Angad Dev Ji

Born Bhai Lehna on 31 March 1504 in Harike village, Ferozepur district, Punjab, Guru Angad Dev Ji came from a Hindu Khatri family. He was deeply devoted to Goddess Durga and led annual pilgrimages to the Jwalamukhi temple in Kangra. His encounter with Guru Nanak Dev Ji in 1532 transformed his life completely: so moved was he by Guru Nanak's teachings that he became a devoted disciple, abandoning the Durga pilgrimage and dedicating himself to Sikh service.

Guru Nanak was so impressed by Bhai Lehna's complete obedience, humility, and selfless service that he chose him as his successor over his own sons. He gave him the name Angad — 'my own limb' — signifying that Bhai Lehna was spiritually one with Guru Nanak himself. Guru Angad Dev Ji was formally anointed as the second Sikh Guru in 1539, shortly before Guru Nanak's passing.

Guru Angad Dev Ji's greatest contribution to Sikhism was the standardisation and popularisation of the Gurmukhi script. While Gurmukhi characters had existed, Guru Angad refined and formalised the 35-letter alphabet to make Gurbani accessible to ordinary people who did not read Sanskrit or Persian. He established schools to teach Gurmukhi across Punjab, ensuring that the Guru's message could be read, written, and preserved by all.

He also placed great emphasis on physical fitness, establishing the Mall Akhara — wrestling arenas where Sikhs could exercise and strengthen their bodies alongside their minds. He collected and recorded the Shabads of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, preserving them for future generations, and composed 63 Shabads of his own, which are included in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. He continued the Langar institution and appointed Guru Amar Das Ji as his successor.