In recent times, some individuals have argued that it is incorrect to refer to Guru Sahib as “Guru Nanak Dev Ji,” suggesting that the addition of “Dev” was a distortion influenced by Hindus to claim Guru Nanak Sahib Ji as part of Hinduism. Instead, they advocate calling Guru Sahib “Guru Nanak Sahib Ji” or “Baba Nanak.” However, such assertions lack historical and scriptural grounding.
The Sikh Rehat Maryada, the official code of conduct for Sikhs, explicitly refers to Guru Sahib as “Guru Nanak Dev Ji” in its first chapter, where it defines who a Sikh is. Moreover, Guru Arjan Dev Ji uses the title “Guru Nanak Dev” in Gurbani.
For instance, in Raag Basant, Guru Arjan Dev Ji states:
ਗੁਰ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇਵ ਗੋਵਿੰਦ ਰੂਪ ॥੮॥੧॥
Guru Nanak Dev is the Embodiment of the Lord of the Universe. ||8||1||
Guru Granth Sahib Ji: Ang 1192
ਮਿਲੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇਵ ਜਗਤ ਗੁਰ ਕੇਰੈ ॥੨॥੧॥੩੪॥
Please come and meet (Guru) Nanak Dev, the Guru of the World. ||2||1||34||
Guru Granth Sahib Ji: Ang 1304
These verses clearly demonstrate that the term “Dev” was respectfully used for Guru Nanak Sahib Ji during Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s time, well before any alleged external influences.
If we look closely at the names of Sikh Gurus and their family members, we notice that many of them seem to be connected to traditional Hindu names:
Rejecting these names on the basis of their linguistic or cultural origins ignores the universal message of Sikhi, which transcends such distinctions. Names are not the essence; the message and teachings of the Gurus are.
In addition to the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Bhai Gurdas Ji, a respected Sikh scholar, frequently refers to Guru Sahib as “Guru Nanak Dev Ji.” For example:
Vaar 1 Pauri 24:
੨੪ : ਗੁਰ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇਵ ਜੀ ਦਾ ਪਹਿਲਾ ਪ੍ਰਸੰਗ
First episode of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Then in Vaar 26, there are episodes or Pauris that are given the title of “Guru Nanak Dev”:
੨੧ : ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇਵ
Guru Nanak Dev
੨੨ : ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇਵ
Guru Nanak Dev
੩੦ : ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇਵ
Guru Nanak Dev
Then the second Kabit of Bhai Gurdas Ji, says Guru Sahib’s name as “Nanak Dev” three times:
ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇਵ ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਪੂਰਨ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ॥
Waheguru (Lord) who is transcendental and immanent in the form of Guru Nanak Dev.
(Pauri 1)
ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਪੂਰਨ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇਵ ॥੨॥੨॥
Satgur (True Guru) Nanak Dev is the immanent form of God.
(Pauri 2)
All gods and goddesses contemplate on the True Guru, Guru Nanak Dev.
(Pauri 3)
These examples further solidify the historical and scriptural acceptance of the title “Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Some individuals argue that since “Guru Nanak” appears more often in Guru Granth Sahib Ji than “Guru Nanak Dev,” the latter should not be used. By this logic, one could argue that “Nanak” appears even more frequently, so we should drop “Guru” altogether and refer to Guru Sahib simply as “Nanak.” This is clearly an illogical stance, as it disregards the context and intent of the references.
Furthermore, Gurbani also includes references to other Gurus with “Dev” in their names, such as:
ਜਪੵਉ ਜਿਨੑ ਅਰਜੁਨ ਦੇਵ ਗੁਰੂ ਫਿਰਿ ਸੰਕਟ ਜੋਨਿ ਗਰਭ ਨ ਆਯਉ ॥੬॥
Whoever meditates on Guru Arjun Dev, shall not have to pass through the painful womb of reincarnation ever again. ||6||
Guru Granth Sahib Ji: Ang 1409
If the usage of “Dev” for Guru Nanak Sahib Ji is problematic, then what about its usage for Guru Arjan Dev Ji? Such arguments are baseless and reflect a lack of understanding.
Respectful references to Guru Sahib, such as “Guru Nanak Dev Ji,” “Satguru Nanak Ji,” “Guru Nanak Sahib Ji,” or “Guru Nanak Paatshaah Ji,” are all valid. However, condemning the use of “Guru Nanak Dev Ji” as incorrect is not supported by Gurbani, Sikh history, or tradition. As shown above, Guru Arjan Dev Ji and Bhai Gurdas Ji themselves used this title, demonstrating its legitimacy.
Modern interpretations or personal biases cannot outweigh the wisdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji and Bhai Gurdas Ji. It is essential to approach such discussions with respect, understanding, and a commitment to preserving the integrity of Sikh teachings.