The Sikh scripture has 1,430 pages in a single volume, called a Granth. The hymns of the Granth are written in raag, a classical musical system. There are 31 raags, each corresponding to a particular time of day.
Arjun Dev, the fifth guru, compiled the Granth. He collected the hymns of Nanak Dev, Amar Das, Angad Dev, and Raam Das, assembled verses of enlightened Muslim and Hindus, and included his own compositions.
Gobind Singh,the tenth guru, added the compositions of his father Guru Tegh Bahdur to complete the Granth. At the time of his death, Guru Gobind Singh declared the Granth to be his successor for all time.
The Guru Granth is the eternal Guru of the Sikhs and may never be replaced by a human being. The scripture is formally referred to as "Siri Guru Granth Sahib", meaning respected scripture of the supreme enlightener. The text is called Gurbani, or the Guru’s word. The original manuscripts of the Granth are hand written in the Gurmukhi script. The words are strung together to form an unbroken line. This ancient connected way of writing is called laridar meaning linked. Modern text separates individual words and is called Pad ched, or cut text. Modern day publishers print the sacred scripture of Guru Granth both ways.
The Guru Granth may be housed either in a public gurdwara or private home. After hours, or if no attendant is present during the day, the Guru Granth is ceremonially closed. A prayer is said and the Guru Granth is put into sukhasan, which means peaceful, repose. A light is kept on in the presence of the Guru Granth all night.
- In a gurdwara, the Sikh place of worship, the Guru Granth is wrapped and placed beneath blankets or other coverings, on a canopied bed, in a separate room.
- In a private home, the Guru Granth may be kept beneath a canopy on a small furnished cot, in an adjacent room, partitioned area, or closet.
Attendants transport the Guru Granth from the sukhasan area to where prakash, the ceremonial opening of the wrappings covering the Granth is to take place.
- A single attendant covers their head with a turban, or scarf, and walks with the Guru Granth on their head.
- A group of attendants carry the Guru Granth in a litter on their shoulders. One walks ahead of a procession sprinkling water, or carrying a sword. Another follows behind waving a fly whisk over the Guru Granth.
- In a vehicle the Guru Granth may be covered, and placed on a cushion or cloth draping either on the seat, or the lap of an attendant.
A Hukam, is a verse selected at random from the scripture of Guru Granth, and is considered to be the Gurus divine command. Prior to selecting the Hukam, an ardas, or prayer of petition, is always performed:
- When ceremoniously opening Guru Granth.
- At the conclusion of any Sikh worship service
- During ceremonies such as
- For any occasion important to a Sikh’s life.
- Whenever guidance or comfort is sought.
- Before putting the Guru to rest.
- When selecting a Sikh name.
A specific protocol outlined by the Sikh code of conduct is to be followed whenever selecting and reading a hukamnama.
Reading the Guru Granth is an important part of a Sikh's life. Every Sikh man, woman, and child is encouraged to:
- Learn to read the Gurmukhi script.
- Learn how to select and read a hukam.
- Read from the Guru Granth on a daily basis.
- Develop the capability and skill to read the entire Guru Granth.
Akhand paath is a continuous, unbroken, reading performed by a group taking turns, until completed.
Sidharan paath is reading completed over any period of time, by an individual, or group.
A variety of research and study materials exist to aid in learning the Gurmukhi alphabet. Interpretations and translations are widely available in Punjabi and English versions, both online and in print. For training purposes the scriptural text is divided into a two or more volumes senchi. For study purposes four or more volume sets called steeksare available. Some of these have the Gurmukhi script and comparative translations side by side. The Sikh scripture has been coded into English letters, and some other languages in order to aid pronunciation for those unable to read Gurmukhi script.
Reverence and Protocol:
Siri Guru Granth Sahib is to be maintained in an environment which is in keeping with the Sikh code of conduct. Edicts prohibit transporting the Guru Granth to any place which is not used strictly for worship purposes. Any place habitually used for parties, dancing, serving of meat or alcohol, and where smoking takes place, is off limits for any type of Sikh ceremony.
