📖 Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji: History, Significance, and Eternal Wisdom

Introduction

The Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is not just a holy book—it is the living Guru of the Sikh community and a universal guide that transcends religion, caste, and culture. Compiled over centuries, it contains the divine teachings of Sikh Gurus as well as saints, mystics, and poets from diverse spiritual traditions.

Its message is timeless: oneness of God, equality of humanity, service, humility, and devotion. On October 20, 1708, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, bestowed Guru Granth Sahib Ji as the eternal Guru of the Sikhs, declaring that no human Guru would succeed him.

Even today, Guru Granth Sahib Ji is revered across the world, guiding millions with its teachings of truth, compassion, and spiritual liberation.

📜 History of Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

• Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469–1539): The founder of Sikhism, composed hymns (Shabads) that laid the foundation of Sikh scripture.

• Guru Angad Dev Ji and successors: Preserved Guru Nanak’s teachings in the Gurmukhi script and continued composing hymns.

• Guru Arjan Dev Ji (1563–1606): Compiled the Adi Granth in 1604 at Amritsar, which contained hymns of the first five Sikh Gurus, along with verses of saints like Kabir, Sheikh Farid, Ravidas, Namdev, and others. The Adi Granth was installed at Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple).

• Guru Gobind Singh Ji (1666–1708): Added hymns of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (9th Guru) to the Adi Granth, completing it as the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. In 1708, at Nanded, he declared it the eternal Guru of Sikhs.

• Since then, no living Guru exists; Guru Granth Sahib Ji continues to guide Sikhs spiritually and morally.

📊 Timeline of Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

• 1469–1539: Guru Nanak Dev Ji composes hymns of devotion, truth, and equality.

• 1604: Compilation of Adi Granth by Guru Arjan Dev Ji.

• 1604: Installation of Adi Granth at Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple).

• 1706–1708: Guru Gobind Singh Ji adds Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s hymns.

• 1708: Guru Gobind Singh Ji declares Guru Granth Sahib Ji as the eternal Guru.

• 20th Century: Sikh scholars standardize the printed version to ensure authenticity.

• Today: Guru Granth Sahib Ji is present in gurdwaras and Sikh households worldwide, guiding millions.

📌 Key Facts About Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

1. Written in Gurmukhi script, but includes languages like Punjabi, Sanskrit, Persian, Hindi, Braj, and Marathi.

2. Contains 1430 pages known as Angs (limbs).

3. Composed of 5,894 hymns by Sikh Gurus and saints of different faiths.

4. Begins with the Mool Mantar: Ik Onkar Satnam Karta Purakh… (There is one God, Truth is His Name…).

5. Promotes universal brotherhood, equality, and devotion.

6. Rejects caste, ritualism, and blind practices.

7. Declares service (Seva) and remembrance of God (Simran) as the highest virtues.

8. Recited daily in Sikh households through Nitnem prayers.

9. Installed ceremonially on a raised platform called Takht in gurdwaras.

10. Followers bow before Guru Granth Sahib Ji as a sign of respect and devotion.

11. Considered the eternal and living Guru by Sikhs worldwide.

🌟 Significance of Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

• Spiritual Guide: Provides eternal wisdom on how to live truthfully, humbly, and righteously.

• Universal Message: Its teachings go beyond Sikhism, embracing humanity as one.

• Equality & Social Justice: Rejects caste and promotes dignity of labor, women’s equality, and respect for all.

• Peace & Harmony: Encourages living in harmony with others and in devotion to God.

• Moral Compass: Teaches that true religion lies in service, compassion, and remembrance of God.

🙏 Observance and Reverence

• Daily Practices: Sikhs read from Guru Granth Sahib Ji every morning and evening.

• Akhand Path: Continuous recitation of Guru Granth Sahib Ji without interruption, often done in memory of loved ones or before significant occasions.

• Gurdwaras: Guru Granth Sahib Ji is ceremonially installed in every gurdwara, with full respect and rituals.

• Festivals: Celebrations like Gurpurabs and Parkash Utsavs involve special recitations from Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

• Respect Protocols: Shoes are removed, heads are covered, and devotees bow before Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

💡 Daily Life Impact and Importance in Society

• Personal Life: Inspires individuals to live with truth, humility, and compassion.

• Family Values: Promotes respect, honesty, and service within households.

• Social Life: Encourages equality, community service, and brotherhood.

• Education: Instills moral and spiritual values in young minds.

• Global Society: Promotes peace, harmony, and respect among different religions and cultures.

• Modern Relevance: Its teachings on equality, environmental balance, and spiritual living are timeless in today’s world.

🙌 Wishing and Tribute

On occasions like Gurpurabs, Baisakhi, and Parkash Utsavs, Sikhs and devotees worldwide honor Guru Granth Sahib Ji with heartfelt wishes:

• “May the divine wisdom of Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji guide us towards truth, humility, and love.”

• “On this sacred day, let us walk on the path of equality, service, and devotion taught by Guru Granth Sahib Ji.”

• “Wishing peace, harmony, and blessings of Waheguru as we bow to the eternal Guru.”

❓ FAQs About Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Q1. Who compiled Guru Granth Sahib Ji?
Guru Arjan Dev Ji compiled the Adi Granth in 1604, which was later finalized as Guru Granth Sahib Ji by Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

Q2. How many pages does Guru Granth Sahib Ji have?
It has 1430 pages (Angs).

Q3. Why is Guru Granth Sahib Ji called the eternal Guru?
In 1708, Guru Gobind Singh Ji declared that no human Guru would succeed him, and Guru Granth Sahib Ji would forever remain the spiritual Guru of Sikhs.

Q4. Can non-Sikhs read Guru Granth Sahib Ji?
Yes. Its teachings are universal, open to all humanity regardless of religion or background.

Q5. What is the central teaching of Guru Granth Sahib Ji?
That there is One God, and the path to Him is through truth, humility, service, and remembrance.

🏆 Important Points to Remember

• Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the eternal Guru of Sikhs.

• Contains 5,894 hymns across 1430 pages.

• Promotes oneness, equality, and devotion.

• Compiled by Guru Arjan Dev Ji and completed by Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

• Revered worldwide as a guide to spiritual and moral living.

🔑 Conclusion

The Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is not just scripture—it is a living embodiment of truth, compassion, and divine wisdom. It is revered as the eternal Guru, guiding humanity towards a life of humility, service, equality, and remembrance of God.

In daily life, its teachings remind us that true devotion lies not in rituals but in actions of love, service, and justice. In society, it continues to be a beacon of peace and universal brotherhood, relevant across cultures and generations.

👉 The message of Guru Granth Sahib Ji is clear: Live truthfully, serve selflessly, and see the same Divine in all.