GRANTHI, from the Sanskrit granthika (a relaier or narrator), is a person who reads the granih, Sanskrit grantha (composition, treatise, book, text). The terms are derived from the Sanskrit grath which means “to fasten, tie or string together, to compose (a literary work).” In Sikh usage, granih refers especially to the Guru Granth Sahib, the Scripture, and the term granihl is used for the officiant whose main duty it is to read the Holy Book in public. The granth`i`s, the principal religious official of Sikhism, but should not be thought of as a “priest” in the usual sense.
Priestly offices of other major South Asian and Western religious systems typically rest on conceptions of a fundamental separation between their officers and those to whom they minister. Hereditary Brahman priests are distinct in virtue of having inherited unique religious properties such as specific texts and temples, or at least a religious rank or status that sets them inherently apart from those they serve. Priests, ministers, and rabbis in the Judeo Christian tradition are often thought of as receiving a “calling” or “election” that others have not heard, and are ritually “ordained” into a special ministerial group within the community that sets them apart from “lay” members and entitles them to special esoteric knowledge not generally accessible.
But the office of Granthi is defined by common practice and the role of Granthi in any ritual can in principle be taken by any Sikh. There is no ordination of a Granthi apart from initiation as a Sikh, and the relationship between a Granthi and any other Sikh is one of perfect equality of status and religious importance. The Granthi is the custodian of the Holy Book in the gurdiudrd, the Sikh place of worship. He ceremonially opens it in the morning and closes it in the evening. In addition, he performs morning and evening services, which include the recitation of specific barns or compositions from Scripture, and leads the ardds or supplicatory prayer.
He may also perform or lead kirtan, i.e. devotional singing of the hymns.He conducts the rites of passage, and performs path or complete reading of the Scripture on behalf of the sangat (local Sikh community) or individuals and families, in the gurudwara or at private homes. In small villages or urban localities, he is responsible for maintaining and managing the gurudwara with public donations and offerings. Larger gurudwaras have their local managing committees with Granthis employed on regular salary. Since Sikhs do not have a hereditary priestly caste or class nor an hierarchical body of ordained priests and clergymen, any person competent to perform the duties and acceptable to local community can be appointed a Granthi.
He should of course be a baptized Sikh of blameless character, leading a simple life of a householder according to the ideals and traditional code of Sikh conduct. Ideally, a Granthi is fundamentally an ideal for a Sikh in general stressing piety and humility. The Sikh Granthis generally wear turbans of white, black, blue or yellow colour, long shirts or cloaks and chunddr trousers, in tlie manner of breeches with folds at the ankles. They carry a white sash or scarf hung loosely around the neck. Their duties and obligations arc set out by example rather than by rule or dogma.
Historically, the first Granthi of the Sikh faith was the venerable Bhai Buddha (1506-1631), who was so designated by Guru Arjan to attend upon the Adi Granth (Holy Granth) as it was installed for the first time in Harimandar at Amritsar. This was the origin of the office. Since copies of the Adi Granth began to be made immediately after the completion of the first recension and as the number of sangats increased, more Granthis were needed for service. The office of Granthi became particularly significant after the Adi Granth was proclaimed Guru by Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708) just before his death.
The most eminent Granthi after Bhai Buddha at Harimandar, the Golden Temple of modern days, was Bhai Mani Singh, appointed to the exalted station by Guru Gobind Singh`s widow, Mata Sundari, in 1721. He met with a martyr`s death in 1737. During the subsequent period of persecution and turbulence, while the Sikhs were fighting a guerilla battle for survival, hiding in hills, forests and deserts, Sikh shrines were looked after by priests of the Nirmala and Udasi sects who being recluse sddhus were spared by the persecuting Mughal and Afghan rulers. Most of these early custodians or granthis were dedicated men and some of them were eminent scholars, too.
But later, as large jdgirs or land grants were made to these shrines by Sikh rulers, corruption crept in and the gurudwaras had to be freed from the hold of mahants (as the custodians called themselves) by launching a prolonged agitation. Ever since, the granthls are by and large amritdhdn (baptized) Sikhs. They are addressed respectfully as bdbdji, gidmji or bhdiji. There exist several institutions for the training of Granthis, the best known among them being the Shahid Sikh Missionary College at Amritsar run by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, a democratically elected body legally entrusted with the man agement of the shrines and the conduct in general of religious affairs of the Sikhs.
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The Granthi holds a pivotal position in Sikhism, serving as the custodian and reader of the Guru Granth Sahib, the central religious scripture and eternal Guru of the Sikhs. This role is deeply rooted in spiritual, cultural, and communal responsibilities that extend far beyond the confines of a mere religious officiant.
Historical and Spiritual Role
The origins of the Granthi role can be traced back to the early days of Sikhism, when the teachings of the Sikh Gurus were compiled into what is now known as the Guru Granth Sahib. The Granthi’s primary responsibility is to recite and interpret the Gurbani (sacred hymns) during religious services and ceremonies. This act is not merely a reading; it is a spiritual connection between the scripture and the congregation, helping individuals internalize the divine messages of equality, compassion, and devotion.
The Granthi also ensures the proper care and reverence of the Guru Granth Sahib. This includes ceremonially opening and closing the scripture, maintaining its physical sanctity, and overseeing its placement on the Takht (throne) in Gurdwaras (Sikh places of worship). Through these actions, the Granthi exemplifies the Sikh principle of humility and service.
Educator and Guide
The Granthi serves as an educator within the Sikh community, often leading discussions on Gurbani and Sikh philosophy. By explaining the historical, moral, and spiritual contexts of the hymns, Granthis foster a deeper understanding of Sikh teachings. This educational role is vital in transmitting the faith’s values to future generations and addressing contemporary issues through the lens of Sikh ethics.
In addition to providing religious education, the Granthi offers guidance in times of personal or communal challenges. Whether presiding over joyous occasions such as weddings or solemn rites like funerals, the Granthi acts as a source of emotional and spiritual support, embodying the Sikh ethos of empathy and solidarity.
Cultural and Social Role
Beyond their spiritual duties, Granthis often play a crucial role in preserving and promoting Sikh culture. They organize community events, lead Kirtan (devotional singing), and encourage Seva (selfless service) among the congregation. In this way, they reinforce the collective identity of the Sikh community while fostering an inclusive environment.
The Granthi’s role extends to social advocacy, particularly in diaspora communities. They often serve as intermediaries between different cultural contexts, helping Sikhs navigate their dual identities while staying true to their faith. This adaptability makes the Granthi a unifying figure, bridging gaps within the community and with the broader society.
Challenges and Evolution
While the role of the Granthi is revered, it is not without challenges. In an increasingly globalized and digital world, Granthis must adapt to new mediums of communication to reach younger audiences. They are also tasked with addressing complex issues such as interfaith dialogue, gender equality, and social justice from a Sikh perspective. Balancing these evolving responsibilities with traditional practices requires a nuanced understanding of both the faith and contemporary realities.
In conclusion, the Granthi is more than a caretaker of the Guru Granth Sahib; they are spiritual leaders, educators, cultural ambassadors, and community advocates. Through their multifaceted role, they embody the Sikh values of humility, service, and unity, ensuring the faith remains vibrant and relevant across generations and geographies. The Granthi, therefore, is not merely a role but a living embodiment of Sikhism’s eternal principles.
