Sikhism, a monotheistic religion founded by Guru Nanak in the 15th century, has distinctive beliefs and traditions. One significant element is its sacred text, the Guru Granth Sahib, considered as a living Guru by followers. This book embodies the spiritual knowledge imparted by ten Sikh Gurus across generations.
Significance of the Guru Granth Sahib
The physical copy of the Guru Granth Sahib, or ‘Saroop’, is respected with utmost reverence. The Saroop consists of 1,430 pages, referred as ‘Ang’, with identical verses on each page across all copies. Sikhs consider the Saroop as the eternal spiritual and physical representation of their Gurus, who are believed to be the same spirit manifested in different bodies.
History of the Guru Granth Sahib
Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Sikh Guru, compiled the first Saroop of Guru Granth Sahib in 1604, installing it at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Later, Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, added verses written by his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur, and recompiled the Bir. In 1708, Guru Gobind Singh declared the Guru Granth Sahib as the Sikhs’ living Guru.
Composition of the Guru Granth Sahib
The Guru Granth Sahib is a compilation of hymns penned by six Sikh Gurus, 15 saints, 11 Bhatts (balladeers), four Sikhs, and includes works from revered figures like Bhagat Kabir, Bhagat Ravidas, Sheikh Farid, and Bhagat Namdev. The verses are composed in 31 ragas. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is granted exclusive rights to publish the Birs, with all printing done at Amritsar.
The Code of Conduct & Ceremonies
Sikh Rahit Maryada governs the installation and transportation of the Guru Granth Sahib under a strict code of conduct. Five baptised Sikhs are required for transferring the Guru Granth Sahib from one place to another. As a symbol of reverence, the Bir is carried on the head while the carrier walks barefoot.
Sikhism’s Birth and Evolution
The development of Sikhism was influenced by the Bhakti movement and Vaishnava Hinduism. Persecution of Sikhs during the Islamic era led to the formation of the Khalsa for the freedom of conscience and religion.
The Literature and Ten Gurus of Sikh Religion
The Sikh literature comprises of the Guru Granth Sahib, considered as an eternal Guru, and the controversial Dasam Granth. Ten Gurus have led Sikhism from Guru Nanak Dev, who founded Sikh religion and introduced ‘Guru Ka Langar’, to Guru Gobind Singh who established the Khalsa community and passed on Guruship to Guru Granth Sahib.
Sikh Practices and Virtues
Sikhs are guided by four significant rites of passage as instructed in the Sikh Rahit Maryada – a birthing and naming ceremony, a marriage ceremony known as Anand Karaj, initiation into Khalsa known as Amrit Sanskar, and the funeral rites. Sikhism emphasizes commitment, dedication, social conscience, and equality amongst people of different races, religions, or sexes.
Recent Developments
Recently, India retrieved three Saroops of the Guru Granth Sahib from Afghanistan. There were originally 13 in Afghanistan, seven of which have already been shifted to India, leaving just three more.
Last Modified: February 13, 2024