Nanakshahi in India

Introduction / History

This is not an ethnic group so much as it’s a religious group. Nanakshahi refers to those who are devoted to Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Because they are not from one community, the Nanakshahi can have many possible lifestyles.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Nanak was the founder of Sikhism. This Hindu storekeeper (1469-1539) had a life-changing spiritual experience, which incited him to travel for years seeking spiritual truths. A wealthy admirer funded a village for Guru Nanak and his followers after they settled in Punjab. Some followers remained as permanent residents of the village; many more made periodic visits to obtain Nanak’s blessing. They listened to the teachings expressed there in numerous devotional hymns intended for communal singing, many of which still survive.

What Are Their Needs?

Intercessors could pray for the Nanakshahi community from afar and have contact with them by praying for their needs in person. Because they follow the teachings of Guru Nanak, the Nanakshahi community understands there is but one God who deserves our full devotion. Their holy book the Adi Granth, is filled with hymns of praise for God. They do not, however, understand that man is completely sinful, in need of a savior.

Prayer Points

Pray that Jesus would reveal his nature and his salvation to the Nanakshahi community during their meditation and through other supernatural encounters.
Pray that soon there will be Nanakshahi people discipling others in the ways of Jesus Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project