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.
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