Guru Granth Sahib

The "Guru Granth Sahib" is the central religious scripture of Sikhism, revered as the eternal Guru by Sikhs worldwide. Compiled by the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, in 1604 CE, this sacred text is a collection of nearly 6,000 hymns composed by the Sikh Gurus and various early and medieval saints from different religions and castes. The hymns are written in multiple languages, including Punjabi, Hindi, Marathi, Persian, and Arabic, reflecting the diverse cultural and spiritual heritage of the region. The Guru Granth Sahib is not only a religious text but also a historical document that provides insights into the social and religious conditions of India during the early and late medieval periods. It emphasizes the union of the human soul with its Maker, achieved through high ethical standards and the renunciation of egoism, while still engaging in worldly activities. The text opens with the Mul Mantra ("Basic Prayer"), a declaration of the nature of God as Truth, followed by the Japji ("Recital"), the most important Sikh scripture written by Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. The Guru Granth Sahib is the central object of worship in all gurdwaras (Sikh temples). It is ritually opened in the morning and wrapped up and put away for the night. On special occasions, continuous readings of the scripture are held, which can last from 2 to 15 days. The text's profound spiritual teachings and ethical guidelines have shaped the faith and practice of millions of Sikhs around the world. For those unfamiliar with the Guru Granth Sahib, this text offers a deep dive into the spiritual and ethical teachings of Sikhism. It serves as a source of guidance, inspiration, and comfort, emphasizing the importance of living a life of truth, compassion, and humility.