Page 8 - Gurmat Book 4

Lesson 3: Guru Angad Dev Ji's Contributions

Gurmukhi letters existed at the time of

Guru Nanak, but Guru Angad Dev Ji
made it better. Since Guru Angad Dev

Ji had adopted the modified alphabet,

it was called ‘Gurmukhi'- meaning that

which is spoken through the mouth of

the Guru.

Gurmukhi became the script of writing

by the Sikh Gurus. Creating Gurmukhi

was significant for many reasons. It

gave the people who spoke Punjabi an identity of their own. Many low caste
Hindus were not supposed to learn Sanskrit in which the holy books of

Hindus were written. But Guru Ji encouraged everyone to learn Punjabi and

Gurmukhi. He personally taught Punjabi in Gurmukhi script to children. This

step by Guru Angad Dev helped in the development and growth of Sikhism.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji had passed on his own ‘Pothi’ with his own Bani and the

Bani of some saints he had collected to Guru Angad Dev Ji. He collected

the Sakhis of Guru Nanak Dev Ji's life from Bhai Bala.

Guru Angad Dev Ji expanded the tradition of Guru Ka Langar started by

Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Guru Angad Dev Ji inspired people to lead healthy lives.

He encouraged Sikhs to be involved in sports after their morning prayers.

He believed that there was divine light in every human being. The body is

the temple of God as it houses the soul. We must take care of our bodies.

According to Guru Ji, if you are physically fit, then you can do well in life,

because a healthy mind can only live in a healthy body. He encouraged all

boys and men to learn wrestling or Mal Akhaadas and compete in

competitions. These steps laid the foundation of a healthy Sikh community.

Stepping Stones Gurmat Sikhia Book 4G 2023 Edition Page 6