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Guru Granth Sahib, its Philosophy
and Practice

The important Holy Book of Sikhism is “The Guru
Granth Sahib,” which was put into the status of the eternal Guru of
Sikhism. Therefore, the Sikhs treat the Holy Book as if it were the
real prophet in person. The name “Granth Sahib” means the Holy
Book. Its name is derived from the word “Granth” in Sanskrit that
means “manuscript” “Sahib” is a native word used for paying respect,
and means a priest. The Sikhs always put the word “Guru” in front
of the name of this Holy Book, “Guru Granth Sahib” in the manner
of giving high respect.The Holy Book is divided into two volumes:

1. “The Adi Granth” refers to “the First Rendition”
that was compiled by the fifth prophet, Guru Arjan Dev in 1604. The
book was compiled from the collection of writings from the 1st to
the 5th prophets, combined with many writings from other clergies,
including the ones from Hinduism and Islam.

2. “Dasam Granth Sahib” means “the Holy Book of
the Tenth Guru.” It is a collection of the writings of Guru Gobind
2 Singh, the 10th Guru. This second revision had been compiled about
100 years after the first rendition.

The text in the Holy Book comprises of 29,480 poems
that can be categorized into 31 different types of rāgas or rhythmic
modes. The reciting on these hymns are divided into two styles:
1. “Akhand Path,” is to read the Guru Granth Sahib
continually to the end with no interruption. It will take approximately
48 hours to complete.
2. “Sadharan Path,” is a type of completing the reciting
of the Holy Book at any possible occasion, not necessarily continually.
It can be practiced at home or at the temple.

3

1-2 The Granthi sits in waiting on the pedestal and the reciters are singing
the Kirtan hymn, which is a prayer, sung in hymn.
3 A Sikh who wants to read the Guru Grant Sahib by oneself may do so
on the pedestal where the Holy Book is installed, with no condition
of gender or caste.
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