Guru Granth Sahib is the Holy Scripture of the Sikh religion. It contains the works of its own religious founders and also the writings of people from other faiths. The book is held in great reverence by Sikhs and is treated as the living Guru of theSikhs. Guru Granth Sahib is a collection of devotional hymns and poetry which proclaims God, lays stress on meditation on the True Guru (God), and lays down moral and ethical rules for development of the soul, spiritual salvation and unity with God.

Etymology of Guru Granth Sahib
Earlier, the Holy Book was known as the "Adi Granth", later it was changed to "Guru Granth Sahib". The term "Adi" means "first" and "Granth" refers to "book". Hence "Adi Granth" literally stands for "the first book". It was in 1708, prior to his death, Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru pronounced the Holy Scripture as his successor and the "Adi Granth" came to be known as the "Guru Granth Sahib".

Composition of Guru Granth Sahib
Guru Granth Sahib was composed in 1604 by Guru Arjan Dev with assistance of one of the great devotees by the name Bhai Gurdas. It was written in Gurmukhi Script so that the Sikhs may remain Guru-centred.

The compositions of the Guru Granth Sahib, is of inestimable significance. It is all composed in mystic poetry. It is cast into 31 musical measures (Ragas). It is a natural flow of the divine ecstasy of Lovers of God.

Contents of Guru Granth Sahib
Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred book of the Sikhs contains four poems of Trilochan, 62 of Namadeva and 240 Sakhis and 227 padas of Kabir. It is subdivided into 1400 parts composed of hymnical verses. These compiled verses are often referred to as "Gurbani" or the "word of the Guru".

A considerable contribution to the Holy Scriptures was made by the devotees or `Bhagats`. These couplets were known as `Bhagat Bani` or `Word of the Disciples`. No distinction is made by the Sikhs between the verses composed by the devotees and the Gurus and they are honoured with equal respect.

Most of the characteristic teachings of Sikhism like monotheism, crusade against idolatry and caste, externalism and ritualism; could be easily traced to these saint poets, especially Kabir. Kabir appears to be a contemporary of Guru Nanak. Guru Nanak himself had composed a number of songs. The best among them are named Japji, Asa-di-var, Rahi-rasa Patti, Dakani Omkara, Siddha Gosthi and Bara Mah.

Guru Granth Sahib includes not only the compositions of Gurus but also of many Saint Poets. It includes verses of Ramanand, Jaideva, Namadeva, Trilochan, Veni, Dhanna, Pipa, Sain, Kabir, Rai Das, Shaikh Bhikhaji, Sadhna, Surdas, and Poona Nane and also some of Muslim Sufis.

Message of Guru Granth Sahib
It is a Divine Treasure of synthetic embrace of the whole global community. The Holy book of the Sikhs is a paradise of spiritual harmony. True integration, harmony and unity can only usher in, on a solid foundation of Love. This Love stands out beautifully, harmoniously, synthetically in its pristine purity and glory in Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Guru Granth Sahib serves as a living Guru for the Sikhs and helps them to walk in the right direction.

Significance of Guru Granth Sahib
The value of Guru Granth Sahib for the Sikhs is what the Bible is to the Christians, the Quran to the Muslims and the Veda to the Brahmins. It contains "Bani" that stands on the same level as `the Word` of the Christians, `Shabd` of the Brahmans and Shaivites. The authentic version of the Sikh Holy Text remains preserved today in the town of Kartarpur in Punjab.