The Sri Guru Granth Sahib, also known as the Adi Granth, is the central scripture of Sikhism. It is considered the highest religious and philosophical authority for Sikhs, serving as their ultimate guiding light. The term "Sri Guru Granth Sahib" translates as "The Divine Guru's Holy Book."
The Sri Guru Granth Sahib is a compilation of sacred hymns, hymns of praise, and compositions of various Sikh Gurus and other saints. It was compiled by the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev, and was completed in 1604. The scripture contains hymns composed in many languages, including Punjabi, Hindi, Braj Bhasha, and Persian.
This sacred Sikh scripture consists of 1,430 pages, containing 5,894 hymns categorized into 31 different musical measures, or raags. The contents of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib primarily focus on spiritual and moral teachings for leading a righteous life. It emphasizes unity, equality, devotion to the formless divine, and the pursuit of selfless service.
Sikhs regard the Sri Guru Granth Sahib as a living guru, treating it with utmost respect and reverence. It is installed and maintained in every Sikh gurdwara (place of worship), where it is read and recited daily. The scripture is regarded as a source of spiritual and ethical guidance, aimed at helping individuals connect with the divine and attain liberation.
Overall, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib holds a significant place in Sikhism, serving as a sacred text that offers guidance, inspiration, and enlightenment to its followers.
