the first guru granth sahib was written in 1708.
the first guru granth sahib was written in 1708.
when was the first guru granth sahib written?
1708
the entire guru granth sahib is written in the gurmukhi script, which was standardized by guru angad dev in the 16th century. according to sikh tradition and the "mahman prakash", an early sikh manuscript, guru angad dev had taught and spread the gurmukhi script at the suggestion of guru nanak dev which has invented the gurmukhi script. the word "gurmukhī" translates to "from the mouth of the guru". it descended from the laṇḍā scripts and was used from the outset for compiling sikh scriptures. the sikhs assign a high degree of sanctity to the gurmukhī script. it is the official script for writing punjabi in the indian state of punjab.
guru granth sahib
sikhs prostrate in front of guru granth sahib, the holy scripture of the sikhs. sikhs consider guru granth sahib as their living guru and the unchanging word of god: thus, by prostrating, sikhs present their head to their guru, awaiting command, which is taken in the form of a "hukamnama", or a random opening of guru granth sahib to reveal an edict for the individual or congregation (similar to the ancient roman practice of "sortes sanctorum", a form of bibliomancy). sikhs call the prostration "mutha tekna" ("lowering the forehead"). whenever and however many times a sikh is in the presence of guru granth sahib he will prostrate, usually upon the initial sight of guru granth sahib and again upon leaving the presence of guru granth sahib. sikhs, in their personal worship (morning nitnem and evening rehras), will prostrate upon the completion of prayers and the ardās. the direction of prostration is not important as sikhs place emphasis on the omnipresence of god: however, if it is possible, sikhs tend to prostrate in the direction in which "bani" (books containing the word of god, such as the gutka sahib or pothi sahib) are kept. other prostrations practiced by sikhs from an indian culture are touching of the feet to show respect and great humility (generally done to grandparents and other family elders). full prostration is reserved for guru granth sahib, as prostration is considered to be the ultimate act of physical humility and veneration.
prostration