Historical & Current Events dictionary
Installation of Guru Granth Sahib
[ in-stuh-ley-shuhn uhv goo-roo gruhnt sah-hib ]
What is the Installation of Guru Granth Sahib?
The Sikh holiday known as the Installation of Guru Granth Sahib is the anniversary of the day in 1604 when the Granth Sahib, the sacred text of Sikhism, was formally adopted at the site in Amritsar that became the Golden Temple.
The day is primarily observed in Pakistan and the Punjab region, but it is celebrated by Sikhs around the world.
Sikhism was founded in the Punjab around 1500 by Guru Nanak, the first of the religion’s Ten Gurus. The Installation of Guru Granth Sahib marks the adoption of the Granth Sahib by the fifth Guru, Arjan Dev.
The last Guru, Gobind Singh, ended the line of Gurus by calling on Sikhs to rely on the holy text of the Granth to guide them. In this way, the Granth itself is referred to and treated as a living Guru.
The Installation of Guru Granth Sahib is celebrated with religious processions and the performance of religious music.
⚡When is the Installation of Guru Granth Sahib?
The anniversary of the Installation of Guru Granth Sahib is observed each year on the 17th day of the month of Bhadon, the sixth month of the Sikh (Nanakshahi) calendar. The corresponding date is September 1.
Where does Installation of Guru Granth Sahib come from?
The Granth Sahib is the main scripture of Sikhism. The word Granth comes from the Sanskrit grantha, meaning “a tying together” or “book.” The word Sahib ultimately comes from an Arabic word meaning “master” or, literally, “friend.”
The compilation of the original version of the Granth Sahib was completed in 1604. The Installation of Guru Granth Sahib celebrates its official adoption. The tenth Guru, Gobind Singh, declared the revised Granth Sahib the Eternal Guru before his death in 1708. This day is celebrated as Gurgadi Guru Granth Sahib on the 6th day of the month of Katik (October 20).
Examples of Installation of Guru Granth Sahib
Who uses Installation of Guru Granth Sahib?
Did you know … ?
- Sikhism was established as a distinct religion from Hinduism around 1500.
- The Guru Granth Sahib contains not only the writings of Sikh Gurus but also Muslim and Hindu scholars.
What are other words used in discussion of the Installation of Guru Granth Sahib?
Note
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