 Bhai Mardana was born to a Muslim family, a Mirasi couple, Badra and Lakkho, of Rai Bhoi di Talwandi, now Nankana Sahib of Pakistan.He had very good knowledge of music and played rābab when Guru Nanak sung Gurbani.It is said that Bhai Mardana first contacted Guru Nanak to seek help as many people in his family were dying at a young age.