The
holy book of the Sikhs is known as Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. For devout
Sikhs, the Guru Granth Sahib is not a book or a holy scripture. Instead
it is a living Guru to them who guides them in the right path of life.
Sri Guru Granth Sahib is also known by the name of Adi Granth Sahib. The
word Guru basically means one who enlightens; Granth is Punjabi for
book; Sahib is a Hindi word which means a Master. Thus, Shri Guru Granth
Sahib is actually considered to a permanent living master who provides
the right path to enlightenment. Read about Guru Granth Sahibji. The Guru Granth Sahib has 1430 pages and consists of actual words spoken by holy Gurus. The holy book also consists of teachings of famous Hindu and Muslim saints. The language used for the text is Gurmukhi and also contains chapters written in Sanskrit, Persian, Punjabi and Khariboli. The fifth Sikh Guru Arjan Dev compiled the Guru Granth Sahib for the first time in the year 1604 at Amritsar. After the death of the tenth and last Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, it was declared that there shall be no more Sikh Gurus but the Granth Sahib would act as a living Guru for all from now on.
Every Gurdwara (Temple of Sikhs) keeps the Granth Sahib in the main Durbar or Hall. The book is kept on a raised platform and is decorated with beautiful robes. The platform is covered with a splendid canopy as a symbol of respect to the Holy Book. Guru Granth Sahib is not worshipped as an idol since Sikhism condemns idol worship. It is worshipped as a symbol of enlightenment and the knowledge that is present within the book is worshipped. The hymns are sung to ragas of classical music and different Talas (rhythmic beats).
Message of Guru Granth Sahib
The Guru Granth Sahib has a very valuable message for humanity. The Holy Book emphasizes on the concept that one can attain enlightenment if one controls his/her emotions and desires and meditating sincerely. The main messages that the Guru Granth Sahib delivers are listed below.
