The Sikh Scriptures
GURU GRANTH SAHIB
Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book, is installed in every Sikh gurdwara. It is not merely a book of
Holy Scriptures but revered as a Guru. Sikhs worship 'Shabad Guru', the Sikh philosophy imbibed in the
Granth Sahib.
Sikhs believe the words to be divinely inspired, but not actually the words of God.
Guru Granth Sahib is the focus of communal ceremonies including naming ceremonies and weddings as well as
private devotion, making the Sikhs a people of the book at least as much as any other world religion.
The Guru Granth Sahib is composed as 'shabads' or hymns set in 'ragas', traditional Indian
rhythmic patterns.
Not only does Guru Granth Sahib contain the writings of the Sikh Gurus, but also the teachings
of some Hindus and Muslims holy souls of the era. This makes Guru Granth Sahib unique and thus the true
proponent of the message of universal love, tolerance and brotherhood.
The Guru Granth Sahib is written in 'Gurmukhi script', in the lingua franca, the language of the masses. This is in sharp contrast to Hindu
holy books written in Sanskrit, the language understood and interpreted by the elite Brahmin priests.
For the convenience of people the world over it has been translated to English and other languages.
In a Gurdwara, the Guru Granth Sahib is put on a special platform under a canopy. Worshippers bow or prostrate
themselves before it as they enter the Gurdwara. Shoes cannot be worn into the Gurdwara and heads should
be covered as a mark of respect.