Is Worshipping Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Akin To Idol Worship?

BHAI SAHIB RANDHIR SINGH (1878-1961) was an outstanding freedom-fighter and a great saint and theologian who has made a lasting contribution to the religious and cultural revival in Punjab, and was one of the first few Punjabi revolutionaries who staked their life and career to bring about political awakening and win freedom for their country. Son of a High Court Judge and educated in Govt. College and Mission College, Lahore, Bhai Randhir Singh ushered a moral and spiritual revival which set into motion what later on came to be known as Gurdwara Reform Movement. In the Rakabganj Affair (1913) it was his stern challenge to the British Government and stirring call to the people to organize resistance, which prevented the further desecration of the historic shrine.

In 1914, he was the only non-emigrant Sikh leader who completely identified himself with the cause of the Ghadar Party and suffered imprisonment for seventeen long years. He is known to historians of this period as "Hero of the First supplementary Lahore Conspiracy Case''. He is the only Sikh Leader who, in the last hundred years or more, has been given 'Hukamnamas' and Robes of Honour by the (then) four Takhats of the Panth, in solemn recognition of his sacrifices and impact on his times. His deep and original expositions of various aspects of Sikhism (more than 30 books) are a lasting contribution to Sikh theology, philosophy and mysticism. He distinguished himself in Punjabi prose and poetry by an erudite and powerful grand style of his own.

“Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the embodiment of the attributes of Ever Existent Supreme Being. Worshipping Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is same as paying homage to The Supreme Being.” (Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh Ji)

This book is based on a discussion with two English doctors during the severe attack of plague epidemic in March-April, 1902 in Panjab. It was at village Kheri Naudh Singh Tehsil Samrala that the two doctors had detailed discussion with Bhai Sahib. It also finds mention in Bhai Sahib’s Autobiography (Letters from Jail) under the heading 'At the time of service as Assistant Tehsildar'. One of the doctors, Dr. Fischer had suggested to Bhai Sahib to give this discussion a book form for general benefit. Bhai Sahib brought out the discussion in English language into Panjabi in 1903, in question-answer form. Bhai Sahib used the word 'Doctor for Dr. Fischer and 'Singh' for himself. It was with the initiative of Late S. Joginder Singh Ji, Treasury officer Patiala State, that the book was printed in 1910 for the first time.

The translation of the Punjabi version of this book was undertaken by Bhai Jaspinder Singh (Toronto) after having been prompted by some of Bhai Sahib’s associates and Bhai Balbir Singh (son of Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh).

Following the success of the first two ebook publications in early 2012, Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh Trust UK (Registered Charity No: 1144954), has continued to publish Bhai Sahib’s work in this way in order to meet the demand of readers in the western world.

With the blessings of the Almighty and support of the Sangat, we can hopefully publish more of Bhai Sahib’s work in this way. Where possible, we are making these available free of charge. Any proceeds and donations will go towards making more work of this nature available and for other charitable causes. Please leave a review to encourage more people to read Bhai Sahib’s books. For updates follow us on Twitter (@bsrstrust), like us on Facebook (facebook.com/bsrstrust) or please get in contact if you would like to help out, donate or make suggestions. Our email is info@bsrstrust.org and website is www.bsrstrust.org.