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Concept
Granthi
Summary
A Granthi (ਗ੍ਰੰਥੀ, ˈɡɾənthi) is a person, female or male, of the Sikh religion who is a ceremonial reader of the Guru Granth Sahib, which is the holy book in Sikhism, often read to worshipers at Sikh temples called a Gurdwara. The name Granthi comes from the Sanskrit granthika, which means a relater or narrator. Any Sikh individual appointed the title of being a Granthi is considered a principal religious official of Sikhism. Although they are considered religious officials in Sikhism, they are not considered to be the equivalent of a priest, as the belief is that there are no such religious intermediaries.
According to Sikh lore, the first Granthi was Baba Buddha, whom had been appointed by Guru Arjan to recite the then newly-compiled Adi Granth when it was first installed in the Harmandir shrine. Kavi Santokh Singh, in Suraj Prakash, describes this moment:
Arrived at Hari Mandir, ragis were singing in rags’s high notes.
Placed Grinth [Braj form of 'Granth'] with manji, then Guru own-self sat nearby.31
Listened to [Asa-ki-]Var with focused mind, then at end revered Arjan spoke.
“Buddha, open Sahib Grinth, make [Sabad] resound, [let] the whole Panth listen.”32
After listening to [Guru’s] ask liked by mind, [Buddha’s] mouth spoke statement is true.
Then, with respect, Grinth was opened, Buddha’s mouth voiced the [Sabad] resound.33
To be appointed a Granthi, one of the main qualifications is the commitment to the Sikh religion by becoming an Amritdhari Sikh. This is an acceptance of the full physical and spiritual discipline outlined in the Sikh Reht Maryada through a religious ceremony performed at the Gurdwara called an Amrit Sanchar. This ceremony is approved and conducted by the Panj Pyare. The five who are selected to perform this ceremony are chosen by the holy congregation referred to as the Sarbat Khalsa.
Other important qualifications include being able to read the holy scriptures of the Guru Granth Sahib, which is the duty of a Paathi in the Gurdwara.
Official source
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