Millions of Sikhs rejoice over the installation of the final Guru, Guru Granth Sahib.
Over 300 years ago, the tenth guru, Gobind Singh, announced he would be the last of the living human Gurus. He appointed the sacred text of Adi Granth as the final, everlasting guru, to be called Guru Granth Sahib. This collection of spiritual words is exceptionally unique, specifically involving religious purposes.
Adi Granth
For one, the text was created by leaders of other religions, not just Sikhism, and it is now highly regarded by Sikhs for the wisdom contained within the text. Followers do not worship the book, but they do respect the knowledge that it offers in the messages of the poems. These lessons include equality for everyone, that truthful living is essential, and there is one God and people should live within His desires.
The sacred book is shown this reverence by being placed unto a throne within the house of worship every day. Sikhs stand when the book is brought into the Gurdwara. Additionally, the Gurus utilized the language of Gurmukhi, and many followers set out to learn this special language to fully understand everything the book offers.
The passages started being written during the 16th century for fear that the principles would be lost or misinterpreted over the years. Since then translations have been created to reach a wider audience, including an English translation that took more than seventeen years of work.
Conclusively, the hymns, poems, and other beautiful words hold great significance that is highly regarded by the members of the Sikh religion for the long lasting history and wisdom. Considering it was installed as the everlasting Guru, Sikhs even further respect the book.
They continue to raise awareness for the relatively young religion by spreading this sacred word.
Just last week, a conference was held in San Jose, CA titled, “Understanding the Message of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and Applying It in Our Lives.”