Gurmukhi is the Sikh language of prayer in which the Guru Granth Sahib is written. The word "gurmukhi" means "guru's mouth." The second Sikh guru, Angad Dev, emphasized reading scripture daily. He developed a phonetic script, derived from a 16th century script, which could be easily learned by the common person. Guru Angad transcribed the compositions of his predecessor, Guru Nanak, into Gurmukhi.
Gurmukhi is similar to Punjabi, but differs in that it is a poetic rather spoken language. The Punjabi alphabet also has additional modern day characters which are not found in the scriptural verses of the Guru Granth Sahib.
Gurmukhi Consonants
Photo © [S Khalsa]
The Gurmukhi script alphabet has 35 main characters grouped in such a way as to form a grid. In the top row, the first three symbols are vowel holders followed by two consonants. The remaining 30 consonants are arranged in such a way so that the second through sixth rows are both horizontal and vertical as per the significance of their pronunciation. For example the last vertical row of letters all have a nasal inflection. The fourth horizontal row are all palatal and are pronounced with the tongue touching the roof of the mouth just behind the ridge in back of the teeth, while the fourth vertical row are aspirated, and pronounced with a puff of air, and so on.
Gurmukhi Vowels
Photo © [S Khalsa]
Gurmukhi has ten vowels, one of which is understood rather than written, and has no symbol. It is known as "mukta," and means "liberation." A mukta is pronounced between each and every consonant wherever no other vowel is present unless otherwise indicated. A vowel holder is used where there is no consonant between vowel sounds. The vowel symbols are noted above, below, or to either side of consonants, or their respective vowel holders.
Gurmukhi Auxiliary Symbols
Photo © [S Khalsa]
Auxiliary Gurmukhi symbols indicate punctuation, pronunciation, double consonants or the absence of a vowel. For example, a particular mark preceding a consonant duplicates its sound much the way we would write a double letter in the English language. Where a second consonant follows the first, with no mukta or other vowel between the two, a miniature symbol indicated at the base of the first represents the second consonant.
Gurmukhi Numerals
Photo © [S Khalsa]
Gurmukhi numerals are used to reference verses and page numbers in Gurbani, the hymns of the Guru Granth Sahib.
