Talking to Guru Granth Sahib Ji 📖
Whenever we go to the Gurdwara and stand in Ardas, at the end of the Ardas we recite the following sacred words:
“Guru Granth Ji Maneo, Pargat Guraa Ki Deh. Jo Prabh Ko Milbo Chahe, Khoj Shabad Meh Leh.”
Guru Granth Sahib is the living spiritual embodiment of the Gurus. Those who seek union with God should search through the divine wisdom contained in Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
These words are so beautiful and contain the essence of Sikh ideology. To a non-Sikh, the Guru Granth Sahib Ji may seem like structured literature from the 15th to 17th centuries; but to a Sikh, the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is much more than that. To a Sikh, Guru Granth Sahib Ji is their living, breathing, talking spiritual guide or Guru.
Sure, Guru Granth Sahib Ji is in every Gurdwara, we bow down before the Guru, ask for things we want both material and spiritual, and outwardly acknowledge that Guru Granth Sahib Ji is our Guru. But when we have spiritual questions, do we look to Guru Granth Sahib Ji for real advice? Do we acknowledge Guru Granth Sahib Ji's Guruship purely ritualistically or practically?
FULLSCREEN VIEW 🔍 📸 Opening Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji with reverence to receive the Royal Decree (Hukamnama)
How to Receive a Hukamnama 🙏
Many will ask how talking to Guru Granth Sahib Ji is possible, and what the method is of communicating with Guru Ji. Since Guru Gobind Singh Ji bestowed eternal Guruship upon Guru Granth Sahib Ji at Sri Hazur Sahib in 1708, Sikhs have been seeking Guru Sahib's spiritual advice and guidance through the tradition of taking a Hukamnama.
The word Hukamnama literally translates to 'Royal Decree' or 'Divine Command'. The method of taking a Hukamnama begins by performing a sincere Ardas in front of Guru Granth Sahib Ji. In this Ardas, you can ask a specific spiritual question or simply ask for Guru Ji to bless you with words of spiritual wisdom.
At the end of the Ardas, taking Guru Ji's Angs (pages) in both hands with immense love and reverence, you open the pages of Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The first Shabad starting on the top left-hand page of Guru Ji is received as the Hukamnama, filled with the exact spiritual wisdom and guidance you require.
The Daily Royal Decree for Humanity 🏛️
Even today, a Hukamnama is taken in every Gurdwara daily when Guru Granth Sahib Ji is opened in the early hours of Amritvela; this sacred seva of opening Guru Granth Sahib Ji is called Parkash Seva.
The daily Hukamnama issued from Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar every morning is considered the Guru's royal decree for the entire world for that day. You can read today's live daily Hukamnama with complete Punjabi and English translations anytime on our Daily Hukamnama Page.
Never think that Guru Granth Sahib Ji is ancient literature with no relevance to modern life. Each Ang of Guru Granth Sahib Ji is filled with the highest spiritual wisdom known to humanity. A Hukamnama taken with love and faith can transform lives. Your Guru speaks to you, guides you, and communicates with you — the only question is: are you willing to listen?