Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji – The Eternal Word-Guru of Sikhism
Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the eleventh and eternal Guru of Sikhism. It is not only a source of spiritual wisdom but also the foundation of Sikh identity and way of life. The compilation of this scripture took place between 1469 and 1708 and includes the sacred hymns (bani) of Sikh Gurus as well as various saints and devotees (Bhagats). Comprising 1430 ang, Guru Granth Sahib is revered in Sikh tradition as the Guru in the form of Shabad (divine word).
Gurta Gaddi – Declaring the Word as the Guru
The tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji (1666–1708), before merging into the divine light, declared that there would be no more human Gurus after him. Instead, he bestowed the eternal Guruship upon Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Offering five coins and a coconut as symbolic gifts, he performed Ardas (prayer) and declared:
“Recognize Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as the eternal Guru. Whoever follows this will have their efforts bear fruit. The Guru will protect them.”
Compilation of the Granth
The first formal compilation of Guru Granth Sahib was done by the fifth Guru, Guru Arjan Dev Ji (1563–1606). He collected the hymns of the first five Gurus along with compositions of various saints and Bhagats, and prepared the Adi Granth. This version was scribed by Bhai Gurdas Ji. In 1604, it was ceremoniously installed at Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar.
Later, the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, included the bani (hymns) of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Guru, into the scripture. This work was completed at Takht Sri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo) with the help of Bhai Mani Singh Ji.
Bhagat Bani and Interfaith Message
Guru Granth Sahib does not contain only the hymns of Sikh Gurus, but also includes the compositions of over 15 Bhagats such as Bhagat Kabir, Ravidas, Namdev, and Sheikh Farid, who belonged to diverse religious and social backgrounds. The Granth promotes the message of universal brotherhood, one God, remembrance of the Divine Name, service (seva), compassion, contentment, and leading a pure life.
Structure and Language
Guru Granth Sahib is written in Gurmukhi script, but the language diversity is wide—Lahndi, Braj, Awadhi, Sanskrit, Arabic, Persian, among others. These are collectively referred to as Sant Bhasha or language of the saints. The text is composed in 31 ragas (musical measures) to preserve its poetic and melodic form. The forms of composition include Shabads (hymns), Padas, Ashtpadis, Vars, Saloks, and more.
Scientific Structure of the Granth (by Page Numbers)
The 1430-page Guru Granth Sahib is structured as follows:
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Nitnem (Daily Prayers): Ang 1–13
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Ragas from Sri Raag to Jaijaiwanti: Ang 14–1353
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Saloks, Gatha, Chaubolas, Phunhes, Bhagat Bani: Ang 1353–1429
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Mundavani and Raagmala: Ang 1429–1430
Summary of Bhagat Bani
Guru Granth Sahib includes 352 hymns by Bhagat saints. The highest number of hymns are by Bhagat Kabir Ji (224), followed by Namdev (61), Ravidas (40), and others.
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Bhagat Kabir Ji: 243 Saloks
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Bhagat Farid Ji: 130 Saloks
Reverence and Protection
Guru Granth Sahib holds the highest reverence in Sikhism. Even during the major Sikh holocausts of the 18th century, Sikhs prioritized protecting the Guru Granth Sahib, sometimes carrying it on horseback or hiding it in forests and mountains. During battles, if danger arose, safeguarding the scripture came first, even before lives.
Respect During the World Wars
During World War I and II, Sikh regiments in the British Indian Army kept Saroops (copies) of Guru Granth Sahib with them. These were placed respectfully in military barracks. When the regiment moved forward, the scripture was also carried with full dignity and reverence.
The British government in the 20th century even prepared miniature copies (Sava-Inchi Birs) of Guru Granth Sahib to boost morale among Sikh soldiers.
Central Role in Sikh History
Guru Granth Sahib is the central spiritual authority in Sikhism. Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the great Sikh ruler, began his day by bowing before the Guru Granth Sahib. He visited Sri Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) regularly to offer his respect. Political, cultural, and spiritual gatherings began only after Ardas (prayer) before the Guru.
Unique Features of Guru Granth Sahib
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Monotheism – The Granth glorifies one Universal God throughout its text.
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No caste, religion, gender, or class discrimination is allowed.
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Life based on values and principles, not rituals or appearances.
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Respect for all faiths – the inclusion of Bhagat bani proves the inclusivity of Sikhism.
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Multiple names of the One Divine are used such as Hari (8344 times), Ram, Gobind, Allah, Narayan, Kartar, Prabhu, Satnam, etc.
Spiritual Center of Sikh Life
For Sikhs, Guru Granth Sahib is the living embodiment of God’s word. For centuries, Sikhs have not relied on any image, statue, or physical form of God, but solely upon the Shabad (divine word). Outside of Guru Granth Sahib, no human being or symbol is accepted as the spiritual center in Sikhism.
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