udasi — Toward the South
Travelling toward South India and Sri Lanka, Guru Nanak engaged rulers and scholars in dialogue. He rejected the idea that spiritual status depended on birth or caste.
Wherever he went, he established gatherings where all people sat together regardless of social rank. These assemblies later became the foundation of Sangat — the Sikh community.
Third Udasi — Toward the West 4
Guru Nanak then travelled westward through Afghanistan and Persia toward Mecca and Baghdad.
At Mecca occurred one of the most famous events of his life. While resting, his feet faced the Kaaba. When a caretaker objected angrily, Guru Nanak calmly said:
"Move my feet to where God is not present."
The caretaker turned his feet, but tradition says the Kaaba itself appeared to move — symbolizing the divine truth that God exists everywhere.
In Baghdad, Guru Nanak discussed spirituality with Islamic scholars, emphasizing love, humility, and remembrance of God rather than religious superiority.
Music as a Message
Throughout the journeys, Guru Nanak composed sacred hymns expressing divine wisdom. Bhai Mardana played the rabab while Guru Nanak sang verses of devotion.
These hymns later became part of the Guru Granth Sahib, the eternal Sikh scripture.
Music became a powerful medium through which spiritual truth reached both educated scholars and ordinary villagers.
Impact of the Udasis
Guru Nanak's travels lasted nearly two decades. By the end of these journeys:
Communities inspired by his teachings existed across regions.
People began identifying themselves as followers of the Guru's path (Sikhs, meaning learners).
Equality, honest labor, and shared food became central principles.
His teachings united people beyond caste, language, or religion.
Return to Punjab
After years of travel, Guru Nanak returned to Punjab and established Kartarpur Sahib, where he created a living model of his teachings — a society based on devotion, equality, and service.
The Udasis had prepared the world.Now, the Sikh community would begin to take permanent shape.