The Guru Granth Sahib Ji is Sikhism’s major religious scripture, and Sikhs venerate it as the eternal Guru. Its history reflects the Sikh Gurus’ endeavors to preserve and spread the spiritual teachings of Sikhism.

The Guru Granth Sahib Ji dates back to the time of Sikhism’s founder, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who lived from 1469 to 1539. Guru Nanak began writing songs containing profound spiritual truths and insights. These hymns, as well as those of later Sikh Gurus, were initially passed down orally and recited by Guru Nanak’s disciples and associates, including Bala and Mardana.

As Guru Nanak’s teachings spread, his successor, Guru Angad Dev Ji (the second Guru, 1504-1552), received a collection of these hymns, which he gathered into a manuscript known as a “pothi.” Guru Angad contributed 63 of his original hymns to the compilation. This document was passed down to Guru Amar Das Ji, the third Guru (1479-1574), who enlarged it further. Guru Amar Das compiled a number of manuscripts known as the Goindwal pothis, which featured 974 of his own hymns as well as the writings of other saint-poets known as Bhagats. These pothis exemplified Sikhism’s inclusive nature and emphasis on the universal message of divine unity and righteousness.

Guru Ram Das Ji (the fourth Guru, 1534-1581) also wrote songs and kept them in a pothi. The practice of compiling hymns into manuscripts persisted as Sikhism expanded and spread.

The fifth Guru, Guru Arjan Dev Ji (1563-1606), oversaw the most significant growth in the history of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Guru Arjan Dev took on the tremendous task of compiling the hymns of the previous Gurus and other saint-poets into a single, authorized text. This work was motivated by the need to preserve the integrity of Sikh teachings and avoid the inclusion of counterfeit compositions.

Guru Arjan Dev began compiling the Adi Granth in 1599, which means “original volume.” He issued a Hukamnamah (formal order) requesting contributions from anyone who wanted to add to the wording. The compilation procedure included a comprehensive examination of all hymns and texts to confirm their validity. The first four Gurus’ hymns were included, as well as Guru Arjan Dev’s own. The Adi Granth also included hymns by 15 Bhagats, 17 Bhatts (traditional poets), and other contributors such as Bhai Mardana, a lifetime associate of Guru Nanak.

The Adi Granth was finished in 1604, after five years of diligent construction. It was established in Amritsar’s Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) on September 1, 1604, with Baba Buddha Ji functioning as the first Granthi (reader). This installation established the Adi Granth as the primary scripture and spiritual guide for the Sikh community.

After Guru Arjan Dev installed the Adi Granth, the original manuscript went through a period of turbulence. It was first owned by Guru Hargobind Ji, the sixth Guru (1595-1644). However, it was taken by Dhir Mal, Guru Hargobind’s grandson who wished to claim the title Guru. The Sikh community finally recovered the text, but it was returned on the command of the ninth Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (1621-1675). The genuine Adi Granth is presently maintained in Kartarpur, where the descendants of Dhir Mal display it every Vaisakhi.

The tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji (1666-1708), made the final substantial contribution to the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Guru Gobind Singh added Guru Tegh Bahadur’s songs to the existing compilation at Talwandi Sabo (now renamed Damdama Sahib), in 1705. He excluded his own hymns in order to consolidate and finalize the language. The amended version was designated as the Sikhs’ eternal Guru in 1708, soon before Guru Gobind Singh died.

This ultimate version of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is a living embodiment of Sikh beliefs. It is regarded as the immortal Guru and is fundamental to Sikh prayer and practice. The Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the culmination of the spiritual wisdom of Sikh Gurus and saint-poets, and it continues to serve as a source of guidance and inspiration for Sikhs all over the world.