Guru Nanak Dev Ji: The Traveller Who Carried Love Across Borders

LOKESH THAKUR

Widely revered as the second most extensively travelled person in history after Ibn Battuta, Guru Nanak Dev Ji traversed over 28,000 kilometers across Asia, mostly on foot, carrying not just his footsteps but a timeless message of unity, love, and spiritual awakening, echoing through deserts, mountains, cities, and sacred sites alike.

Over the past 15 years, I have journeyed across the length and breadth of India-solo, with companions, and in groups exploring its vibrant landscapes, diverse cultures, and soulful people. From the deserts of Rajasthan to the mountains of Uttarakhand, the ghats of Varanasi to the temples of South India, I have immersed myself in the spirit of this land. Yet, when asked why I travel so much, I often pause, not because I lack an answer, but because the answer resists simplicity. It is not rooted in enjoyment, escapism, or the thrill of new landscapes. Nor is it about self-discovery in the modern, individualistic sense. My purpose is subtler, more layered. I travel to understand life through the lived experiences of others-to listen, to observe, to dissolve boundaries between self and world. And it finds its deepest resonance in the life and journeys of one of the greatest travelers of all time- Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Guru Nanak: The Pilgrim of Peace

Guru Nanak Dev Ji , the founder of Sikhism, was not just a spiritual master he was a seeker, a poet, a reformer, and a traveler whose journeys spanned over 28,000 kilometers across Asia. Between 1500 and 1524, he undertook five major Udasis (spiritual journeys), most of them on foot, accompanied by his dear friend Bhai Mardana. Together, they sang divine hymns and played the Rebab, spreading a message of unity, compassion, and truth. Guru Nanak’s travels took him to places as far as Tibet, Sri Lanka, Mecca, Baghdad, and Central Asia. He engaged with scholars, saints, and common folk alike, questioning blind rituals, caste divisions, and religious dogma. His mission was clear: to awaken humanity to the presence of one formless, omnipresent God and to promote equality, humility, and love.

Guru Nanak was received with reverence across cultures. Today, he is remembered by many names-Nanak Rimpochea in Bhutan, Nanak Peer in Baghdad, Baba Foosa in China, and Vali Hind in Mecca-testifying to his universal appeal.

What Guru Nanak’s Travels Teach Us

In a world where travel is often glamorized by social media influencers as a symbol of status, Guru Nanak’s journeys remind us of a deeper truth. Travel is not just movement, it is transformation. It demands patience, humility, discipline, and the courage to step beyond comfort zones.

Here is what we can learn from Guru Nanak’s style of travelling:

• Embrace Diversity: Every region, every faith, every dialect holds wisdom. Guru Nanak ji listened, learned, and shared.
• Travel Simply: He walked thousands of miles, choosing simplicity over spectacle.
• Connect Through Music & Poetry: His Shabads, sung with Bhai Mardana, were bridges of joy and reflection.
• Respect Local Culture: He honored the customs of the places he visited, engaging with locals respectfully.
• Meet the Common People: Guru Nanak ji saw divinity in all. From rickshaw pullers to hotel staff, every person has a story.
• Be Humble and Curious: He questioned not to challenge, but to understand and uplift.

So, on this Guru Nanak Jayanti, let us celebrate not just a spiritual leader, but a traveler who walked the earth with grace and courage. Guru Nanak Dev Ji showed us that the true essence of travel lies not in reaching places, but in meeting people and exchanging knowledge.  We can find meaning in the stories of bus drivers and street vendors, in the quiet wisdom of elders and the laughter of children. In a world that often reduces travel to spectacle, Guru Nanak Dev Ji reminds us to walk with humility, to meet others without judgment, to carry music and compassion as companions. May we all learn to travel like him-with open hearts, curious minds, and compassionate souls.

Lokesh Thakur is a seasoned educationist and author of four books, including Co-mat-ose, Don’t Be a Parent, Don’t Be a Friend, and Twenty 20 of Life. He has worked with India’s top media houses and leading non-governmental organizations, driving impact through education and social work.

FOR BOX INSIDE TH STORY

Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Five Udasis (Spiritual Journeys)