Guru Granth Sahib

Introduction

The 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 Gurus of the religion. It is a voluminous text of 1430 pages, compiled and composed during the period of Sikh Gurus from 1469 to 1708. The text is a collection of hymns (shabads) or baani describing the qualities of God and the necessity for meditation on God's name.

Historical Background

The compilation of the Guru Granth Sahib was initiated by the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev, in 1604. He compiled the hymns of the first five Gurus, along with the hymns of various other saints from different backgrounds, including Hindu and Muslim saints. The original version of the text, known as the Adi Granth, was completed in 1604 and installed in the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar.

In 1708, the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, added the hymns of his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur, to the Adi Granth, and declared that there would be no more human Gurus after him. He bestowed the title of Guru upon the Adi Granth, thus making it the Guru Granth Sahib, the eternal Guru of the Sikhs.

Structure and Composition

The Guru Granth Sahib is written in Gurmukhi script and is composed in various Ragas, which are musical measures. It contains 5894 hymns, which are arranged by the musical scales in which they are meant to be sung. The hymns are written in different languages, including Punjabi, Sanskrit, Braj Bhasha, Khariboli, and Persian.

The text is divided into 31 main sections, each named after the Raga in which the hymns are to be sung. Each Raga section begins with a hymn by Guru Nanak, followed by hymns of other Gurus and saints. The hymns are further categorized into Pauris (stanzas) and Shabads (hymns).

Philosophical Themes

The Guru Granth Sahib covers a wide range of philosophical and theological themes. Central to its teachings is the concept of Ik Onkar (One God), emphasizing the oneness and omnipresence of God. The text advocates for a life of devotion, truthfulness, and humility. It condemns rituals and superstitions, promoting instead a direct, personal connection with the Divine through meditation and prayer.

The Guru Granth Sahib also addresses social issues, advocating for equality, justice, and the welfare of all humanity. It speaks against caste discrimination, gender inequality, and other forms of social injustice. The text encourages Sikhs to live a life of Seva (selfless service) and Simran (remembrance of God).

Language and Literary Style

The Guru Granth Sahib is noted for its poetic and literary excellence. It employs a variety of poetic forms, including Shabads, Pauris, Chhands, and Vars. The language used in the text is a blend of various dialects and languages, reflecting the diverse cultural and linguistic background of the contributors.

The use of metaphors, similes, and allegories is prevalent throughout the text, enhancing its literary richness. The hymns are composed in a rhythmic and melodic manner, making them suitable for musical rendition.

Daily Recitation and Worship

The Guru Granth Sahib plays a central role in the daily religious practices of Sikhs. The text is recited and sung during various religious ceremonies and daily prayers. The Nitnem (daily prayers) includes recitations from the Guru Granth Sahib, such as the Japji Sahib, Rehras Sahib, and Kirtan Sohila.

The Guru Granth Sahib is also read continuously from beginning to end in a ritual known as Akhand Path, which usually takes about 48 hours. This practice is often performed during significant life events, such as births, weddings, and funerals.

Preservation and Respect

The Guru Granth Sahib is treated with the utmost respect and reverence by Sikhs. It is kept in a special room in the Gurdwara (Sikh temple) and is placed on a raised platform known as the Takht. The text is covered with a cloth (Rumala) when not in use, and devotees bow before it as a sign of respect.

The physical handling of the Guru Granth Sahib follows strict protocols. Only baptized Sikhs (Amritdhari) are allowed to handle the text, and they must do so with clean hands and a covered head. The Guru Granth Sahib is carried on the head when being transported, symbolizing its supreme authority.

Influence and Legacy

The Guru Granth Sahib has had a profound influence on Sikhism and its followers. It serves as the ultimate guide for Sikhs in matters of faith, conduct, and spirituality. The teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib have inspired countless individuals and have contributed to the development of a distinct Sikh identity.

The text has also influenced other religious and philosophical traditions. Its emphasis on monotheism, equality, and social justice resonates with various spiritual and humanitarian movements. The Guru Granth Sahib continues to be a source of inspiration and guidance for millions of people around the world.

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