Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru, his universal message of compassion, unity, and devotion takes center stage. Guru Nanak, a saintly figure who transcended regional and cultural boundaries, was not only a spiritual luminary but also a relentless traveler whose journeys fostered cultural exchanges and spiritual enlightenment across the subcontinent. Among the many regions he touched, his travels to Puvottar Bharat hold a special significance, weaving the threads of shared heritage and spiritual kinship in this diverse frontier.
One of the lesser-known yet remarkable aspects of Guru Nanak’s travels is his journey to present-day Arunachal Pradesh. Local lore narrates his passage from Lhasa in Tibet to Mechuka in the Shi Yomi district, continuing to Yingkiong in the Upper Siang district, and culminating at Brahmakund, or Parshuram Kund, near the Lohit River. These stops bear testimony to his unwavering commitment to spreading his teachings of peace and universal brotherhood. Even in the remote terrains of Arunachal Pradesh, Guru Nanak's presence continues to be revered, marking a profound connection between the Sikh faith and the cultural tapestry of the region.
Between 1500 and 1524, Guru Nanak undertook four monumental journeys, or Udaasis, covering over 28,000 kilometers. During his first Udaasi, in 1505, Guru Nanak visited the ancient region of Kamrupa, now part of modern-day Assam. Historical texts like Travels of Guru Nanak by Dr. Surinder Singh Kohli and Jeevan Charitar Guru Nanak Dev by Dr. Tarlochan Singh document his significant encounter with Mahapurush Srimanta Shankardev, the revered Assamese saint and reformer.
This meeting, believed to have occurred at Bardowaa, was a momentous convergence of two towering spiritual minds. Both saints shared a vision of social harmony, devotion, and service, and their discussions enriched the cultural and spiritual ethos of the region. At Naziraa on the banks of the Dikhow River, folklore recounts Guru Nanak’s interactions with Shankardev at a temple near a Gaushaalaa. Sikh traditions further highlight the mutual respect between their followers, with Shankardev’s devotees embracing Guru Nanak as a ‘Guru Bhaai’ (spiritual brother).
Guru Nanak’s journey through Kamrupa also brought him to the sacred Maa Kamakhya temple in Guwahati, a revered Shakti Peeth in Hindu tradition. His visit integrated the region’s spiritual legacy into his travels, reinforcing the ethos of Bharat’s age-old tradition of teerthayatra (pilgrimage). By connecting with sacred sites across the Northeast, Guru Nanak bridged communities and upheld the spirit of spiritual inclusivity and mutual respect.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s travels in Northeast India underscore his universal vision of unity and harmony. His interactions with local communities and spiritual leaders like Srimanta Shankardev fostered enduring connections, enriching the cultural and spiritual landscapes of the region. The bonds formed during these journeys remind us of Bharat’s shared heritage, where diversity thrives in harmony.
