Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab or Prakash Utsav marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji – the first Sikh Guru,and is one of the most auspicious Sikh festivals celebrated worldwide.According to Guru Nanak Devji, Guru is the voice God or Consciousness and therefore the word of a Guru holds the highest importance in our lives.

Each and every word uttered by the Guru comprises of years of unimaginable amount ofHis penance, knowledge, experience and grace. His words have such impact which our limited vision cannot foreseeas they are beyond the confinement of logic and are not bound by time or conditions.Guru’s words have power to change our destiny because His words are the creatorsof our destiny. Therefore, Guru’s words should not be seen as mere instructions or guidelines to be followed, but perceived as His energy and blessings to be worshipped, absorbed and imbibed by us. 

Since the words of a Guru area part of the Guru Himself; reading, listening, contemplating upon, following and implementing them is not only the biggest service to the Guru but is also the quickest and only way to reach the Ultimate goal of enlightenment. Guru Nanak Devji through “Ik Onkar”explainsusabout the nature ofSelf-Realisation and how one can attain Itby following the word of the Guru:

A million thoughts cannot comprehend It completely

Nor can It be attained by just remaining silent or silencing the mind

Even if we accumulate all the wealth and luxuries, our soul will still remain unsatisfied

No amount of intellect, intelligence or wit can lead us to Its realisation

Since It is beyond intellect. Then how do we attain It,

And become One with That Truth if all this does not help?

Only by following the Divine Guidance and Word of the Guru, can It be attained.