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Journalism of Courage
Granth Sahib 8212; the religious scripture of the Sikhs 8212; is a sacred composition of hymns of the Six Sikh Gurus and some medieval Indian saints. These saints were Hindus and Muslims irrespective of the caste they belonged to. To name a few: Bhagat Nam Dev Maharashtra, Jaidev Bengal, Sadhna Sindh, Ramanand UP, Bhagat Ravi Dass UP, Sur Dass Oudh, Baba Farid Punjab and Bhagat Kabir Banaras and the Bhatts.
The compiler was the fifth Sikh Guru, Arjan Dev, and its first copy was calligraphed by Bhai Gurdas. Guru Arjan Dev was a great poet with a very deep and rare spiritual insight. All material collected was arranged to appropriate musical measures, putting it in 30 different musical patterns or ragas, with Gurmukhi as the script.
The first divine command was read out by Bhai Budha, after opening Granth Sahib, and Guru Arjan stood swinging a choor. It was on this occasion the following hymn was read, as Akal Purakh8217;s pronouncement: Santan ke karaj Aap khaloya/ Har kam kravan Aaya Ram. Dharat Suhavi Tal Suhava/ Wich Amrit Jal Chhaya Ram/ Amrit Jal Chhaya, Puran Saj Karaya. Sagal Manorath Pure/ Jai Jai Kar Bhaya Jag Antar/ Lathe Sagal Visure. He has helped his saints in their work. He has come to see their task fulfilled. Blessed is the earth, blessed is the tank with Amrit overflowing. The Creator has got the task completed.
Holy Granth Sahib remained in Harmandar during the day and after recital of Kirtan Sohila bedtime prayer of the Sikhs it was taken to a room, which Guru Arjan Dev had built, Guru Ka Mahal. Parkash installation of Granth Sahib continued, the Holy Book taken out to Harmandar Sahib and brought back by night to rest. Now it is placed, amidst chanting of shabads, in a room at Akhal Takht.
There is one Creator who is omnipresent. The Granth embodies a new path of salvation 8212; dignity of labour, equality amongst all, equal status to women, no distinction on the basis of caste, creed or colour, truthfulness and complete acceptance of what He does.
The Guruship was ended by Guru Gobind Singh and the succession passed to Granth Sahib in perpetuity. The Granth Sahib became the Guru for the Sikhs and is held in utmost reverence.
