Rituals Surrounding The Guru Granth Sahib

 Sikhism’s views on idolatry and rituals are rooted in the teachings of its Gurus, particularly Guru Nanak, who founded the faith as a monotheistic religion that rejects idol worship and the representation of God in physical form. While Sikhism prohibits idolatry, certain practices and rituals have developed around the reverence for the Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred scripture regarded as the living Guru of the Sikhs.

Rejection of Idolatry

Sikhism explicitly rejects idol worship and any physical representation of God. The Gurus, especially Guru Nanak, criticized idol worship as futile, emphasizing that God is formless (nirankar) and beyond human comprehension. According to Sikh teachings, God cannot be confined to a material object or image, and true devotion should focus on the formless one through meditation and internal reflection.

This rejection sets Sikhism apart from many Indian religious traditions, particularly Hinduism, where idols are often used in worship. Instead of engaging in rituals centered around physical objects, Sikhs emphasize connecting with God through inner devotion, particularly through the practice of Naam Simran (meditation on God's name).

The Guru Granth Sahib: The Living Guru

Although Sikhism forbids idolatry, the Guru Granth Sahib—Sikhism’s sacred text—holds a revered place in the faith and is treated with the utmost respect. After Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and final human Guru, declared the end of the human Guru lineage in 1708, the Guru Granth Sahib became the eternal and living Guru of the Sikhs. However, this reverence is not seen as idol worship, as Sikhs honor the teachings and divine wisdom contained within the scripture, not its physical form.

Ceremonial Reverence to the Guru Granth Sahib

The Guru Granth Sahib is treated with great respect in ceremonies that emphasize its status as a living Guru:

• Ritual Care: The scripture is ceremonially “woken” in the morning, placed on a throne under a canopy, and “put to bed” at night, reflecting the respect for its spiritual authority.
• Bowing and Offerings: Devotees bow before the Guru Granth Sahib and make offerings, not to worship the physical text, but to honor the divine teachings within it.
• Festival Processions: On significant occasions such as Gurpurabs (celebrations of the Gurus' lives), the Guru Granth Sahib is carried in processions, again emphasizing its central role in the Sikh community.

Rituals Surrounding the Guru Granth Sahib

Although Sikhism aims to minimize rituals, certain practices have evolved around the Guru Granth Sahib that focus on the respect for and study of its teachings. These practices enhance the communal and spiritual life of Sikhs.

Akhand Path (Non-Stop Recitation)

The Akhand Path is a continuous, non-stop recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib, which takes approximately 48 hours to complete. This practice is often performed during significant events like weddings, births, and funerals, as well as during important Sikh festivals. The purpose of the Akhand Path is to immerse participants in the divine wisdom of the scripture, rather than idolizing the physical text. It serves to create a spiritually uplifting atmosphere, reinforcing the connection between Sikhs and the core teachings of their faith.

Parkash and Sukhasan

• Parkash: This morning ritual involves ceremonially opening the Guru Granth Sahib and placing it on a raised platform in the gurdwara’s main hall. The scripture is then read aloud, marking the beginning of the day’s prayers.
• Sukhasan: In the evening, the Guru Granth Sahib is ceremonially closed, wrapped in cloth, and taken to its resting place. This act of “putting the scripture to bed” reflects the reverence Sikhs hold for the text as the living embodiment of divine guidance.

Langar (Community Kitchen)

While not directly connected to the Guru Granth Sahib, the Langar, a free community kitchen provided at every gurdwara, plays a significant role in Sikh practice. It represents values of equality, service, and community, reflecting the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib. Sikhs are reminded of their religious duty to serve others selflessly, reinforcing the ethical principles taught in the scripture.

Comparison to Idolatry

While deep reverence is shown to the Guru Granth Sahib, the respect Sikhs have for the scripture is fundamentally different from idolatry. Sikhs do not worship the physical form of the Guru Granth Sahib but rather the divine wisdom it contains. The rituals surrounding the scripture, such as its ceremonial care and the practice of Akhand Path, are not acts of idol worship but expressions of reverence for the spiritual teachings that guide Sikh life.

In contrast, idolatry involves worshiping physical representations as embodiments of the divine. Sikhism rejects this practice because of the belief that God is formless and transcends physical depiction. According to Sikh teachings, any image or object cannot fully capture the essence of the divine, and thus worship should not be directed toward such representations.

Link for Class: https://youtu.be/zZs5ZAr3JFY

Link for PPT: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Yq1cCqTI4TyNtNccNWhdce9tIZrG2dzT/view?usp=sharing