Bebe Nanaki Ji was the elder sister of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Sikh tradition remembers her as the first to recognise the divine light in her brother, and as his loving supporter at Sultanpur Lodhi. She is honoured as a model of sisterly love and early faith.
Life
Bebe Nanaki Ji was born in the 1460s, a few years before her brother, to Mehta Kalu and Mata Tripta in the Punjab. Her name is often linked to her mother's family home, where she was born. As children the two were very close, and the janamsakhis — traditional accounts of Guru Nanak Dev Ji's life — describe her deep affection and understanding for her brother.
She married Jai Ram and moved to Sultanpur Lodhi. According to tradition, when young Nanak's parents worried about his unusual ways, Bebe Nanaki Ji invited him to Sultanpur, where Jai Ram helped him find work at the provincial storehouse (modikhana). It was at Sultanpur Lodhi, historians agree, that Guru Nanak Dev Ji had the profound experience that marked the start of his mission, c. 1499–1500.
The janamsakhis describe Bebe Nanaki Ji as the first person to recognise that her brother was guided by the Divine. Tradition also tells that she helped Bhai Mardana obtain the rabab with which he accompanied the Guru's shabads. She is believed to have passed away at Sultanpur Lodhi in the early sixteenth century; traditional dates vary. Sikhs still lovingly call her Bebe, a respectful word for an elder sister.
Why Sikhs remember Bebe Nanaki Ji
- She is remembered as the first to recognise Guru Nanak Dev Ji's spiritual calling.
- Her home at Sultanpur Lodhi was where the Guru's mission began.
- She is a lasting model of love and support between brothers and sisters.
Key events
- c. 1460s
Birth Historical record
Born a few years before Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
- c. 1480s
Marriage to Jai Ram Historical record
She marries and settles at Sultanpur Lodhi.
- c. 1490s
Nanak comes to Sultanpur Traditional account
Tradition tells she invited her brother, who found work at the modikhana.
- c. 1499–1500
The Guru's calling Historical record
At Sultanpur Lodhi Guru Nanak Dev Ji begins his mission.
- —
The rabab for Mardana Traditional account
Tradition tells she helped provide Bhai Mardana's rabab.
For children
Bebe Nanaki Ji was Guru Nanak Dev Ji's big sister. She loved her little brother very much. When others did not understand him, she did. Stories from Sikh tradition say she was the first to see that he was very special and close to Waheguru. She welcomed him to live near her in Sultanpur Lodhi. She reminds us to love and believe in our brothers and sisters.
Lessons for today
Believe in the people you love
Bebe Nanaki Ji trusted her brother when others doubted. Your faith in someone can help them grow.
Home as a place of support
Her home became the setting for the Guru's calling. Kindness at home can change the world outside it.
Places connected with this life
- Gurdwara Sri Ber Sahib, Sultanpur Lodhi
Associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji's time at Sultanpur Lodhi. - Gurdwara Bebe Nanaki Ji, Sultanpur Lodhi
Associated with Bebe Nanaki Ji's home.
Further reading & sources
- Janamsakhi traditions
- Harbans Singh (ed.), The Encyclopaedia of Sikhism, Punjabi University, Patiala
- W.H. McLeod, Guru Nanak and the Sikh Religion