Succession of Guru Angad

Timeline

1. 1539Kartarpur · PunjabLehna, originally a devotee of Durga, became known for extreme obedience after converting to Nanak at Kartarpur. Nanak passed over his own two sons and in June 1539 designated Lehna as successor, renaming him Angad (meaning 'limb'), signifying that the disciple was his own continuation. This decision established that the Sikh Guruship does not pass automatically by bloodline.
2. 1539Kartarpur · PunjabAround September 7, Nanak performed the conferral of the guruship on Angad, making him 'of the same light.' Nanak died at Kartarpur on September 22. Angad at first withdrew into seclusion, but at the urging of Baba Buddha emerged to lead the community. Some of Nanak's sons did not recognize the succession, but core followers accepted Angad as the second Guru.
3. 1539Khaddur · PunjabFollowing Nanak's instructions, Angad left Kartarpur and made Khaddur, where he had lived in his early years, his new center, avoiding a struggle for position with Nanak's family on site. He preserved Nanak's monotheism, equality, and langar practices, began writing in Gurmukhi script, and compiled Nanak's hymns. Sikhism thus transitioned from the founder's personal charisma to a transmissible institution of Gurus.