First Parkash Gurpurab of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

The First Parkash Gurpurab of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is one of the most sacred and historically significant observances in Sikh history. It commemorates the day in 1604 CE when Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru, completed the compilation of the Adi Granth and installed it with great reverence at Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar. This event marked the beginning of the tradition of the Shabad Guru, affirming that the Divine Word enshrined in the sacred scripture would serve as the eternal guide for the Sikh community.

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji undertook the monumental task of compiling the hymns of the preceding Gurus and other Bhagats and saints. He collected the compositions of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji, Sri Guru Amar Das Ji, and Sri Guru Ram Das Ji, along with the writings of Bhagat Kabir Ji, Bhagat Farid Ji, Bhagat Namdev Ji, and others. The revered Bhai Gurdas Ji acted as the scribe, meticulously recording the sacred verses. The Adi Granth was thus prepared with deep devotion, and its completion represented the spiritual culmination of the Gurus' teachings.

Upon completion, Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji installed the Adi Granth at Sri Harmandir Sahib, the central Sikh shrine in Amritsar. The first Parkash, or ceremonial installation, was performed with profound respect and joy. Bhai Buddha Ji, a revered elder of the Sikh community, was appointed as the first Granthi, or custodian, to read and care for the scripture. This occasion was celebrated with great enthusiasm by the Sikhs, who gathered to witness the enshrinement of the sacred volume. The event established the practice of according the highest honour to the Guru Granth Sahib as the living Guru.

The significance of this day lies in the fact that it laid the foundation for the Guru Granth Sahib to be recognized as the eternal Guru of the Sikhs. Although the formal declaration of the Guru Granth Sahib as the perpetual Guru was made later by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1708, the first Parkash in 1604 was a pivotal step in that direction. It affirmed that the Divine Word, rather than any individual, would be the ultimate authority for the Sikh Panth. The Shabad Guru tradition began with this installation, and it continues to guide Sikhs worldwide.

The First Parkash Gurpurab is observed with deep devotion. Sikhs gather in Gurdwaras to recite the sacred hymns, offer prayers, and reflect on the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib. The day reminds the community of the importance of the Guru's Word and the need to live according to its divine principles. It is a time of spiritual renewal and gratitude for the gift of the Guru Granth Sahib, which illuminates the path of truth and righteousness.