The Original Holy Kartarpur Bir Needs to be Preserved by SGPC, not a Private Family
The Sacred Journey of the Ultimate Holy Sikh Scripture: From Kartarpur Bir to Damdama Bir.
The Sacred Journey of Sikh Scripture: From Kartarpur Bir to Damdama Bir
The history of Sikhism’s sacred scripture is a journey deeply rooted in devotion, meticulous preservation, and profound spiritual evolution. Central to this legacy are two monumental texts, the Kartarpur Bir and the Damdama Bir, with the latter revered by Sikhs worldwide as the living manifestation of the Guru. These cherished manuscripts represent not only the unfolding of divine wisdom imparted by the Sikh Gurus but also the continuous, guiding presence of the Guru through the Damdama Bir, ceremonially preserved by the SGPC at the Golden Temple (Darbar Sahib) in Amritsar. Beyond their historical and supreme religious significance, they stand as sacred symbols of faith, embodying the essence of Sikh spirituality and cultural heritage that resonates through generations.
The Kartarpur Bir: The Original Adi Granth
In 1604, Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Guru of the Sikhs, undertook the sacred endeavour of compiling the first version of Sikh scripture, known as the Adi Granth. Entrusting this monumental task to Bhai Gurdas, Guru Arjan personally supervised the recording of these divine hymns. The original manuscript, known as the Kartarpur Bir, is a profoundly revered sacred text that embodies not only the spiritual teachings of the Sikh Gurus but also the wisdom of Hindu and Muslim saints—many contemporaries of the first five Sikh Gurus, yet some, like Baba Sheikh Farid, lived nearly two centuries before Guru Nanak Dev Ji. In this inclusive spirit, the Kartarpur Bir reflects the Sikh philosophy of unity across faiths, standing as an enduring testament to spiritual harmony and the shared quest for divine truth.
Custodianship and Preservation Concerns Surrounding the Kartarpur Bir
Currently, the Kartarpur Bir is in the private possession of the Sodhi family, descendants of Guru Arjan Dev, who reside in Kartarpur, a village on the GT Road near Jalandhar in Punjab. This text is housed at Gurdwara Thum Sahib, where it is made available for darshan (public viewing) only once a year on Baisakhi, one of the most important Sikh festivals. Its authenticity has been verified by distinguished Sikh scholars, including Bhai Jodh Singh, who identified the original signatures of Guru Arjan Dev on its pages.
While the Sodhi family has faithfully safeguarded this sacred manuscript for generations, members of the Sikh community have expressed concerns over the limited access to this pivotal religious artefact. Additionally, questions have been raised about whether it is being preserved according to the highest modern standards of preservation, to ensure its protection for future generations.
The Damdama Bir: The Final Manifestation
Guru Gobind Singh’s Journey Through Sacrifice and Resilience
After the fierce battle of Chamkaur in December 1704, Guru Gobind Singh traversed the dense jungles of Machhiwara along the banks of the Sutlej, making his way through Alamgir, both in what is now Ludhiana district. His journey continued to Khidrana (now Muktsar), where the ਚਾਲੀ ਮੁਕਤੇ (Chali Muktey, or Forty Liberated Ones) sacrificed their lives in devotion to the Guru during the Battle of Muktsar on December 29, 1705. Soon after, at Dina-Kangar near Rampura Phul, the Guru composed the renowned Zafarnama (Epistle of Victory), a powerful message to Emperor Aurangzeb.
The Martyrdom of the Sahibzadas: A Legacy of Supreme Sacrifice
The martyrdom of the Sahibzadas marked one of the most heart-wrenching chapters in Sikh history. The older Sahibzadas, Baba Ajit Singh and Baba Jujhar Singh, valiantly achieved martyrdom during the battle of Chamkaur on December 7, 1704. A few days later, the younger Sahibzadas, Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh, courageously embraced martyrdom on December 26, 1704, bricked alive at Sirhind (now Fatehgarh Sahib). Guru Sahib is believed to have received the tragic confirmation of both these events during his travels, possibly at Alamgir.
The Creation of the Damdama Bir: Enriching and Establishing Sikhism’s Ultimate Spiritual Canon
Guru Gobind Singh’s Arrival at Talwandi Sabo: A Sacred Retreat
In 1706, Guru Gobind Singh arrived at Talwandi Sabo (now Damdama Sahib), where he camped from January 20 to October 30 before his eventual departure for the Deccan. During this deeply spiritual period, he undertook the monumental task of preparing a revised and expanded version of the Adi Granth, known as the Damdama Bir.
