Guru Granth Sahib

Folio from the Jalandhar recension of the Goindwal Pothi

Kartarpur Bir (manuscript or codex) of the Guru Granth Sahib

19th century manuscript copy, 1704 CE Guru Granth Sahib, Schoyen Collection Norway

The 3 Sikh Granths (Ad - Dasam - Sarbloh) placed together being recited, Nanded, Maharashtra

Map birth place of Writers of Guru Granth Sahib

Guru Granth Sahib is the central religious scripture of Sikhism, regarded by Sikhs as the final, sovereign, and eternal living Guru following the lineage of the ten human Sikh Gurus of the religion. The Guru Granth Sahib was first compiled by the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan in 1604 in the city of Amritsar. It consists of the teachings and writings of the Sikh Gurus as well as various Hindu and Muslim saints known as Bhagats and Sufis, making it a comprehensive spiritual guide not only for Sikhs but for people of all faiths.

Composition

The Guru Granth Sahib is written in the Gurmukhi script and contains 1430 pages (ang). It is a collection of hymns (Shabad) or Baani, which are arranged in thirty-one ragas, musical measures. The text is written in various languages, including Punjabi, Sanskrit, Sindhi, and Persian, reflecting the inclusive nature of Sikhism and its respect for diverse cultures and beliefs.

The primary contributors to the Guru Granth Sahib are the Sikh Gurus themselves, with Guru Arjan, the fifth Guru, being the principal contributor. He compiled the hymns of his predecessors and added his own. Later, Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru, added the hymns of Guru Tegh Bahadur, his father, and declared that after him, the Guru Granth Sahib would be the eternal Guru of the Sikhs.

Significance

The Guru Granth Sahib is more than a scripture for the Sikhs; it is considered the living embodiment of the Guru. Sikhs show it the same respect and reverence they would to a human Guru. The text plays a central role in Sikh worship and is read during all Sikh ceremonies and rituals. It is kept in all Sikh Gurdwaras (places of worship) and treated with great respect.

Sikhs believe that the Guru Granth Sahib is a complete guide to life, and it offers guidance on how to lead a righteous and meaningful life. The teachings within emphasize equality, justice, and community service, reflecting the core values of Sikhism.

Teachings

The Guru Granth Sahib's teachings focus on the importance of living an honest life, engaging in meditation on the name of God, and maintaining a strong community. It rejects caste, creed, and gender discrimination, promoting instead the oneness of humanity. The concept of selfless service (Seva) is also central to its teachings, encouraging Sikhs to serve their community without any expectation of reward.

Preservation and Rituals

The Guru Granth Sahib is treated with utmost respect in Sikhism. It is ceremonially opened in the morning and closed in the evening in all Sikh Gurdwaras. During this process, hymns from the scripture are sung, and specific rituals are performed. When not in use, it is covered with a decorative cloth and placed on a raised platform in the main prayer hall of the Gurdwara.

Conclusion

The Guru Granth Sahib stands as a beacon of guidance for millions of Sikhs around the world. Its universal teachings advocate for a life of devotion, righteousness, and social responsibility. As the eternal Guru of the Sikhs, it continues to inspire and guide the faithful towards spiritual and moral excellence.