Did Guru Nanak Dev Ji Travel to Rome and His Legacy
The journey of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh religion, spanned vast territories and involved multiple epic travels. One of the lesser-known aspects of his travels includes his journey to Rome. Records from Vatican City suggest that Guru Nanak Dev Ji visited the Holy City and even met Pope Leo X, who became a disciple. However, the journey and its aftermath were shrouded in mystery and controversy.
Controversial Meetings and Tragic End
According to records, during Guru Nanak Dev Ji's visit to Rome, he met the Pope and even shared his spiritual insights. However, the story takes a dark turn after this meeting, as it is said that the other Christian friends of the Pope killed him. While these details are subject to debate, it is well-documented that Guru Nanak Dev Ji's travels included the Holy City of Rome, which extends the scope of his spiritual quest.
The Documentation and Journey of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
The journey of Guru Nanak Dev Ji is extensively documented in the website Fourth Journey Of Satguru Nanak Sahib Bhai Mardana Ji. This website provides a comprehensive account of his visits to all nine corners of the world, detailing the spiritual enlightenment and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
The Departure and Final Resting Places
On his return journey from Rome, it is widely believed that Guru Nanak Dev Ji left his traveling companion and dear friend Bhai Mardana in Baghdad. It is documented that Bhai Mardana was laid to rest in Baghdad, Iraq, in early 1519. The evidence, including an inscription near the old railway station, confirms this.
However, some refute the claim that Bhai Mardana died in Baghdad. They suggest he journeyed back to India with Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Nevertheless, there are considerable flaws in this theory. For instance, the inscription near the old railway station in Baghdad marked Bhai Mardana's resting place. Furthermore, Bhai Mardana was no longer mentioned in Guru Nanak Dev Ji's ongoing udhasis (journeys) in India during the 1520s. This suggests that he had indeed passed away in Baghdad.
The Pope’s Witness and Shifting Political Climates
The presence of Bhai Mardana in Rome during the 1518 journey was noted in a papal reference, where “Nanac” was mentioned alongside Pope Leo X. The text highlights that "Nanac" spoke of the deplorable conditions of slavery in Rome and the neglect of humanity's shared identity. These observations indicate the profound impact of Guru Nanak Dev Ji's teachings.
The visit of Guru Nanak Dev Ji to Rome has been recognized as a historical fact since as early as 1841 by the British East India Company. The journey marked a significant milestone in his spiritual journey, with the Mausoleum of Old St. Peter’s Basilica serving as a site of spiritual significance. It was here that Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Bhai Mardana met with Pope Leo X, further cementing the spiritual importance of the visit.
The Significance of the Journey for the Spread of the Message
The journey to Rome was crucial for Guru Nanak Dev Ji's attempts to spread his message of oneness. The spiritual journey to the furthest reaches of the Holy City underscored the universality of the message. Although Bhai Mardana died during this journey, Guru Nanak Dev Ji continued to spread his teachings, even considering another journey to a more distant location if Bhai Mardana had survived.
The final days of Guru Nanak Dev Ji were marked by a period of reflection and contemplation. When faced with the decision of whether to remain in Baghdad or return to Hindustan, Guru Nanak Dev Ji chose to journey back. This choice was influenced by the need to disseminate his message of unity and spiritual harmony.
The Enduring Impact of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Travels
The travels of Guru Nanak Dev Ji to Rome extend the horizons of the Bhakti Movement and demonstrate the universal appeal of his message. His journey to Rome not only documented his spiritual journey but also provided a clearer understanding of the religious and cultural landscape of the time.
In conclusion, the visit of Guru Nanak Dev Ji to Rome marked a significant chapter in his life and spiritual journey. The journey, which began in Baghdad and ended in Rome, has left an indelible mark on history, inspiring spiritual seekers and promoting the need for unity and compassion.