Story Summary
Discover how Guru Arjan Dev Ji compiled the Adi Granth, preserving divine wisdom for humanity. Learn the history of the Sikh holy scripture in this Saakhi.
Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru, recognized the vital need to preserve the authentic divine hymns of his predecessors and other enlightened saints to protect them from distortion. He settled in a peaceful retreat by the Ramsar tank in Amritsar and commissioned the scholarly Bhai Gurdas to act as the scribe. Over several years, the Guru meticulously gathered the verses of the four previous Gurus, adding his own compositions and the spiritual wisdom of Hindu and Muslim saints like Kabir, Ravidas, and Namdev. This inclusive approach ensured the scripture transcended religious and caste boundaries. Upon the completion of the Adi Granth in 1604, it was ceremoniously installed in the newly built Harmandir Sahib. To demonstrate that the Word of God is supreme, Guru Arjan placed the holy book on a high pedestal while he himself slept on the floor. He appointed the venerable Baba Buddha Ji as the first head priest, establishing the scripture as the eternal spiritual lighthouse for all of humanity.
The Moral
Divine wisdom is universal and belongs to all humanity; true reverence for God is shown through respect for the Truth and the Word.
“The Pothi (Holy Book) is the abode of God.”
Fun Fact
The Adi Granth is the only major world scripture that was compiled and authenticated by the prophet of the faith during their own lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Guru Arjan and the Adi Granth?
The moral is that spiritual truth is universal and transcends all religious boundaries. It also teaches the importance of humility and the supreme respect one must show towards divine wisdom.
Who wrote the original manuscript of the Adi Granth?
While Guru Arjan Dev Ji compiled and dictated the content, the actual scribe who wrote the original manuscript was the scholar Bhai Gurdas.
When and where was the Adi Granth first installed?
The Adi Granth was completed and ceremonially installed in the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar in August 1604.
Why did Guru Arjan Dev Ji include the works of non-Sikh saints?
The Guru included the 'Bhagat Bani' to show that divine realization is not the monopoly of any one religion or caste, emphasizing the Sikh principle of universal brotherhood.
Who was the first Granthi of the Golden Temple?
Baba Buddha Ji, a highly respected and long-lived devotee who had seen the first five Gurus, was appointed as the first head priest or Granthi.
How did Guru Arjan Dev Ji show respect to the scripture?
He placed the Adi Granth on a high bed (Manji Sahib) and slept on the floor beside it to demonstrate that the Word of God is the true teacher and higher than any human.
