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FAQs

Q1. Which is the sacred book of Sikhs?

Shri Guru Granth Sahib is the holy book or scripture of Sikhism and is considered the most important. It consists of 1430 Angs or pages and 5894 Shabads or line compositions. These line compositions are set poetically that are sung in a traditional rhythm. The Guru Granth Sahib is written in Gurmukhi script and includes the words of various languages such as Punjabi, Hindi, Sanskrit, Sindhi, Awadhi, Bhojpuri, and Persian. This scripture is revered as the eternal Guru of the Sikh followers and is given the utmost respect and honor.

Q2. Which is the most important book in Sikhism?

The most important and revered book in Sikhism is the Guru Granth Sahib which was composed predominantly by six Sikh Gurus – Guru Nanak, Guru Angad, Guru Amar Das, Guru Ram Das, Guru Arjan, and Guru Teg Bahadur. They have included the teachings and verses of some Hindu saints and two Muslim saint poets in the scripture. Shri Guru Granth Sahib is revered as the eternal living Guru of the Sikhs and is always the focal point in any Gurudwara. It is seated on an elevated platform known as Takht, while the devotees sit on the floor covering their heads.

Q3. What are the five Sikh principles?

The core beliefs of Sikhism are based on the teachings of the Holy Scripture Guru Granth Sahib which is regarded as the eternal living Guru of the Sikh followers. The five chief principles of Sikhism are:

Naam Japna or Naam Simran – Remembering God by chanting His holy names

Dharam de Kirat – To earn one’s livelihood with honesty, dignity, and endeavor

Wand ke Shakna – To share the fruits of earning with the needy before consuming and caring for them

Bhana Mannana – Accepting and having faith that everything happens according to God’s will

Sarbat da bhala – To pray and desire for the good of all beings

Q4. Who created the Sikh holy book?

The holy book of Sikhism, Shri Guru Granth Sahib, was primarily composed by six Sikh Gurus – Guru Nanak, Guru Angad, Guru Amar Das, Guru Ram Das, Guru Arjan, and Guru Teg Bahadur. The first edition of the holy book called Adi Granth was compiled by Guru Arjan, the fifth Sikh Guru, and was installed in Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple). Later, the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh added hymns of Guru Teg Bahadur and the second rendition came to be known as Shri Guru Granth Sahib.

Q5. What does the Sikh holy book teach?

Shri Guru Granth Sahib is revered as the holy scripture of Sikhism and is the spiritual authority for the Sikh followers. It contains many hymns and verses of some Hindu and Muslim saints. Its teachings are based on divine freedom (freedom from worldly illusion). The scripture mainly emphasizes faith and meditating on or chanting the names of God, engaging in selfless service, believing in divine unity and equality among all, praying for everyone’s good, and earning honestly for livelihood. These beliefs teach the followers to transform and be freed from the “five thieves” – lust, anger, ego, greed, and attachment.

Q6. How many books are there in Sikhism?

There are mainly two main scriptures or holy books for Sikh followers. The foremost important scripture is the Adi Granth, also known as Shri Guru Granth Sahib. It was compiled by the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, and was installed at the Golden Temple. It is revered as the ultimate guide and eternal Guru of the Sikhs. The second holiest book of the Sikhs is the Dasam Granth. It is the book of the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji which is organized into 16 chapters and 1428 pages. The other important book is the Sarbloh Granth which contains writings of Guru Gobind Singh, poets, and other Sikhs.

Q7. How old is the Sikh holy book?

Shri Guru Granth Sahib, the central holy scripture of Sikhism, was compiled by Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru. He started the compilation from 1564 – 1606. This first rendition was called the Adi Granth. It was completed in 1604 and installed in the Golden Temple. Later, Guru Gobind Singh Ji added some hymns of Guru Teg Bahadur to the Adi Granth and this rendition came to be known as Shri Guru Granth Sahib. It is known as the final, eternal living Guru of the Sikhs.