Compiling the Adi Granth

Installation in the Harmandir Sahib

Bhai Buddha carries the Granth on his head, Guru Ji follows with a whisk, and the first reading is taken.

Agreed in tradition16 August 1604Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar1 min read

Fresco of Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji with Bhagats and Bhai Gurdas — A mid-1800s fresco at Gurdwara Baba Bir Singh imagining Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji compiling the Adi Granth with Bhai Gurdas, with the Bhagats present. The Bhagats lived in earlier centuries, so the gathering is symbolic.Unknown, c. mid 19th century, Gurdwara Baba Bir Singh (as stated on Commons). Public domain. Source

The Gurbilas, as quoted by the Encyclopaedia, says that Guru Ji lay awake thinking about who should take charge of the Granth and settled on Bhai Buddha. At dawn the whole sangat walked from Ramsar, with Bhai Buddha bearing the volume on his head and Guru Ji behind him waving the whisk over it, while musicians sang.

Photograph of the Harmandir Sahib seen across the pool — The Harmandir Sahib photographed by an unknown photographer around the turn of the 20th century. Source

In the inner sanctuary Bhai Buddha opened the book for the first time. The hymn that came up gave thanks for a task completed and for the tank full of nectar. Guru Ji directed that the book should rest each night in his own room, and slept on the floor beside it.

How do we know?

Several traditional accounts tell this story, without close independent support.

The day comes through a late chronicle, though it fits Bhai Gurdas's note of 1 August. The Encyclopaedia's sources and Gurbilas are not independent of each other.

ScholarshipGives the date, the procession, the first reading and the night-time custom, following the Gurbilas.[EoS]
ScholarshipGives the same date and names Bhai Buddha as first granthi.[EoS]
ScholarshipConfirms his appointment to the office on that day.[EoS]

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