Eternal Guru
Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji
The Eternal and Living Guru
Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the sacred scripture and eternal living Guru of the Sikhs. It is not just a book — it is treated with the respect given to a living Guru. It contains 1,430 pages of sacred hymns composed by 36 saints — Sikh Gurus, Hindu saints, and Muslim saints — all speaking of the one God.
The Story
The Guru Granth Sahib Ji was first compiled by Guru Arjan Dev Ji in 1604. He gathered hymns from the first five Sikh Gurus and added writings from 15 Hindu Bhagats (saints) and 3 Muslim Sufi poets — showing that God's truth is found in all true hearts, regardless of religion.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji added the hymns of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji (the ninth Guru) at Damdama Sahib in 1706, completing the final version. In 1708, just before his passing, he declared: 'Henceforth, the Shabad (Word) is your Guru. Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is your Guru.'
The Guru Granth Sahib Ji is written in Gurmukhi script and contains hymns in over 22 languages including Punjabi, Sanskrit, Braj Bhasha, Persian, and Arabic. It is organized by musical ragas (melodies) — each hymn is meant to be sung, not just read.
In a Gurudwara, the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is given all the honours of a living Guru. It is placed on a high throne (Palki or Takhta), covered with beautiful silk cloths (Rumala), kept cool by a Chaur Sahib (whisk), and given its own sleeping room (Sach Khand) at night. Hymns are sung from it daily, and all major decisions in the Sikh community are made in its presence.
Key Contributions
- Contains 1,430 pages of sacred hymns
- Includes writings of 6 Sikh Gurus and 30 other saints
- Written in Gurmukhi and organized by musical ragas
- Given living Guru status by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1708
- Guides all Sikh ceremonies: births, weddings, funerals, celebrations
Core Teachings
- There is only One God — Ik Onkar
- All human beings are equal — no caste, no creed
- Live by honest work, share with others, meditate on God's Name
- God is not found in rituals but in the love in your heart
Legacy
The Guru Granth Sahib Ji continues to guide over 25 million Sikhs worldwide. It is the centerpiece of every Gurudwara and every Sikh ceremony. Its teachings of equality, love, and one God remain as powerful and revolutionary today as they were 500 years ago.