Sikh Literature

Sikh literature is rich and varied, with key texts that reflect the teachings, history, and philosophy of Sikhism.

At the heart of Sikhism lies a rich and expansive body of literature, which includes divine revelations, historical records, philosophical teachings, and devotional hymns. Exploring these essential texts offers profound insights into the Sikh worldview and the enduring wisdom of its Gurus.

Below is an introduction to the main forms of Sikh literature, highlighting their significance to Sikh thought, practice, and history. The list of texts was decided based on their historical, theological, and doctrinal significance:

Contents

1. Guru Granth Sahib

Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

The Guru Granth Sahib is the central religious scripture of Sikhism and is considered the eternal Guru by Sikhs. It is a compilation of hymns, prayers, and teachings that guide the spiritual, ethical, and moral lives of Sikhs. The text was compiled by the fifth Guru, Guru Arjan, in the early 17th century, and later, Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru, declared it as the final Guru of the Sikhs in 1708.

Dasam Granth

The Dasam Granth is a scripture attributed to Guru Gobind Singh, featuring hymns, prayers, and writings with spiritual and historical significance. It has been the subject of controversy due to its content and historical context. The Dasam Granth inlcudes important compositions such as Jaap Sahib, Chaupai Sahib and Zafarnama.

Sarbloh Granth

The Sarbloh Granth is a significant but lesser-known text within Sikh literature, attributed to Guru Gobind Singh. There are multiple versions of the Sarbloh Granth, with variations in the content and structure. These differences have led some to question whether the Granth, as we have it today, is indeed the work of Guru Gobind Singh or the result of later edits by followers. Nonethe

Bhai Gurdas Varan

Bhai Gurdas is considered the first interpreter of Gurbani. His writings are considered the 'key' to understanding the Sikh holy scriptures. Bhai Gurdas was the Guru Amar Das's nephew. Bhai Gurdas wrote 40 vars (ballads) and 556 kabits (both forms of Punjabi poetry). These verses are an early edition of the Sikh principles and explain and interpret the teachings of the Sikh Gurus. They were written in the 17th century about 65 years after Guru Nanak's life.

These writings are considered as one of the best specimens of Sikh literature and philosophy. Bhai Gurdas not only wrote the Adi Granth as dictated by Guru Arjan, he also supervised the writings of four other scribes, namely Bhai Haria, Bhai Sant Das, Bhai Sukha and Bhai Manasa Ram who were writing various Sikh scriptures.

Bhai Gurdas Kabit Savaiye

The work is made up of poems and verses called "Kabit" (poetry) and "Savaiye" (hymns or stanzas), and it provides valuable teachings on Sikh philosophy, ethics, and devotion. They were written in the 17th century.

Bhai Nand Lal's Work

Bhai Nand Lal's literary contributions are vast, and his works are written primarily in Persian, which was the court language of the Mughal empire at the time. Persian was also a language of intellectual and spiritual discourse in the region.

Bhai Nand Lal's works played a critical role in preserving and propagating the spiritual teachings of Guru Gobind Singh. As a poet and close associate of the Guru, he helped to transmit the Khalsa ideals and philosophical thought to future generations of Sikhs.

Bhai Nand Lal's literary and spiritual contributions continue to resonate with Sikhs worldwide. Through his poetry and philosophical writings, he articulated core Sikh teachings and the spiritual ideals of devotion to God, selfless service, and ethical conduct. His works remain an essential part of the Sikh spiritual and literary heritage, and his influence on Sikh thought and devotion endures in contemporary Sikhism.

Main Janamsakhis

Sakhi Mahal Pahile Li - written between 1570-74 by Seehan Uppal

Janam Patri Babe ji ki - written between 1597-1600 by Bhai Boola

Hafizabad Vali Janamsakhi

Janam Patri Nanak Vedi ki or Janamsakhi Bhai Bala written between 1657-59 by Gorakh Das - compiled by a follower of Baba Hindal, a dissenter of Sikhism

Sakhi Babe Nanak ji ki – Its other names are Sakhi Adi Anki, Puratan Janamsakhi, Valayat Wali Janamsakhi, Colebrook Wali Janamsakhi or Macauliffe Wali Janamsakhi written between 1657-58 by Saido Jatt

Bhai Mani Singh's Janamsakhi also known as Gian Ratanavali written around 1737

B40 Janamsakhi? 1733 The B40 Janam-sākhī is thought to be the third oldest

The janam-sākhīs now available to us may be grouped into a number of ‘traditions'; the most important being the Purātan, the Miharbān and the Bālā traditions, as well as a version known as the Ādi Sākhīs.

Other Janamsakhis

Pothi Sach Khand bearing a more popular name Janamsakhi Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji written in 1619 by Meharvan. Also known as The Meharban Janamsakhi (son of Prithi Chand Mina, grandson of Guru Ram Das)

In addition to these versions there are a few other versions such as Pothi Harji written by Kesodas during 1650-1651, and Pothi Chattarbhuj written by Kesodas in 1651 which are, infact, extensions of Janamsakhi by Meharvan.

To make sense of these Janamsakhi's read the book Janamsakhi Tradition - An Analytical Study and Know your Heritage

Rehatnamas – Codes of Conduct

Six of the earliest Rahitnamas – of Bhai Nand Lal, Bhai Prahlad Singh, Bhai Daya Singh, Bhai Chaupa Singh, Bhai Desa Singh and the anonymous Prem Sumarg Granth.

Steek and Teekas

Historical Chronicles – Gurbilas, Panth Parkash, and More

The historical chronicles of Sikhism provide crucial insights into the lives of the Gurus and the development of the Sikh Panth (community). Texts like the Panth Parkash and Gurbilas Patshahi 10 document the events, battles, and struggles that shaped the Sikh faith. These texts help modern Sikhs connect with their historical roots and the legacy of their Gurus.

Gur Bilas Patshahi Chhevin by Sohan Kavi in 1718

Koer Singh's
Gurbilas Patshahi 10
Panth Parkash

Baba Samér Singh Ji Gurbilas Patshahi 10, 1873

Giani Gian Singh Panth Parkash (http://www.sikhsundesh.net/mythical.htm)

Bhai Gian Singh (descendant of Bhai Mani Singh)
Panth Parkash
Twarikh Guru Khalsa
Nanak Parkash
Suraj Parkash Granth

Mahima Prakash by Sarup Das Bhalla (descendant of Guru Amar Das) 1776

Sri Gur Pur Parkash Granth by Sant Rain Prem Singh

Sikh Philosophy and Theology – Academic Texts and Scholarly Works

For those interested in the deeper philosophical underpinnings of Sikhism, a range of academic and theological texts offer intellectual insights. Works by scholars like Prof. Ganda Singh and Dr. J.S. Grewal explore the theological aspects of Sikhism, examining concepts like the nature of God, the soul, and liberation, as well as the impact of Sikh philosophy on the world.

Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha. Known for "Mahan Kosh," the first-ever Punjabi encyclopedia, covering Sikh culture, history, and literature.

Prof Sahib Singh

Modern Sikh Literature – Contemporary Voices?

Modern Sikh literature continues to evolve, addressing contemporary issues while staying grounded in Sikh values. Modern authors and thinkers engage with the global Sikh diaspora, exploring topics such as identity, social justice, and the intersection of Sikhism with other world religions. These contemporary texts ensure the continued relevance of Sikh teachings in today's complex world.

Books by Sant Singh Maskeen

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