Completion Day of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

In Sikh history, the year 1604 is remembered with deep reverence as the sacred occasion known as the Completion Day (Sampooranta Divas) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. On this day, the fifth Nanak, Sri Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji, completed the compilation of the Adi Granth, which in time became the eternal Guru of the Sikhs, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

Background of the Compilation

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji continued the tradition of Gurbani that had begun with Sri Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji and flowed through Sri Guru Angad Dev Sahib Ji, Sri Guru Amar Das Sahib Ji, and Sri Guru Ram Das Sahib Ji. As the Sikh community grew, there was a need to preserve the authentic hymns of the Gurus in one volume, free from any alteration or interpolation. Guru Sahib therefore undertook the monumental task of collecting and arranging the revealed Word.

The Work of Compilation

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji personally supervised the preparation of the Adi Granth. He dictated the hymns, and Bhai Gurdas Ji, his revered maternal uncle and a devoted Sikh, served as the scribe. The sacred volume was written with great care and devotion. Guru Sahib included the hymns of the first four Gurus, his own compositions, and the devotional verses of several Bhagats and saints from different backgrounds, such as Bhagat Kabir Ji, Bhagat Farid Ji, Bhagat Namdev Ji, Bhagat Ravidas Ji, and others, whose writings were in harmony with the core teachings of Sikhism.

Completion and Installation

The compilation was completed in 1604 at Ramsar, Amritsar. The Adi Granth was then installed with great honour in Sri Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar. Sri Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji appointed Baba Buddha Ji as the first Granthi, the custodian and reader of the sacred scripture. This marked a historic moment: the Word of the Gurus was now enshrined at the spiritual centre of the Sikh faith, accessible to all without distinction of caste, creed, or gender.

Significance

The Completion Day holds profound meaning for Sikhs. It celebrates the preservation of the Guru's Word in its pure form and the establishment of a central authority for spiritual guidance. The Adi Granth later received the compositions of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji and was conferred the Guruship by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji in 1708, becoming Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Thus, the compilation completed in 1604 laid the foundation for the eternal Guru of the Sikhs.

Observance

On this day, Sikhs gather in Gurdwaras to offer prayers, recite Gurbani, and reflect on the teachings enshrined in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Akhand Paths, Kirtan, and Katha are organized to honour the sacred scripture. The day reminds Sikhs of their duty to live according to the Guru's Word and to uphold the values of devotion, equality, and service.