Story Summary
Discover the sacred history of The Compilation of the Guru Granth Sahib, where Guru Arjan Dev Ji unified divine wisdom into one eternal scripture for all.
By the late 16th century, the hymns of the Sikh Gurus were spreading far and wide, but Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Guru, noticed a growing challenge. Various individuals were circulating spurious verses under the names of the Gurus, threatening the purity of the divine message. To preserve the authentic word of God, Guru Arjan Dev Ji undertook the monumental task of compiling the Adi Granth. He personally collected the original pothis (volumes) of the previous Gurus, even visiting Baba Mohan Ji to acquire the Goindval Pothis. He didn't stop there; he also gathered the spiritual verses of Hindu Bhagats and Muslim Sufis whose teachings aligned with the oneness of God. Sitting by the tranquil waters of Ramsar Sarovar in Amritsar, Guru Arjan Dev Ji dictated the sacred verses while the great scholar Bhai Gurdas Ji transcribed them. Completed in 1604, this holy volume was installed in the Harmandir Sahib with great reverence. Baba Buddha Ji was appointed as the first Granthi. Later, the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, added the hymns of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and declared the scripture as the eternal living Guru of the Sikhs, naming it the Guru Granth Sahib.
The Moral
True spiritual wisdom is universal and transcends all religious boundaries, serving as a guiding light for all humanity.
“The scripture is the vessel to cross the ocean of existence, carrying the light of divine truth for all.”
Fun Fact
The Guru Granth Sahib contains exactly 1,430 pages and all copies are printed with the same page-for-page consistency to this day. It is the only major world scripture written during the lifetime of its founders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Compilation of the Guru Granth Sahib?
The story teaches that divine truth is universal and belongs to all of humanity, regardless of their background. It emphasizes the importance of preserving authentic spiritual wisdom to guide future generations toward peace and equality.
Who were the primary contributors to the compilation?
Guru Arjan Dev Ji compiled the scripture, while Bhai Gurdas Ji served as the primary scribe. It includes the writings of the Sikh Gurus, as well as 15 Bhagats (saints) like Kabir, Namdev, and Ravidas, and several Sufi thinkers.
When and where was the Adi Granth first installed?
The Adi Granth was first installed in the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar in August 1604. This marked a significant milestone in Sikh history, establishing a central focus for Sikh worship and identity.
Who was the first Head Granthi of the Golden Temple?
Baba Buddha Ji, a highly respected and elderly disciple who had served since the time of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, was appointed as the first Head Granthi. He carried the scripture on his head during its first ceremonial installation.
Why did Guru Arjan Dev Ji include hymns from non-Sikh saints?
He included them to demonstrate that the message of God’s oneness and human equality is shared across different faiths. This inclusivity makes the Guru Granth Sahib a unique interfaith scripture that honors the truth wherever it is found.
How did the Adi Granth become the Guru Granth Sahib?
In 1708, Guru Gobind Singh Ji added the hymns of his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, to the volume. He then commanded that after him, there would be no human Guru, and the Granth would be the eternal Living Guru for the Sikh community.