The Guru Granth Sahib: Definition and Origins
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 Sikh Gurus of the religion. The text, compiled and completed in 1604 by the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, is a voluminous anthology of prayers and hymns that contain the actual words and verses as uttered by the Sikh Gurus and various other Saints from Hindu, Sufi, and other religious traditions including Sheikh Farid, Bhagat Kabir, and Bhagat Ravidas.
Religious Significance of the Guru Granth Sahib in Sikhism
Its significance within Sikhism is profound and unparalleled. The Guru Granth Sahib embodies the teachings, philosophy, and vision of the Gurus. It is considered the ultimate spiritual authority and the guide for the Sikhs, meant to be revered and followed both in letter and in spirit. It is not just scripture but the living embodiment of the Gurus, and thus, it is treated with the utmost respect and honor. Sikhs consider the Guru Granth Sahib as their guide in spiritual and temporal matters, and it forms the central part of their worship and their day-to-day lives.
The Role of the Guru Granth Sahib in Sikh Worship and Gurdwara Practices
Incorporation into worship practices at Sikh gurudwaras (places of worship) involves various rituals and traditions that underscore the reverence Sikhs have for the Guru Granth Sahib. Upon entering a gurudwara, Sikhs bow before the Guru Granth Sahib as a sign of respect. The scripture is placed on a raised platform called the Takht or Palki, under a canopy and is given the same respect one would afford a living Guru. It is usually covered with fine cloth, and a ceremonial fan called a Chaur Sahib is waved above it, which is a traditional sign of reverence and royalty.
The primary worship service in a gurudwara is the Kirtan, which is the singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib. This is usually accompanied by musical instruments like the harmonium and tabla. The Kirtan is a communal activity, and the congregation participates by listening attentively and sometimes joining in the singing. The hymns sung during Kirtan are selected from the Guru Granth Sahib and are meant to convey the teachings and message of the Gurus.
The Guru Granth Sahib also plays a central role in other Sikh practices, such as the naming of children, the Sikh marriage ceremony (Anand Karaj), and the funeral rites. Quotes and teachings from the Guru Granth Sahib are ubiquitous in Sikh culture and daily life, with many Sikhs reciting portions of the text (such as the Japji Sahib, which is the first composition of Guru Nanak) during morning and evening prayers (Dk, 2023).
The Guru Granth Sahib’s status as a living Guru within Sikhism makes it unique among world scriptures. It is not merely a book but a guide and a source of spiritual sustenance for Sikhs. The respect and reverence it commands underscore the central role it plays in the religious and cultural life of the Sikh community.
Reference
Dk. (2023). Sikhs: A Story of a People, Their Faith and Culture. National Geographic Books.