How to Choose and Buy a Guru Granth Sahib

Your Guide to buying the best Guru Granth Sahib

Overview

The Guru Granth Sahib is the primary scripture of Sikhism, containing the teachings and philosophy of the Sikh Gurus. It is a collection of hymns, prayers, and poems from the Indian subcontinent and in it are expressed the beliefs and values of the Sikh faith. Purchasing a copy of this holy book can be an important part of your spiritual journey, but can be a daunting task. This guide aims to provide you with an overview of the different editions of the Guru Granth Sahib and their various features, to help you make an informed decision when you purchase your own copy.

Key features

  1. Binding and Cover - The binding and cover of the Guru Granth Sahib should be chosen carefully depending on how the book will be used. Will the book be used daily and need to withstand regular wear and tear? Will it be used as a display item only? Choose the binding and cover material that best meets the needs.
  2. Size and Page Count - The size and page count of the Guru Granth Sahib should also be taken into consideration. A large print version may be easier to read for those with poor eyesight or for children. Consider the size of the book and how it will be used when making the selection.
  3. Translation - The Guru Granth Sahib is written in Gurmukhi and many different translations are available. Consider which language the reader is most comfortable with when choosing the translation.
  4. Additional Features - Many Guru Granth Sahibs feature additional features such as audio recordings, bookmarks, and dust jackets. Consider which features may be useful for the intended use and select a book with the desired features.

See the most popular Guru Granth Sahib on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Religious Significance - Guru Granth Sahib is the most sacred religious book of the Sikhs and is revered by them as a living guru. It contains the teachings of the Sikh Gurus, and it is believed that it provides spiritual guidance for the believers.
  • Comprehensive Scriptural Text - Guru Granth Sahib is the single most important scriptural text of Sikhism, containing a collection of hymns, verses, and poems written by a variety of authors. It is the source of Sikh beliefs and is a comprehensive guide to the religion.
  • Ritual Use - Guru Granth Sahib is used in the Sikh religious rituals for the purpose of worship and prayer. It is consulted for guidance and is read during important ceremonies and celebrations.
  • Longevity - Guru Granth Sahib is a timeless work which will last for generations. It is a unique and invaluable source of knowledge, and its teachings will continue to be relevant and applicable to future generations.
  • Universal Message - Despite its religious roots, Guru Granth Sahib has universal messages and teachings which can be understood and applied by people of any faith. It is a powerful source of spiritual and moral guidance for anyone seeking enlightenment.

Cons

  • Cost - Guru Granth Sahib is often expensive to purchase, with some editions costing hundreds of dollars.
  • Size - Guru Granth Sahib is a large book, and can be difficult to carry around or transport.
  • Language - Guru Granth Sahib is written in the Gurmukhi language, which the average person may not understand.

Best alternatives

  1. Holy Bible - The Holy Bible is a collection of sacred texts or scriptures that Jews and Christians consider to be the word of God.
  2. Quran - The Quran is the central religious text of Islam, which Muslims believe to be a revelation from God.
  3. Tripitaka - The Tripitaka is the sacred text of Buddhism and is composed of three parts: the Sutra Pitaka, the Vinaya Pitaka, and the Abhidhamma Pitaka.
  4. Adi Granth - The Adi Granth is the holy scripture of Sikhism and is a compilation of teachings and writings of ten Sikh Gurus.
  5. The Bhagavad Gita - The Bhagavad Gita is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the epic Mahabharata.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Saroop - A saroop is a full copy of the Guru Granth Sahib, which includes all 1430 pages.
  • Gutka - A gutka is a smaller version of the Guru Granth Sahib with fewer pages.
  • Kara - Kara is a bracelet worn by Sikhs, as a reminder to them of their spiritual duty to God.
  • Canopy - A canopy is a decorative fabric cover used to protect the Guru Granth Sahib during ceremonies.
  • Cushion - A cushion is a soft cushion placed underneath the Guru Granth Sahib during ceremonies.
  • Chaur - Chaur is a long-handled fan made of yak hair used to gently fan the Guru Granth Sahib, as a sign of respect.
  • Palki - A palki is a palanquin, or a sitting area for the Guru Granth Sahib, which is carried by four people during ceremonies.
  • Chaur Sahib - Chaur Sahib is a horsehair fan used to waft scented air over the Guru Granth Sahib during ceremonies.
  • Chola - A chola is a long, ornate robe worn by the reader of the Guru Granth Sahib during ceremonies.

Common questions

  1. What is Guru Granth Sahib? Guru Granth Sahib is the central religious scripture of Sikhism, and is the final and eternal living Guru of Sikhism. It contains the teachings of the Sikh Gurus and other holy figures and is the highest authority in Sikhism.
  2. What is the purpose of Guru Granth Sahib? The primary purpose of Guru Granth Sahib is to serve as a source of spiritual guidance and inspiration for the Sikh community. It is used for guidance in various religious ceremonies and rituals, as well as during the daily prayers of Sikhism.
  3. What kind of language is used in Guru Granth Sahib? Guru Granth Sahib is mainly written in the Gurmukhi script and the language used is mainly Punjabi, with some portions also written in Hindi, Persian, and Sanskrit.
  4. How is Guru Granth Sahib divided? Guru Granth Sahib is divided into three sections: Rahit Maryada, Gurbani, and Salok. Rahit Maryada contains Sikh doctrines and beliefs, Gurbani contains the teachings of the Sikh Gurus, and Salok contains the teachings of other holy figures.
  5. What is the significance of Guru Granth Sahib? Guru Granth Sahib is of immense importance to Sikhs, as it is seen as the supreme spiritual guide and authority for all Sikhs. It is a source of spiritual enlightenment and guidance, and is the central focus in all Sikh worship and ceremonies.
  6. How do I choose a Guru Granth Sahib? When choosing a Guru Granth Sahib, you should consider several factors such as its size, quality, and whether it contains the original text or an abridged version. You should also consider the price and whether it includes a case or cover.

Trivia

One interesting story related to Guru Granth Sahib is the story of Baba Moti Ram Mehra, a devotee of Guru Arjan Dev Ji. Baba Moti Ram Mehra was an ardent devotee of Guru Arjan Dev Ji and he had a great wish to complete the writing of the holy book of Guru Granth Sahib. He approached the Guru with full devotion and Guru Arjan Dev Ji blessed him with his permission to write the holy book. Baba Moti Ram Mehra was overjoyed and immediately set off to work. After a few days, he completed the writing and placed the book in front of Guru Arjan Dev Ji with great reverence. Guru Arjan Dev Ji was pleased with the devotion of Baba Moti Ram Mehra and blessed him with his graciousness. This story displays the devotion of Baba Moti Ram Mehra and the blessing of Guru Arjan Dev Ji to him. Source: https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Guru_Granth_Sahib

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.