Sikh Literature

Question 1

ADI GRANTH:

Answer 1

It was written in Gurumukhi script by Bhai Gurdas under the aegis of the fifth guru, Guru Arjan Dev
in 1604. It is a predecessor to Guru Granth Sahib and contains the teachings of the Sikh Gurus and fifteen Bhagats
of Bhakti and Sufi traditions.

Question 2

GURU GRANTH SAHIB:

Answer 2

It is an expansion of Adi Granth under the tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh, in 1678. It is
regarded as the eleventh and final spiritual authority of the Sikhs.
z It is written in Gurumukhi script and ‘Sant Bhasa’ language. Sant Bhasa contains Punjabi, Apabhramsa, Hindi,
Braj Bhasa, Sanskrit, Khadiboli, and Persian words.
z The book contains the teachings of thirteen Bhakti saints, called ‘Bhagats’, like Ramananda, Namadev, Ravidas,
Parmanand, Sain, Surdas, Kabir and Baba Farid.

Question 3

DASAM GRANTH:

Answer 3

It is a compilation of hymns written by Guru Gobind Singh. The compilation includes fables and
Puranic stories, with certain hymns being part of the daily prayers known as “Nitnem”.

Question 4

JANAMSAKHIS:

Answer 4

These books contain mythological stories about the life of Guru Nanak (first guru).

Question 5

ARDAS

Answer 5

are prayers performed during daily rituals in Gurudwaras. These are recited during the opening and closing
of Guru Granth Sahib.