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Guru Angad Dev, 1504-1552

Guru Angad Dev was the second of the ten Gurus who founded Sikhism.

He was born a Hindu with the name Bhai Lehna in Ferozepur, Punjab.

Before meeting Guru Nanak at the age of 27, Lehna used to worship the Hindu Goddess Durga.

After coming across a Sikh man reciting a prayer composed by Guru Nanak, he expressed a desire to meet him.

It's believed that it took just one meeting for him to renounce his faith and begin to follow the practices of Guru Nanak.

Guru Angad devoted 7 years proving himself under the guidance of Guru Nanak and after many tests he appointed him as his successor in 1539.

When Guru Nanak died, Guru Angad went into seclusion and meditated for six months.

He continued the work that Guru Nanak started and also made many notable contributions to Sikhism.

He popularised the use of a simplified alphabet by modifying the old Punjabi characters now known as the Gurmukhi script and wrote many verses that were included in the Guru Granth Sahib.

Guru Angad made sure that the institution of Langar, the communal meal served at the Gurdwara, became an obligation.

He also created many Sikh religious institutions and schools.

As a new faith, Sikhism was in danger of being overshadowed by the long-established religions. Guru Angad helped Sikhism to become a more accepted and respected faith.

Guru Angad nominated Amar Das as his successor (the third Guru) before his death in 1552.

Find out more

• Gurdwara - the langar