The important teachings of the Sikh Guru Arjan Dev Ji are significantly different from the then prevalent religious practices in India. These are:

* Equality of mankind – Caste system was abolished by the First Guru. Langar, irrespective of the caste, and cook, serve and eat food together, was give by the second Guru. The soul of every human was considered respectable and no human being was considered inferior to another. As caste system was abolished amongst the followers
of the Gurus, literacy for all was advocated.

* Equality between a man and woman was practiced - Every woman was considered capable of meditation, following all religious practices. Women were prohibited from wearing a veil, a cloth that covers head and face . Dowry annd Sati ware also prohibited. Also widow remarriage was encouraged.

* Equality in work - Need to work was prescribed for all followers. The Guru himself devoted substantial time in charity and organize relief camps and natural calamities.

* Equality of and respect for all religions was emphasized - Sikh religion has always emphasized on meditation and purity of action, but not on the rituals. Sikh religion says that no religion is big or small, instead one should obey every religion but should follow only one.