Guru Angad Dev Ji’s Journey of Devotion and Grace
Guru Angad Dev Ji Maharaj used to look after his family business in the city of Khandoor Sahib. He was born to Shri Pheru Mal Ji and Mata Sabhirai Ji. Before becoming the second Sikh Guru, he was known as Bhai Lehna Ji.
Bhai Lehna Ji was a deep devotee of Mata Vaishno Devi and would perform melodious kirtan in her praise. Every year, he visited the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. On his fifth continuous visit, Mata Bhagwati (Vaishno Devi) blessed him and inspired him to seek a true Guru for his spiritual journey.
One day, while traveling near the boundaries of the Raavi River, Bhai Lehna Ji heard a divine hymn being sung by a saint named Bhai Jyot Ji. He stopped and asked, “Whose words are these? They are filling my soul with immense peace. I’m sure they aren’t from any Vedas or sacred texts I know. Please tell me whose Bani this is.”
Bhai Jyot Ji replied, “This is the Bani of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.”
Hearing this, Bhai Lehna Ji felt an intense inner pull to meet Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He made his way to Kartarpur and, upon arriving, began asking the villagers about Guru Nanak Ji’s residence.
Guru Nanak Ji had established his home and farmlands in Kartarpur near the Raavi River. His purpose was to support the oppressed and ensure that local farmers, Jatts, and those from the so-called lower castes could continue their own faith and connect with God. Guru Nanak Ji dedicated his life to uplifting the poor and guiding them toward a life of devotion and self-realization.
For about 18 years, Guru Nanak Ji traveled from place to place, preaching the importance of chanting God’s name and setting up Dharam-Saals—communal places where people could gather, worship, and share food through Langar.
When Bhai Lehna Ji entered Kartarpur, he saw a man walking and asked him for directions to Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s house. Unknown to Guru ji, it was Guru Nanak Ji himself. Guru Nanak Ji looked up and said, “You wish to meet Guru Nanak? Let me take you there.”
Holding the reins of Bhai Lehna Ji’s horse, Guru Nanak Ji personally led him to his house. Upon reaching, Guru Nanak Ji washed his hands and asked Bhai Lehna Ji to wait upstairs with the others.
Later, when Guru Nanak Dev Ji came out to meet the Sangat, Bhai Lehna Ji was shocked to recognize him as the very same person who had guided his horse. Tears flowed from his eyes.
When it was his turn to meet Guru Nanak Ji, the Guru asked, “What is your name?”
“My name is Lehna,” he replied.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji smiled and said, “That’s true—you have come to take something. You will receive what you’ve come for. But remember, now you must prepare your mind to grow spiritually and gain knowledge of the Divine.”
Bhai Lehna Ji returned to his hometown of Khandoor Sahib, near the Beas River. But after a few days, he began to feel restless. The pull toward Guru Nanak Ji was too strong. He returned to Kartarpur, leaving everything behind.
At the age of 25, Bhai Lehna Ji began staying with Guru Nanak Ji and served him with complete devotion for seven years. At the age of 35, he was blessed with the title of Guru Angad Dev Ji, becoming the second Sikh Guru.
One day, Bhai Lehna Ji saw Guru Nanak Ji working in the fields under the scorching sun. His feet were soaked in hot muddy water, and his face was red from the heat. Bhai Lehna Ji felt deep compassion and joined him in the field, trying to help.
However, he mistakenly began harvesting crops, not realizing that Guru Nanak Ji was manually removing pests from the plants. Guru Nanak Ji asked, “What are you doing?”
Guru Angad Dev Ji replied, “How can a servant stand still and watch his Guru work alone? It should be the Guru watching the servant work, not the other way around.”
Guru Nanak Ji then told him to lift the leftover crop bundles and follow him home. When they reached, Mata Sulakhni Ji noticed Bhai Lehna Ji’s clothes were covered in dirt and questioned why he had been made to do such labor.
Guru Nanak Ji replied, “Bhai Lehna Ji is here to carry the burdens of the Guru. This is only the beginning—many more bundles await him.”
During those seven years, Guru Nanak Ji tested Bhai Lehna Ji’s dedication many times.
