Spiritual Figures  Guru Nanak FAQs  FAQ

When and where was Guru Nanak born?

Guru Nanak, revered as the founder of Sikhism, was born in the year 1469 in the village of Talwandi. This small settlement lay within the broader Punjab region, a landscape that would later be deeply marked by his teachings and spiritual legacy. Over time, Talwandi came to be known as Nankana Sahib, a name that reflects the enduring reverence for his life and message. The transformation of the village’s name itself suggests how a single life can reshape the spiritual geography of a people.

Talwandi, now recognized as Nankana Sahib, is situated in what is today part of Pakistan, in the historic Punjab area. Remembering this birthplace is not merely an exercise in historical detail; it serves as a reminder that spiritual insight often arises from very particular soils and communities. The convergence of time—1469—and place—Talwandi/Nankana Sahib—forms a kind of sacred coordinate, anchoring the vast sweep of Guru Nanak’s teachings in a specific human context. For many seekers, contemplating that humble origin can deepen appreciation for how universal truths can emerge from seemingly ordinary beginnings.