Udasi is a word which takes its meaning from udas and means to take leave, go away, or depart. A secondary meaning is sadness or dejection and may also refer to an order of holy persons who renounce worldly ways.
Udasi – The Journeys of Guru Nanak and Mardana
At about the age of 30, Nanak Dev disappeared into a river while meditating. After three days he emerged from the river and declared, "There is no Hindu there is no Mussalman". He proclaimed the divine to be beyond the division humankind had created.
Soon after, Nanak Dev took leave of his wife, sons, and parents. Explaining that he wanted to spread the word of truth, Nanak quieted their protests, convincing them that his duty lay in his mission to humanity. Nanak Dev gave away his personal possessions, and set out traveling the country with his spiritual companion Mardana. Roaming through villages and towns, they communed with people of every faith including:
- Buddhists
- Hindus
- Jains
- Muslims
- Sidhs
- Sufis
- Yogis
No records of exact dates are in existence which gives rise to conflicting accounts , however there are indications that Nanak Dev and Mardana made as many as five journeys together over 20 – 25 years ranging from around 1499 – 1524 AD. They trekked through much of the Middle East including:
- 1500 – 1507 Parts of East India, Bangladesh, Pakistan
- 1506 – 1513 Regions of Southern India and Sri Lanka
- 1514 – 1518 Regions of Kasmir, Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, South China
- 1519 – 1521 Regions of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Israel, Syria, Jordan and Saudi Arabia including Mecca.
- 1523 – 1524 Parts of Panjab now in North India and Pakistan
Udasi Sect – Founded by Siri Chand the Son of Guru Nanak
Udasi are a celibate order of yogis who claim ties with Sikhism. They originated with Baba Siri Chand the eldest son of Guru Nanak. Although the Udasi maintained relations with the Gurus enjoying their favor, they have never strictly followed Sikh teachings. During the years when the Khalsa were set upon by Moghul rulers the Udasi leaders maintained control of gurdwaras. Eventually in the early 1920’s, a clash resulting in bloodshed took place when the orthodox Khalsa attempted to regain control of the gurdwaras from the unorthodox Mahant leaders of the Udasi.
