Page 9 - Gurmat Book 4

To Guru Angad, religion was not just what happens in the morning and

evening, but a way of life. Every action must be done thinking that God is

watching me. Guru Angad Dev Ji insisted that thoughts and actions must

match. We must think good thought and do good actions. Then we will live a

life according to Sikh religion.

Guru Angad Dev Ji also improved the role of women in society. The woman

at the time was looked down upon because she was thought to be inferior to

man. She was confined to her home and was not allowed to participate in

any public work. Guru Ji emphasized that men and women were equal. He
encouraged women to come in Sangat.

Guru Angad’s wife, Mata Khivi, played a big role in encouraging women to do

seva. Mata Khivi helped in Langar. She made sure that the food being

cooked was nutritious because many who came to see Guru were poor. There
is a mention of the kheer she cooked with lot of ghee in Gurbani. There is a

mention of Mata Khivi in Sri Guru Granth Sahib which says that she was like

a shady tree that provided comforting shade to the Sikhs.

Guru Ji was well respected by all. Once, Mughal Emperor Humayun (Babar's
son) had lost his throne. He came to receive blessings of Guru Angad Dev Ji

to get his throne back.

Guru Angad Dev Ji nominated Guru Amardas Ji as the Third Nanak before
his death. He presented his own writings and the Bani he received from

Guru Nanak Dev Ji to Guru Amardas Ji. He breathed his last on March 29,

1552 at the age of forty-eight. He advised Guru Amardas Ji to build a new

town at Goindwal near Khadur Sahib.

Classwork or Homework: Write answers to the following questions.

1. How did Guru Angad Dev Ji made Gurmukhi important?

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Stepping Stones Gurmat Sikhia Book 4G 2023 Edition Page 7