sikhism library
Books Texts & Resourcesoverview
The Sikhism Library is a curated collection of texts, scriptures, books, and online resources for anyone seeking to learn about the Sikh faith. Whether you are a student, researcher, or someone exploring Sikhism for the first time, this page brings together the most important primary sources and trusted references in one place. Sikhism is one of the world’s youngest major religions, founded in the Punjab region of South Asia in the 15th century by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Its teachings center on devotion to one God, equality of all human beings, selfless service (Seva), and honest living.
Sacred Scriptures Of sikhism
The Sikh faith is guided by a collection of holy scriptures that form the spiritual and ethical foundation of the religion. Understanding these texts is essential to understanding Sikhism.
Guru Granth Sahib
The Guru Granth Sahib is the eternal living Guru of the Sikhs and the central religious scripture of Sikhism. Compiled by the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, in 1604, it contains 1,430 pages (Angs) of hymns and poetry written by six of the ten Sikh Gurus as well as saints from other faiths. The scripture is written primarily in Gurmukhi script and is treated with the utmost reverence — it is installed in every Gurdwara and consulted for spiritual guidance on all matters of life.
Dasam Granth
The Dasam Granth is a scripture associated with the writings of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru. It contains compositions including Jaap Sahib, Tav Prasad Savaiye, and Chaupai Sahib — three of which form part of the daily Nitnem prayers. While it holds a significant place in Sikh devotional practice, its full status and authorship continue to be discussed among scholars and the Sikh community.
Recommended Books on Sikhism
The following books are widely respected resources for understanding the history, philosophy, and practice of Sikhism, suitable for both beginners and advanced readers.
- A History of the Sikhs — Khushwant Singh — A two-volume masterwork widely considered the definitive history of the Sikh people, from the founding of the faith to the modern era.
- The Sikh Religion — Max Arthur Macauliffe — A six-volume scholarly work published in 1909 that translates and contextualizes the lives of the Sikh Gurus and the hymns of the Guru Granth Sahib.
- Sikh Theology of Liberation — Dharam Singh — An in-depth exploration of Sikh philosophical thought, focusing on the concept of salvation (Mukti) and liberation in Sikh doctrine.
- The Essential Teachings of Sikhism — V.P. Kanitkar — An accessible introduction to Sikh beliefs, ethics, and practices, ideal for those new to the faith.
- Sikhism: A Very Short Introduction — Eleanor Nesbitt — Part of the Oxford University Press Very Short Introductions series, this concise volume covers Sikh history, theology, and contemporary practice.
- The Guru Granth Sahib: Canon, Meaning and Authority — Pashaura Singh — A scholarly examination of the compilation, authority, and meaning of the Sikh sacred scripture.
Nitnem Banis
The Nitnem Banis are the daily prayers that Sikhs are expected to recite each day. They include Japji Sahib (recited in the morning), Rehras Sahib (recited in the evening), and Kirtan Sohila (recited before sleep). These prayers come directly from the Guru Granth Sahib and the Dasam Granth and are considered essential to a Sikh’s daily spiritual practice.
