Bebe Nanaki

Bebe Nanaki
Bebe Nanaki
ਬੇਬੇ ਨਾਨਕੀ
	Guru Nanak visits his sister Nanaki, from a manuscript ‘Janam Sakhi’ c.1800–1900
Born	Nanaki Bedi; c. 1464; Chahal, Delhi Sultanate (present-day Kasur District, Pakistan)
Died	c. 1518 (aged 54)
Spouse	Jai Ram Palta
Children	none
Parents	Mehta Kalu (father); Mata Tripta (mother);
Relatives	Guru Nanak (brother)

Bebe Nanaki (Punjabi: ਬੇਬੇ ਨਾਨਕੀ, lit. 'Sister Nanaki'; c. 1464–1518), alternative spelt as Bibi Nanaki, was the elder sister of Guru Nanak, the founder and first Guru of Sikhism. Nanaki is an important figure in Sikhism, and is known as the first Gursikh. She was the first to realize her brother's 'philosophical inclination', and is credited for inspiring his use of music as an instrument of devotion to God.[1][2]

Early life

Nanaki and her brother were the children of Mehta Kalu and Mata Tripta. Born in the city of Chahal, present-day Pakistan, she was named by her grandparents, who named her Nanaki after the word Nanakian, roughly meaning "the home of your maternal grandparents".[2]

Bebe and Ji are added to her name as a sign of respect. Bebe is used to pay regard to an older woman and Ji given to anyone whom you want to show your respects regardless of age. Bebe Nanaki got married at an early age of 11. In those days it was customary to be married at such a young age.

Nanaki married Jai Ram, a Palta Khatri[3] employed at a modikhana, a storehouse for revenues collected in non-cash form, in the service of the Delhi Sultanate's Lahore governor Daulat Khan. Jai Ram helped Nanak get a job at this modikhana in Sultanpur.[4]

Brother and sister

Guru Nanak (right) conversing with Bebe Nanaki's husband, Jai Ram (left), painting from an 1830's Janamsakhi (life stories).

Bebe Nanaki had an immense adoration for her brother and was the first to recognize his "enlightened soul".[1] She was 5 years older but played the role of a mother to him. She not only protected him from their father but she loved him unconditionally. Guru Nanak was sent to live with Nanaki when he was only 15 years old. To instill his independence, she searched for a wife for him. Bebe Nanaki along with her husband found a woman, Sulakhni Chona, for Nanak to marry.[1] Since Bebe Nanaki had no children of her own she loved and helped raise her brother's children, Sri Chand and Lakhmi Chand.[2]

Bebe Nanaki is known as being Guru Nanak’s first follower.[1] She was eternally devoted to him and his cause. She is also known for inspiring Nanak in using music as an instrument of devotion to God. Knowing he had musical talent she bought him a Rebab to help him further his music.[2]

Death

The original house of Bebe Nanaki before it was destroyed by "Kar Seva" renovations in the 21st century and replaced with a modern building.

Bebe Nanaki died in 1518. As one of her last wishes she willed her brother, Guru Nanak, to be by her side during her last days. Her last breaths were enlightened with the Japji Sahib which was recited to her.[2] Three days after her death, her spouse, Jai Ram, also died. Their funeral rites were carried out by Guru Nanak.[5]

References

"Bebe Nanaki Gurdwara". Archived from the original on 17 September 2011. Retrieved 9 November 2011.
"Sikh Women Now". Archived from the original on 25 April 2012. Retrieved 9 November 2011.
McLeod, W.H. (1968). Guru Nanak and the Sikh Religion. Oxford: Clarendon Press. pp. 102–103.
J. S. Grewal (1998). The Sikhs of the Punjab. The New Cambridge History of India (Revised ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 7. ISBN 978-0-521-63764-0.
The encyclopaedia of Sikhism. Vol. 3. Harbans Singh. Patiala: Punjabi University. 1992–1998. p. 184. ISBN 0-8364-2883-8. OCLC 29703420.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)

Bibliography

Singha, H. S. (2000). "Nanaki, Bebe". The Encyclopedia of Sikhism. Hemkunt Press. ISBN 9788170103011.
Khalsa, Sukhmandir. "Bibi Nanaki (1464 – 1518)". About.com.

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[Gudwara-1] "Bebe Nanaki Gurdwara". Archived from the original on 17 September 2011. Retrieved 9 November 2011.

[Nanaki-2] "Sikh Women Now". Archived from the original on 25 April 2012. Retrieved 9 November 2011.

[3] McLeod, W.H. (1968). Guru Nanak and the Sikh Religion. Oxford: Clarendon Press. pp. 102–103.

[4] J. S. Grewal (1998). The Sikhs of the Punjab. The New Cambridge History of India (Revised ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 7. ISBN 978-0-521-63764-0.

[5] The encyclopaedia of Sikhism. Vol. 3. Harbans Singh. Patiala: Punjabi University. 1992–1998. p. 184. ISBN 0-8364-2883-8. OCLC 29703420.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)