The Guru Granth Sahib ji, also known as Adi Sri Granth Sahib Ji or simply Adi Granth, is not merely a sacred text for Sikhs but is revered as their living Guru. This holy scripture, encompassing 1430 pages, captures the exact words of the Sikh religion’s founders, the Ten Gurus.

In 1708, the last human Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, designated the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru for Sikhs. Before his passing, Guru Gobind Singh Ji instructed that the Granth Sahib be venerated as the ongoing spiritual leader, stating – “Sab Sikhan ko hokam hai Guru Manyo Granth,” which translates to “All Sikhs are commanded to accept the Granth as their Guru.” Consequently, Sikhs recognize a total of 11 Gurus: the ten human Gurus and the eternal Guru in the form of the Granth Sahib.

Distinct among the world’s major religious texts, the Guru Granth Sahib uniquely includes writings not only from its own Gurus but also from other contemporary saints of Hinduism and Islam, including those from marginalized social groups. These contributors shared a belief in a single God and rejected both superstition and caste distinctions. Notably, the compilation of this scripture was carried out directly by the Sikh Gurus themselves, enhancing its authenticity as highlighted by historical scholars.

In a Gurdwara, or Sikh temple, the Guru Granth Sahib occupies a central place in the main hall, known as the Darbar Sahib. It is displayed on an elevated platform, draped in exquisite and colorful cloth, and is sheltered by a canopy adorned with luxurious materials. The text is written in Gurmukhi, a script developed from ancient Sanskrit, and is considered the language originating from the Guru’s mouth.