Guru Granth Sahib Ji
Sikhs' living Guru is a holy scripture full of songs about the One.
Grown-ups: Explains why Sikhs treat Guru Granth Sahib Ji as the living Guru and how it is shown respect.
The Guru forever
Before he left this world in 1708, Guru Gobind Singh Ji told the Sikhs that from then on their Guru would be the holy scripture, Guru Granth Sahib Ji. That is why Sikhs call it the eternal, living Guru. When Sikhs want guidance, they turn to its words, called Gurbani.
Songs from many voices
Guru Granth Sahib Ji is full of poems written to be sung, arranged in musical patterns called raags. It has the words of six of the Sikh Gurus. It also includes saints from different backgrounds and faiths, such as Bhagat Kabir Ji, Baba Farid Ji and Bhagat Ravidas Ji. This shows that truth belongs to everyone.
How it was put together
Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Guru, collected the Gurus' writings into one book, the Adi Granth. In 1604 it was placed in Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar. Later, Guru Gobind Singh Ji added the words of his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. It is written in the Gurmukhi script, and the standard printed version has 1430 pages, called Angs.
Showing love and respect
In the Gurdwara, Guru Granth Sahib Ji sits on a raised, decorated place, under a canopy, often like a king or queen on a throne. Someone waves a chaur above it as a sign of respect. Sikhs cover their heads and bow before it. At night it is gently closed and rested, and in the morning it is opened again.
Words to know
The first day at Harmandir Sahib
In 1604, the Adi Granth was carried to Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar for the first time. Historians and Sikh tradition both remember this day. Guru Arjan Dev Ji asked Baba Buddha Ji, a wise and much-loved elder Sikh, to look after it and read from it. According to tradition, the Guru himself chose to sit lower than the holy book, to show that the Word was to be honoured above everyone. Baba Buddha Ji opened it and read the first Hukamnama — the first message of the day. Sikhs still begin each day at Harmandir Sahib by opening the Guru and reading a Hukamnama.
From Gurbani
ਬਾਣੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੁਰੂ ਹੈ ਬਾਣੀ ਵਿਚਿ ਬਾਣੀ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਸਾਰੇ ॥
Baanee guroo guroo hai baanee vich baanee amrit saare.
The Bani is the Guru, and the Guru is the Bani; within the Bani are all life-giving treasures.
ਬਾਣੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਹੈ, ਅਤੇ ਗੁਰੂ ਬਾਣੀ ਹੈ; ਬਾਣੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਜੀਵਨ ਦੇਣ ਵਾਲੇ ਸਾਰੇ ਖ਼ਜ਼ਾਨੇ ਹਨ।
The Guru's words are the Guru — that is why Sikhs honour Guru Granth Sahib Ji as their living Guru.
ਆਗਿਆ ਭਈ ਅਕਾਲ ਕੀ ਤਬੀ ਚਲਾਇਓ ਪੰਥ ॥ ਸਭ ਸਿਖਨ ਕੋ ਹੁਕਮ ਹੈ ਗੁਰੂ ਮਾਨਿਓ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ॥
Aagiaa bhaee akaal kee tabee chalaaio panth. Sabh sikhan ko hukam hai guroo maanio granth.
By the command of the Timeless One the Panth was established. All Sikhs are commanded to accept the Granth as the Guru.
ਅਕਾਲ ਪੁਰਖ ਦੇ ਹੁਕਮ ਨਾਲ ਪੰਥ ਚਲਾਇਆ ਗਿਆ। ਸਾਰੇ ਸਿੱਖਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਹੁਕਮ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਨੂੰ ਗੁਰੂ ਮੰਨਣ।
Many Sikhs sing this after Ardas: the Guru asked all Sikhs to accept the Granth as their Guru.
Make a respectful reading corner
- With a grown-up, choose a clean, quiet spot at home for a Gutka (prayer book) or a picture of Harmandir Sahib.
- Place a clean cloth, called a rumala, underneath.
- Wash your hands and cover your head before you sit there.
- Ask a grown-up to read or play a short shabad, and listen quietly for a minute.
- Draw how the corner makes you feel.
Family conversation
- Why do you think the Guru included the words of saints from other faiths?
- How do we show respect to things that are special to us at home?
- If you could ask Guru Granth Sahib Ji one question, what would it be?