Our editorial rules
- Never invent Gurbani quotations, Ang numbers, translations or interpretations.
- Verify every Ang and Shabad reference against the verified BaniDB database or a printed Saroop.
- Attribute every translation and commentary; respect copyright and licensing.
- Keep scripture, traditional commentary and GurVichaar’s own explanation clearly separate — and never attribute our explanations to a named scholar.
- Distinguish the Sikh Rehat Maryada from regional and family customs.
- Distinguish historical evidence from traditional accounts.
- Explain differences of interpretation respectfully, naming the sources.
- Use simple language while preserving meaning.
- Have sensitive religious content reviewed by knowledgeable people before it is marked reviewed.
- If something cannot be verified, mark it pending review instead of publishing it as fact.
What the labels mean
| Reference check pending | The Gurbani line and its Ang are awaiting the automated check against BaniDB. |
| Reference verified | The line and reference match the verified database. |
| Draft · awaiting review | Written by GurVichaar; not yet approved by a qualified reviewer. |
| Reviewed | Approved by a qualified reviewer. |
| Traditional account | From janamsakhis, sakhis or oral tradition. |
| Historical record | Supported by historical evidence or broad scholarly agreement. |
| In preparation | Planned or being produced; not yet available. |
Sources and permissions
Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji
The eternal Guru of the Sikhs. The text is sacred and belongs to the Panth. GurVichaar uses its Unicode Gurmukhi form from BaniDB.
BaniDB · Khalis Foundation
The digital pipeline for Gurbani text, transliteration and translations (banidb.com), maintained by the Khalis Foundation as seva to the Panth and widely used by Sikh applications and Gurdwara displays. Credit to BaniDB appears with every imported verse.
Professor Sahib Singh — Sri Guru Granth Sahib Darpan
The complete word-by-word grammatical commentary (Punjabi). Digital edition: gurugranthdarpan.net. Permission basis recorded by the GurVichaar editor: verbal permission from the custodians of the digital edition and Professor Sahib Singh’s family, on condition of clear attribution. Written confirmation is being sought before full publication. If you are a rights-holder and any of this is in error, please contact us and we will correct it the same day.
Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa — English translation
The most widely used English rendering, openly contributed for use in Sikh applications and delivered through BaniDB. Credited on every verse where it appears.
Sikh Rehat Maryada
The Panth’s code of conduct, published by the SGPC. Our summaries are in plain language; the official text is authoritative.
GurVichaar’s own explanations
Plain-language meanings, examples, practical steps and reflections are written by the GurVichaar team. They are labelled as ours, are not scholarly translations, and are never attributed to a named scholar. Punjabi renderings are drafts until reviewed by fluent reviewers.
Media, logo and design
GurVichaar Studio productions are original. Third-party media is embedded only with verified sources and permission. The GurVichaar logo and design are original work.
Review workflow
- Draft — written from the content model, quoting Gurbani only from the verified reference library.
- Reference check — every line and Ang confirmed against BaniDB (automated) or a printed Saroop.
- Scholarly review — a knowledgeable reviewer approves meaning, history and practice.
- Language review — Punjabi reviewed by fluent reviewers.
- Publish — labels updated; corrections welcomed at any time.
Corrections
If you find an error, tell us. Confirmed corrections are made promptly.