Puratan
Quick Summary
The Puratan is a significant work within Sikh literature, specifically a biography of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. It is considered one of the earliest identifiable works in the Punjabi language, dating back to the 16th century.12
The Puratan tradition, discovered in London, offers a more rational account of Guru Nanak's life compared to earlier, more miraculous accounts like the Bala version. It details Guru Nanak's extensive travels across India and beyond, including journeys to the Himalayas, Baghdad, and Mecca. These narratives, while containing elements of wonder, aim to convey spiritual lessons, such as the omnipresence of God.1
The Puratan tradition, when combined with other sources, provides a valuable description of Guru Nanak's life and teachings, which emphasize meditation on the divine name as the path to liberation.1
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SikhismGuru Nanak…version, since known as the Puratan (“Ancient”) tradition, was discovered in London, where it had arrived as a gift for the library of the East India Company. Although it too contained fantastic elements, it had far fewer miracle stories than the Bala version, and it presented a more plausible account…
Read More…version, since known as the Puratan (“Ancient”) tradition, was discovered in London, where it had arrived as a gift for the library of the East India Company. Although it too contained fantastic elements, it had far fewer miracle stories than the Bala version, and it presented a more plausible account…
Read More- SikhismGuru Nanak
Another popular Puratan story concerns Nanak’s visit to the “Land Ruled by Women” in eastern India. Mardana, Nanak’s faithful minstrel and travel companion, went ahead to beg for food but was turned into a sheep by one of the women. When Nanak arrived, he caused a pot…
Read MoreAnother popular Puratan story concerns Nanak’s visit to the “Land Ruled by Women” in eastern India. Mardana, Nanak’s faithful minstrel and travel companion, went ahead to beg for food but was turned into a sheep by one of the women. When Nanak arrived, he caused a pot…
Read More