The Guru Granth Sahib is considered by Sikhs to be the sovereign, final, and eternal Guru following the lineage of the 10 human gurus of the religion. It is also considered the central holy religious scripture of Sikhism. Its compilation was completed on August 29th, 1604, and it was installed in the Golden Temple in Amritsar on September 1st of that year.

This religious document includes hymns, prayers, and texts of Sikhism and is called the eternal Guru because it provides the central tenets of Sikhism to anyone who studies it. Sikhs 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, the fifth Sikh Guru, 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, including the compositions he wrote about 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 tenth and last final living Guru, proclaimed the Granth as the Guru in 1708. The Sikh Holy Scripture was afterward known as Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Composed of over 1,400 pages of hymns and other writings, this manuscript emphasizes that spiritual life should be integrated with temporal life.

In all Sikh gatherings and special events, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is at the center of everything and is revered. Whether it is 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 is not worshiped but is treated with reverence for the spiritual teachings contained within it. It is opened and closed ceremoniously, and people stand when it is brought into the room.