Sri Granth Sahib is the holiest book of Sikhs . (Granth - means book. Sahib - means supreme) It is called "Guru" because Guru Gobind Singh (1660-1708 C.E.), the tenth and last Guru of Sikhs, declared that after him, there will be no Guru and diktat of Granth Saheb will be final.
Compiled by the fifth Guru Arjan Dev (1563-1606), Guru Granth Sahib in a sense a Holy Book for the whole of the Indian subcontinent as well . This is because besides compositions of Sikh gurus, it includes teachings and hymns of more than a dozen of other saints from different communities and regions.
Compositions of Hindu, Muslim and Dalit (or depressed classes) from all over India are included in the book:
Bhikan came from Oudh,
Dhanna and Pipa from Rajasthan,
Jaidev from Bengal,
Ramanand, Kabir, Farid and Ravidas from Banaras (Varanasi, present day Uttar Pradesh),
Namdev and Trilochan from Maharashtra.
There were several devotees and disciples from Punjab whose hymns are also included.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji used to compose songs on the spot and sing. His disciples collected them in book form which was known as "Adigranth". Sayings (Shabad) and hymns of four Guru who followed him, Guru Angad Dev Ji, Guru Amardas Ji and Guru Ramdas Ji were also included in different books called "Pothis".
Guru Arjan Dev took upon himself the tremendous task of compiling all the scattered songs, sayings and hymns (shabad and bani) sifting and marshalling. He even managed to get the manuscript "Pransangli" said to have been composed and sung by Guru Nanak, during his sojourn in Ceylon (Sri Lanka). GuruArjan Dev Ji himself provided much needed prayers, hymns and songs for group singing (bhajans). They form bulk of the book.
Guru Arjan Dev was a gifted poet and musician. All the spiritual literature has been classified in different ragas. Each song is indicated by a specific raga.
Thirty one ragas prevalent then have been used. Arjan Dev got approval of the rendering of ragas and singing style from the bards who were traditional singers and who roamed the country.
The great Book was ready by 1604 C. E. Called Granth Saheb, it was installed at the Harimandir of Amristar. Guru Arjan Dev also built the Golden Temple.
The final compilation was done by Guru Gobind Singh in 1705 C. E. to include his father Guru Teg Bahadur's Slokas and only one `bani' of his own.
The holy book contains the following: Japji, prayer of meditation, composed by Nanak which is recited by every devout Sikh early in the morning.
Sukhmani, Arjan Dev's composition and most popular one is recited before commencing daily chores.
Rahiras are hymns of all the Gurus, sung in the evening, and at times, in congregation.
Sohilas or Sohan-Velas are recited before going to bed.
In a true sense a holy book for the whole of humanity as it teaches all of us the simple and the most divine lesson of humanity, to be humble , to be humane and treat every one alike with respect.
https://rapidshare.com/files/2077628780/English_Translation_of_Siri_Guru_Granth_Sahib.pdf
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