The Guru Granth Sahib is considered by the Sikhs to be the sovereign, final, and eternal Guru following the lineage of the 10 human gurus of the religion. It’s also considered to be the central holy religious script of Sikhism. Its compilation was done on August 29th, 1605, and installed in the Golden Temple in Amritsar on the 1st of September that year.

This religious document includes hymns, prayers, and text of Sikhism and is called the eternal Guru because it gives the central tenets of Sikhism to anyone who studies it. Sikhs always celebrate the first installation of this text on September 1st and the conferment of the title of Guru on Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji on October 20th every year. This is known as the Birth Of The Guru Granth.

The History Of The Birth Of The Guru Granth

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji was the fifth Sikh Guru who compiled the Guru Granth Sahib Ji in 1604. As a prolific writer, he had the knowledge to collect and edit the compositions of his predecessor Gurus. And this even concluded the compositions that he wrote regarding Muslim and Hindu saints. This gave equal status to men of God in creating the holy scripture of the Granth.

Sri Guru Gobind Singh, the 10 and last final living Guru proclaimed the Granth as the Guru in 1708. The Sikh Holy Scripture was afterward known as the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Composed of over 1,400 pages of hymns and other writings, this manuscript emphasizes spiritual life being integrated with temporal life.

In all Sikh meetings and special events, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is at the center of everything and is revered. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Sikh birth celebration, a marriage, or a funeral, this manuscript is included in the event.

Observing The Birth Of The Guru Granth

This holiday is observed with special religious gatherings and communal events. The scripture isn’t worshiped but it is treated with reverence for the spiritual teachings contained within it. It’s open and closed ceremoniously and people stand when it’s brought into the room.