Once, a wall of the Dharamshala collapsed due to heavy rains. Late at night, Guru Nanak Ji began repairing it in the cold. Seeing this, Guru Angad Dev Ji quietly joined him.
On another occasion, Guru Nanak Ji disguised himself with wild, open hair, a black robe, a stick, and a terrifying look. He roamed the village accompanied by dogs, testing who would truly follow a Guru—even in such a state.
Many mocked the sight, saying Guru Nanak Ji had lost his mind in old age. Only Baba Budha Ji and Bhai Lehna Ji followed Guru ji. When Guru Nanak Ji threw stones and ordered them to leave, most turned back. Later, he threw gold and silver coins, but Baba Budha Ji and Bhai Lehna Ji remained. Eventually, when Guru Ji commanded in strict voice, “This is Hukam. Leave!”, even Baba Budha Ji stopped.
Only Bhai Lehna Ji remained.
When Guru Nanak Ji asked him again, “Why are you still here?” Bhai Lehna Ji fell at his feet and cried, “Guru Ji, you may punish me as you wish.
But where can I go? I have left everything behind for my Guru.”
Then, Guru Nanak Ji pointed to a covered body and said, “If you want to stay with me, eat this corpse.”
Without hesitation, Bhai Lehna Ji asked, “Should I start from the head or the feet, Guru Ji?”
Guru Nanak Ji said, “Start from the feet.”
As Bhai Lehna Ji lifted the cloth, he found Degh Prasad (holy offering) shaped like a human body. It was not a corpse, but a divine test of obedience and faith.
Guru Nanak Ji knew Bhai Lehna Ji was ready.
In 1539, following the command of the Almighty, Guru Nanak Dev Ji passed on the spiritual leadership (Guru Gaddi) to Bhai Lehna Ji, who became Guru Angad Dev Ji.
After Guru Nanak Ji’s departure from the earthly realm, Guru Angad Dev Ji was so heartbroken that he went into seclusion. He stayed at Mata Kaur Ji’s house in Khandoor Sahib, avoiding public appearances and spiritual gatherings.
The Sangat in Kartarpur, longing for their Guru, requested Baba Budha Ji to find him. With divine intuition, Baba Budha Ji discovered Guru Angad Dev Ji’s location and reached Mata Kaur’s home.
He asked, “Where is our Guru Nanak? We have come for his Darshan.”
Mata Ji remained silent, as she had promised not to reveal his presence.
Baba Budha Ji noticed her radiant face and said, “Mata Ji, your glow tells the truth. You are hiding the Guru.”
He then instructed the Sangat to sit and sing the shabad:
“Mere Laal Jio, Reh Tera Ant Na Jaana…”
The shabad’s purity and love touched Guru Angad Dev Ji’s heart. Unable to hold back, he emerged and gave Darshan to the Sangat.
From that moment, Guru Angad Dev Ji began spiritual gatherings again.
True Guru never performs miracles to prove himself
In Khandoor Sahib, a saint named Shiv Nath grew jealous of Guru Ji’s popularity and influence. As rain ceased for a long time, he incited villagers by saying, “Ever since this Guru came, it has stopped raining. Your crops will die.”
He challenged, “Tell your Guru to bring rain, if he is truly the successor of Guru Nanak.”
The villagers approached Guru Angad Dev Ji, who humbly replied, “I cannot interfere in nature’s work.”
They insisted, “If you can’t bring rain, leave our village.”
Guru Angad Dev Ji quietly left, respecting their wish.
However, Shiv Nath failed to bring any rain himself. The villagers soon realized their mistake and, filled with shame, sought Guru Ji’s forgiveness.
Guru Angad Dev Ji smiled and said, “You are innocent people. You didn’t trust in the power of Guru Nanak.”
He then looked to the sky and prayed, “Oh Guru Nanak, your people have come to me seeking your blessings. Though I don’t feel worthy, please show them your mercy.”
Within moments, clouds gathered, and rain began pouring.
This story reminds us: a true Guru never performs miracles to prove himself. Only if the Guru wills, will the divine power be revealed