Recreating the Sacred Scripture from Memory
With no physical copy to rely on—all previous birs having been swept away in the raging Sirsa River as Guru Sahib and his family departed from the fortified Anandpur Sahib under a promise of safety that the Mughals swiftly betrayed—the Tenth Guru recreated the sacred verses from memory alone. The separation of Guru Sahib’s family in this journey, now commemorated at Gurudwara Parivar Vichhoda near Ropar, marked a moment of profound sacrifice and resilience.
The Verses of Guru Tegh Bahadur and the Role of Bhai Mani Singh
With divine grace, Guru Gobind Singh infused this scripture with the fullness of his wisdom, guided by the spirit of his predecessors and the eternal voice of Waheguru. Relying solely on his prodigious memory, he dictated the entire scripture, ensuring its authenticity and purity. The revered Sikh scholar, later a martyr, Bhai Mani Singh, was honoured to serve as the scribe for this sacred manuscript, ensuring that each word reflected the Guru’s teachings with utmost purity and devotion. This version, known as the Damdama Bir, also included the hymns of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the Ninth Sikh Guru and father of Guru Gobind Singh, who had willingly embraced martyrdom in Delhi under the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb. Guru Tegh Bahadur sacrificed his life in the defence of righteous dharma, and his teachings, Salok Mahala 9, further enriched the spiritual repository of the Sikh faith.
Notably, despite his own prolific verses and compositions across various languages, Guru Gobind Singh refrained from adding a single verse of his own to Sri Guru Granth Sahib. This act of humility symbolised his devotion as a servant of the Almighty, affirming that the scripture’s divine wisdom stood complete and eternal, beyond any human contribution1.
The Declaration of the Eternal Sri Guru Granth Sahib
This expanded version would later become the definitive and eternal Sri Guru Granth Sahib, formally declared by Guru Gobind Singh as the everlasting Guru of the Sikhs. This pronouncement marked a transformative shift in Sikhism: henceforth, the faith would no longer rely upon a human Guru but would be forever guided by the divine wisdom enshrined within this scripture. As the embodiment of the Guru’s spirit and guidance, the Guru Granth Sahib continues to stand as the eternal beacon of truth, righteousness, and spiritual illumination for generations to come.
The Damdama Bir: A Lasting Beacon of Sikh Teachings and Spiritual Guidance
The Damdama Bir, now revered as Sri Guru Granth Sahib, stands as the ultimate canon of Sikh teachings, with all subsequent copies faithfully based upon it. As the embodiment of the Guru’s divine spirit and eternal guidance, this sacred scripture— as manifestation of the living Guru—continues to illuminate the path of Sikh spirituality and moral principles, guiding generations in their journey of faith, resilience, and righteousness.
Custodianship and Preservation of the Sacred Kartarpur Bir by the SGPC
For generations, the Sodhi family has safeguarded this sacred manuscript with devotion and care. However, within the Sikh community, concerns have been raised about the limited access to this pivotal religious artefact, a priceless treasure of immense spiritual significance. Furthermore, questions have emerged regarding whether it is being preserved with the highest standards of modern conservation, essential for ensuring its protection for future generations.
Given these concerns, it would be prudent, in our humble opinion, for this unique and invaluable holy scripture to be amicably entrusted to the custodianship of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), a representative Sikh body dedicated to managing Sikh religious institutions and artefacts. Should negotiations to transfer the Kartarpur Bir to an official Sikh body reach an impasse, there are potential legal avenues that could be explored to protect this sacred text as a public Sikh religious and cultural heritage, safeguarding its accessibility and preservation for the wider Sikh community.
The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972, grants the government the authority to compulsorily acquire artefacts of national importance for preservation in the public interest. This legislation could potentially be invoked to transfer the Kartarpur Bir to a public institution, where it could be preserved with the highest standards of care and made accessible for regular darshan. Additionally, the Punjab Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1964, may serve as a framework for protecting the Kartarpur Bir as a treasure of Punjab’s cultural and religious heritage. Independent and enlightened legal opinion should, however, be obtained before any steps are taken. Should existing laws be found inadequate, there remains the option of enacting a special state law to codify the transfer process with due recognition and appropriate compensation to the Sodhi family, who have commendably safeguarded the holy manuscript to date.
