Mata Sullakhni is a revered female figure in Sikh history. She was the wife of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. She was known as a woman of high self-esteem, who took care of her family in spite of the absence of her husband. She continued his preaching, when he set forth on a journey propagating his new religion.
Mata Sullakhni is believed to have been born in the year 1473, at a village called Pakhoke in present day Gurdaspur District of Punjab. She belonged to an affluent merchant family. After her marriage to Guru Nanak, she supported his beliefs and mission. She participated in his devotional song recitals and served the people, who came over to listen to his preaching. Guru Nanak’s principle of treating women equally was demonstrated by the manner in which he treated his wife.
When Guru Nanak started on a long journey to preach the Sikh religion, Mata Sullakhni did not complain. Instead she chose to support him and continue with his preaching. She handled the duties of a mother and a wife with great efficiency. Even after Guru Nanak’s death, she continued with the preaching work and strove to establish Sikh values and traditions wherever she went. Her last years were spent in Kartarpur. She is believed to have died in the year 1560. She will be remembered as the one who complemented the virtues of Guru Nanak.
