TRIPTA, MATA, mother of Guru Nanak, was the daughter of Bhai Rama and Mat Bliarai of Chahal village near Lahore. According to Bhai Mani Singh`s Janam Sakhl, Mata Tripta died at Kartarpur (Ravi) soon after the death, in 1522, of her husband, Baba Kalu.
References :
1. Macauliffe, Max Arthur, The Sikh Religion : Its Gurus, Sacred Writings and Authors. Oxford, 1909
2. Grewal,J.S., Guru Nanak in History. Chandigarh, 1969
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4. Kohli, Surindar Singh, ed., Janam Sakhi Bhai Bala. Chandigarh, 1975
5. Vir Singh, Bhai, ed., Puratan Janam Sakhi. Amritsar, 1971
6. Gian Singh, Giani, Twarikh Guru Khafsa. Patiala, 1970
Mata Tripta’s legacy transcends the role of a biological mother—she is revered in Sikh history as the gentle, nurturing force who welcomed Guru Nanak into the world and provided him with the spiritual and moral foundation that would come to inspire millions. Born in 1446 in a devout Hindu family near Lahore, Tripta embodied qualities of kindness, humility, and compassion, offering a glimpse of the sacred in everyday life. Her peaceful demeanor and enduring faith set the stage for an extraordinary life, one where her influence subtly wove into the fabric of Sikh spirituality through her son’s revolutionary teachings .
In a historical period when the narratives of religious pioneers often center on their public revelations and journeys, Mata Tripta’s quiet strength stands as a powerful counterpoint—a reminder that the roots of great spiritual revolutions often lie in the gentle acts of care and nurturing at home. As recounted in traditional Janamsakhis and other Sikh texts, her approach to life was marked not by ostentatious displays of piety but by the consistent practice of hospitality, kindness, and service. Her home was a sanctuary where weary travelers and devout souls alike found warmth and solace, a microcosm of the inclusive spirit that Guru Nanak would later articulate in his teachings .
Beyond the intimate sphere of her family, Mata Tripta’s legacy endures as a beacon for generations of Sikh women and spiritual seekers. Her life is remembered not with grand rituals or monumental edifices, but with the everyday acts of kindness and the quiet resilience she demonstrated. In celebrating her, the Sikh tradition underscores the profound impact that gentle, compassionate mentorship has on the evolution of spiritual thought—a legacy that remains deeply personal yet universally inspiring.
Her story prompts us to reflect on the often-unheralded contributions of maternal figures in the shaping of faith and culture. In an age where public narratives frequently overshadow the subtle yet transformative power of everyday compassion, Mata Tripta’s enduring influence invites contemporary seekers to explore the beauty of nurturing love and the calm determination that can ignite revolutionary change. Her legacy is a call to cultivate both inner strength and outward kindness, ensuring that the seeds of spiritual awakening are sown not only in grand moments of revelation but also in the quiet, persistent rhythms of daily life.