However, considering the profound religious significance of the Kartarpur Bir, a legal approach, including the possible enactment of a new law, would need to be pursued with utmost sensitivity. Ideally, a collaborative solution could be reached between the Sodhi family and Sikh representative bodies, facilitated by the Punjab Government. Such an approach would ensure the preservation and increased accessibility of this sacred text while honouring its heritage and the legacy of those who have protected it.
An Appeal to Honour the Spirit of the Kartarpur Bir
The Kartarpur Bir is not merely a historical or religious manuscript—it is the very heartbeat of Sikh spirituality, a living embodiment of the divine wisdom that forms the core of the Sikh faith. To limit access to such a sacred text, with its profound significance, feels incongruent with Sikh teachings that advocate for collective sharing of spiritual enlightenment. As a priceless scripture compiled under the guidance of Guru Arjan Dev Ji and scribed by Bhai Gurdas Ji with utmost devotion, this original manuscript deserves to be seen, revered, and experienced by all Sikhs, offering daily inspiration and devotion.
The Kartarpur Bir belongs to the Sikh panth, not as a relic confined to private viewings but as the mirror of the eternal Guru, whose presence is most deeply felt within the sangat (congregation). Sikhism teaches that divine wisdom is for all, transcending caste, creed, and background. The Sodhi family’s dedicated custodianship of this priceless manuscript has been a blessing, yet there now arises a call for the greater good—to place this sacred text within the Sikh community, where it can be accessed and revered regularly.
A Call for Preservation and Accessibility
In this pivotal moment, we are called to come together as a community united in humility and reverence. The Kartarpur Bir, representing the genesis of Sikh scripture, and the Damdama Bir, marking its culmination, stand as more than just invaluable manuscripts—the latter is a the living Guru. Let us ensure these sacred texts are preserved with the highest care and made accessible to all, upholding the Guru’s vision of a world where divine wisdom illuminates every heart.
The Guru’s message was never intended to remain hidden; it was meant to enlighten the world. It is now up to us, the Sikh community, to ensure that the Kartarpur Bir finds its rightful place among the sangat—in the hands of the people, where it truly belongs. Let us honour the Guru by sharing this divine treasure with the world, as it was always meant to be.
ADDENDUM
As per most historical accounts, the original Damdama Bir, prepared by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1706, no longer exists in its original form. Some records suggest that the original Damdama Bir was reportedly lost during the Second Sikh Holocaust (Vadda Ghallughara) in 1762, when it was possibly taken to Kabul. However, this claim has not been definitively verified.
The distinctions between the Kartarpur Bir and the Damdama Bir are generally considered to be not substantial. The Damdama Bir, however, uniquely includes the compositions of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, which are absent in the Kartarpur Bir, as it was compiled by the Fifth Nanak, Guru Arjan Dev Ji. Widely believed to have been dictated by Guru Gobind Singh Ji from sheer memory, the Damdama Bir was compiled under his personal guidance and supervision. It is revered as the final and complete form of the Guru Granth Sahib. In preparing the Damdama Bir, Guru Gobind Singh Ji standardised the text, refining the canon and excluding certain compositions that may have appeared in earlier versions.
While the core content and verses in the Kartarpur Bir and Damdama Bir remain fundamentally aligned, there may be other subtle differences. For instance, there may be minor variations in spelling, syntax, or organisation of the text, as the Damdama Bir was intended as a revised and standardised rendition. Nonetheless, without access to the original Damdama Bir and considering the limited access to the Kartarpur Bir, a precise comparison of the verses remains challenging.
It is significant to note that the current printed versions of the Guru Granth Sahib are rooted in the Damdama Bir tradition, widely upheld as the final and authoritative compilation prepared by Guru Gobind Singh Ji himself. This reverence for and adherence to the Damdama Bir tradition underscores its profound importance in Sikh scriptural tradition, offering the Sikh Sangat a consistent and venerated foundation for spiritual guidance and practice.
DISCLAIMER
I am a humble Sikh and make no claims to being an established scholar in Sikh studies. This article is the result of my limited research and faculties, and I have undertaken it with the utmost reverence for the Sikh Gurus, Sri Guru Granth Sahib, and both the revered Birs. I have exercised rigorous due diligence to verify the facts and the widely accepted interpretations of Sikh history and the surrounding events.
However, should any inaccuracies have inadvertently found their way into this work, I sincerely apologise in advance. I respectfully invite esteemed Sikh scholars and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to provide any clarifications or corrections that would ensure a more accurate representation. In such a case, I will amend this article accordingly.
