Brief Biography
From Namdhari-World

Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji, took Avatar in 1504 and was chosen by Guru Nanak from amongst His disciples to carry on His mission. Before His meeting with Guru Nanak Dev Ji He was known as Bhai Lehna.

Guru Angad Dev Ji first met Guru Nanak in 1532, at Kartarpur (Pakistan) on His way to Jwalamukhi and became His disciple. Guru Nanak was most impressed with the devotion and selfless services of Lehna.

Guru Angad made Khadur Sahib His headquarters and one of the better known visitors to pay homage was Humayun, the Mughal Emperor.

In 1541 AD He made modifications to the "Gurmukhi Painti" (written form of Punjabi created by Guru Nank Dev Ji). He promoted the Gurmukhi script as now known and made it known to all Sikhs. The scripture of the Granth Sahib is written in Gurmukhi. This scripture is also the basis of Punjabi language.

In 1544 AD He got a biography of Guru Nanak written by Paira Mokha and dictated by Bhai Bala, which in a modified form is known as Bala Janamsakhi. Guru Angad is a model of self-less service to His Sikhs and showed them the way to devotional prayers.

Guru Angad Dev Ji composed Sixty-three slokas collected in the Adi Granth. He left His body in March 1552 AD at Khadur Sahib at the age of 48 years

Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji & Vegetarianism.

With the influence of many diverse cultures within the Sikh faith, the wrong impression that meat eating was allowed by the Satgurus has been sadly put forth to the public's view. It has been mentioned to the extent that meat was actually served alongside other food items in the Langar(Kitchen) of Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji. Yet if we take a closer look and carefully research the History of the Sikh's Satgurus, the fact that vegetarianism is the order of the day is undeniable.

The following is an extracted Sakhi (Biographical Sketch of Satguru) from one of the most reliable Sikh historical literature, the Sri GurPartap Suraj (Suraj Parkash), written by Kavi Bhai Santokh Singh.

Transliteration Translation
Ik Din Sri Angad Guru Gamnay Goind Val |
Sewak Ko Darshan Diyo
Keh Sun Bachan Rasaal ||1||
Chaupai ||
Sahej Subhaik Avat Chalay |
Mag Meh Siha Uppal Milay |
Daykhat Hi Pag Bandan Kari |
Bhayo Namre Ur Shardha Dhri ||2||
Ik Saw Chang Sang Teh Ahay |
Tin Kahu Daykh Guru Bach Kahay |
"Bho Siha, Eho Kittay Liai?
Kiu Keenas In Ko Samdai" ||3||
Sun Kar Joray Kehyo Britant |
"Hay Shri Satguru Ji Bhagvant |
Moeh Putra Ko Mundan Ahae |
Bad Utsah Karyo Ham Chahaen ||4||
Hamri Kul Sabh Ikathi Hoi |
Baday Hmarin Ki Bidh Soi |
Is Bidh Karan Ahae Bivhar |
Aveh Amikh Kareh Ahar ||5||
Sada Jathayran Reet Hamaray |
Odan Amikh Deh Aharay |
Khushi Anayk Parkaran Hoi |
Hoiham Male Kul Kay Sabh Koi" ||6||
Sunn Kar Biksay Guru Kirpal |
"Bhalo Karan Hit Keh Tis Kal |
Itnay Jeewan Hinsa Karaen |
Paap Bisaal Apan Sir Dharaen ||7||
Ab Toe Sugam Janieh Karbo |
Ant Mahan Dukh Narkan Parbo |
Deh Shasna Jam Kay Doot |
Taha Na Pahunchay Bandhap Poot ||9||
Jinkay Hit Agh Karam Kamai |
Taha Na Rangkach Hoi Sahai |
Sukh Bhogaengay Sagray Loke |
Apda Paraeh Toi Bad Shoke ||9||
Dharam Rai Jab Karhae Laykha |
Lahae Mahan Dukh Rahae Na Shaykha" |
Sunn Sihay Bhae Dhaar Badayray |
Kehyo Karo Jas Ais Tayray ||10||
Sri Gur! Kahan Karau Upchaar |
Jis Tay Hoi Na Jeev Sunghar |
Neekee Baat Aap Mujh Kaho |
Bach Jin Rahau Su Maen Bhee Jaho ||11||
Hoeh Na Paap Narak Neh Pariun |
JeevGhaat Tay Chit Meh Dariu |
Aap Shakat Dhar Ho Samrath |
Rakhau Moih Prabhu Deoh Hath ||12||
Tum Tay Bado Kaha Maen Pavon?
Paryo Sharan Maen Nit Gungavon |
Jim Eh Jeev Ghaat Neh Hovaen |
Naheen Jathayran Ko Dukh Jovaen ||13||		 One day as Sri Guru Angad traveled in Goindwal.
He met and talked to a Sikh of His.1.
Chaupai(The format of this Poem):
As the Guru was traveling.
He found Siha Uppal.
Seeing the Guru, he promptly prostrated himself at His feet.
Delighted, he presented his offerings to the Guru.2.
He(Siha Uppal) had with him a goat.
Seeing it, the Satguru questioned.
"Dear Siha, where are you taking this animal?
Explain what you are going to do with it".3.
Hearing the Guru, he folded his hands and answered.
"Oh Satguru the divine lord.
My son is having his head shaved.
I am going home with great excitement.4.
Every member of my family will join.
It is the ritual of our ancestors.
Thus we are having a big celebration..
The animal will be cooked for food.5.
Our ritual of celebration has always been enormous.
An animal's body is consumed for food.
Countless joy and happiness prevail.
As every member of our family joins in".6.
Hearing this the kind Satguru said.
"For performing a positive ritual.
You sure are killing many animals.
For which the sins will rain down on you.7.
For now it is joyous and happy.
But in the end there will be great discomfort in hell.
Where the angels of death will take you.
There your son will not be able to help you.8.
For the person you are committing this sin.
He will not be with you then.
The others will all be happy.
Whereas yourself will be in great grief.9.
When the angel of death writes you down.
Then you will receive only pain and no joy."
Hearing this Siha became very afraid.
He thanked God for meeting with the Guru.10.
"Oh Great Guru! Your words saved me.
Because of it there's no destruction of life.
You have given me this small order.
Which I needed and it has saved me.11.
No sin is committed thus no hell to visit.
I am now afraid of destroying another's life.
You are the all powerful master.
Lend me your hand and save me.12.
Who else is to be found greater than you?
I am most thankful for finding you.
As I have not taken a life.
There shall be no sufferings to endure.13.
Transliteration Translation

As it may be observed from the afore mentioned passages, Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji had given the strict order that consumption of meat is a sin for which the committer is destined to no better place than hell itself.

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Source: Sri Gur Partap Suraj by Kavi Bhai Santokh Singh

 

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