26/02/2022
The Significance of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Birth in Sikhism and Connection to Astrology
“When Guru Nanak Dev Ji emerged, the mist cleared and the light scattered all around. As if the Sun rose and the stars disappeared and the darkness dispelled. With the roar of a lion in the forest the flocks of escaping deer now cannot have endurance. Wherever Baba Ji put his feet, a religious place was built and established”.
Metha Kalu - who was the father of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, was waiting for the good news. As morning started to approach and the Sun was about rise. His wife Tripta gave birth to a baby son.
Metha Kalu was delighted to hear the news, as Guru Nanak Dev Ji would be the first son of the family. It was a cause of celebration.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was believed to be not a ordinary child, since extraordinary events had happened when he was born. The room was filled with a bright light and could hear divine music coming out of nowhere. It was believed a blessed soul had emerged in the family home.
Metha Kalu wanted to the speak to a Pandit (Astrologer) Hardyal and he asked “what is your son’s; time, date and place of birth?” Pandit mentioned that date is “15th April 1469 AD”. Coincidentally it was also puranmasi (full moon night) and the time of amritvela (early hours of the morning - when reciting prayers). As the pandit or astrologer looked at the relevant pages of his Astrology Book he stated - “Wow! What a time to come on Earth! A great man indeed! I will prepare his horoscope and give you the details soon. Please handle him with care. He is a special gift to you by God.”
Since it was customary in India during 1400’s for an astrologer to be invited and give a birth chart reading for a newly born infant. Pandit Hardyal - the village astrologer was called. Everyone was surprised when he said “This is no ordinary child. The child is a divine incarnation”. He predicted that the soul would have a profound influence over the world. The astrologer was definitely right, for the child grew up to be Guru Nanak Dev Ji - who would be the first line for the Sikh Gurus.
The naming of the child ceremony of the child was performed on the 13th day with a great ceremony. Pandit Hardyal announced the name of the child as ‘Nanak’…
Even though Guru’s weren’t considered to be scientists they had enough knowledge from God to know the creation of the the universe. Quotes from the Guru Granth Sahib Ji will explain this:
1. “In the beginning there were indescribable darkness. Neither Earth, nor the sky existed. Only his unfathomable will - prevailed. The Sun and Moon were not there. The night and the day had not taken shape. The Lord alone existed in his meditative undisturbed mood”. (Page 1034 - 1035, Guru Granth Sahib Ji)
2. Guru Ji mentioned in the Japji Sahib that “One gesture and one word, the many rivers that bring life (creation) began to flow. How can you speak and reflect on this power”.
3. Guru Nanak Dev Ji said that - “time of creation can’t be known, it’s only known by God”.
4. About the vastness of creation, Guru Nanak Dev Ji said in Japji Sahib: “There are planets, solar systems and galaxies. If one speaks of them, there’s no limit and no end”. He further stated that our solar system is only one and there many others like it.
5. About life on Earth, Guru Ji said: “From the true lord came air, and from the air came water. From water, came the creation, I each and every heart he has infused his light”.
6. Guru Arjan Dev Ji even talks about the expansion of the universe - “He has unfolded the universe in many ways. He has expanded it many times. Only lord himself is immortal”. (Page 276, Guru Granth Sahib Ji).
Raag Dhansaaree, First Mehla:
Upon the comic plate of the sky,
the Sun and Moon are lamps.
The stars and their orbs are the studded pearls.
The fragrance of sandalwood in the air is the temple incense, and the wind is fan. All the planets of the world are the alter flowers in offering to you, O’luminous lord ||1||
What a beautiful aarti, lamp lit worship service this is! Oh destroyer of Fear, this your ceremony of light. The unstruck sound-current of the shahbad is the vibration of the temple drums”. ||1|| Pause||