The primary objective of this piece is to draw attention to the custodianship of the Kartarpur Bir and to foster a deeper understanding among the Sikh Sangat and the broader public. It does not seek to present original or groundbreaking research, but rather to illuminate this vital aspect of our heritage with respect and humility.
Footnote: The Mail Group Discussion and Broader Context
After sharing this article with a dedicated group of eminent Sikh scholars and personalities worldwide, a lively discussion ensued, highlighting various viewpoints regarding the Kartarpur Bir and the importance of other early manuscripts in Sikh heritage.
One line of thought suggested that the Kartarpur Bir’s accessibility has historically been limited, held as a private possession by its custodians and accessible primarily to VIPs. Some members noted that, given the widespread acceptance of the Damdama Bir as the final, complete scripture of Sikhism, further research into earlier versions might be unnecessary. This view emphasises that the Damdama Bir, accepted universally as the living Guru, settles theological questions conclusively, and efforts should focus on reverence rather than historical scrutiny.
However, another viewpoint underscored the importance of historical manuscripts like the Kartarpur Bir for their potential archival and cultural value, even if not for theological purposes. Proponents of this perspective emphasised that these texts could offer insights into the development of Sikh thought and the meticulous process by which the final, universally accepted version of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib was established. In this light, it was proposed that the Kartarpur Bir and similar texts be made more accessible for independent and objective research by scholars, aided by modern techniques, with the explicit support and blessings of Sikh institutions. This research would mirror similar practices in Christianity, where manuscripts like the Septuagint, Latin Vulgate, and others have been studied not to contest the final Bible canon— King James version— but to enrich understanding of its historical evolution.
Such research, if conducted with due reverence and without challenging the sanctity of the Damdama Bir, could illuminate early Sikh manuscripts, including versions of the Dasam Granth and Zafarnama, thereby preserving an integral part of Sikh history. The intention is not to reopen settled debates or authenticate one version over another, but rather to present findings objectively within a context that respects the established finality of the Guru Granth Sahib.
The discussion ultimately reinforced that all historical Sikh texts, especially those revered manuscripts held in limited custody, should be preserved with advanced conservation techniques, ideally under the custodianship of the SGPC, the truly Sikh representative Sikh body or a trustee appointed by it. The purpose of the original article was merely to bring such lesser-known facts to light, and the ensuing discussion only underscores the significance of this topic within the Sikh community.
The call remains for unity, understanding, and preservation, ensuring that research efforts are carried out with humility and respect for the Gurus’ teachings and the sanctity of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
Citations
Counter-Narratives on the Authenticity of the Kartarpur Bir
The authenticity of the Kartarpur Bir, believed to be the original Adi Granth compiled by Guru Arjan Dev, is contested among scholars. Some critics suggest it may not be the original manuscript but rather a copy, potentially linked to Bhai Banno's Bir or the Goindwal Pothis. Researchers like G.B. Singh and W.H. McLeod have questioned its authenticity, pointing to elements such as blank pages and incomplete hymns. Figures like Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha have also noted evolving inconsistencies in the Bir's contents. Key points of contention include the inclusion of texts like the Ragamala and a disputed hymn in the Ramkali mode, alongside debates around Brahminical influences in some additional sections.
Citations:
1. Gurmat Bibek Forum
2. Islam Sikhism: Kartarpuri Bir Pothi
3. Sikh Institute
4. Sikh Philosophy Network
The Dasam Granth, a revered compilation of verses attributed to Guru Gobind Singh, has been the subject of scholarly debate and some mild contestation within the Sikh community. While many hold it as a profound spiritual text, certain scholars question the authorship of specific sections, suggesting possible interpolations over time. Due to these ongoing discussions, the Dasam Granth is rarely displayed openly in Gurdwaras, in contrast to the Guru Granth Sahib. Nevertheless, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has published an authoritative version to help standardise the text. Despite the controversies, parts of the Dasam Granth, such as Jaap Sahib and Tav-Prasad Savaiye, remain integral to daily Sikh prayers and ceremonies, forming an enduring part of Sikh spiritual practice.
ਸਿੱਧੂ ਸਾਹਿਬ
ਇਹ ਬੜਾ ਅਹਿਮ ਮਸਲਾ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਤੁਹਾਡਾ ਸੁਝਾਅ ਵੀ ਬਹੁਤ ਕੀਮਤੀ ਹੈ। ਅਵਾਜ਼ ਬੁਲੰਦ ਕਰਨਾਂ ਹੀ ਇਸ ਦਾ ਹੱਲ ਹੈ।
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