Granthis

Definition

Granthis are Sikh religious leaders or caretakers of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism. They play a vital role in the Sikh community by reciting, interpreting, and teaching the teachings found within the scripture, thus promoting understanding and adherence to Sikh values, including gender equality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Granthis are responsible for conducting prayers and leading congregational worship in gurdwaras, ensuring that teachings of gender equality from the Guru Granth Sahib are conveyed effectively.
2. The role of granthis emphasizes inclusivity, allowing women to participate as granthis, reflecting the Sikh principle of equality between genders.
3. Granthis also play an educational role by explaining complex theological concepts from the Guru Granth Sahib to the community, helping everyone understand their significance.
4. In addition to spiritual duties, granthis may also engage in community service activities, embodying Sikh values of selfless service (seva) and social justice.
5. Granthis maintain the Guru Granth Sahib with great reverence, ensuring that it is treated as a living entity and that its teachings are upheld in daily life.

Review Questions

• How do granthis contribute to promoting gender equality within Sikh practices?
  • Granthis contribute to promoting gender equality by embodying and teaching the principles of equality found in the Guru Granth Sahib. Their role allows women to serve as granthis, thereby challenging traditional gender roles and affirming women's participation in spiritual leadership. This approach aligns with Sikh teachings that emphasize that all individuals, regardless of gender, have equal access to spiritual knowledge and community roles.
• What responsibilities do granthis hold in relation to the Guru Granth Sahib and the Sikh community?
  • Granthis are tasked with maintaining and interpreting the Guru Granth Sahib, leading prayers and kirtan sessions while ensuring that its teachings are accessible to all. They facilitate worship services in gurdwaras and educate congregants about the scripture's messages, particularly those concerning social justice and equality. This dual role enhances their influence within the community as both spiritual leaders and educators.
• Evaluate the impact of granthis on the perception of women's roles in Sikhism compared to traditional views in other religions.
  • Granthis have a significant impact on reshaping perceptions of women's roles in Sikhism by actively participating in religious leadership, which contrasts with more traditional views found in many other religions. In Sikhism, the allowance for women to be granthis challenges societal norms and promotes a more progressive view of gender roles within a religious context. This inclusion fosters an environment where gender equality is not just an ideal but a practiced reality in community life and worship.

Related terms

Guru Granth Sahib: The central religious scripture of Sikhism, regarded by Sikhs as the final, sovereign, and eternal living Guru.

Sikhism: A monotheistic religion founded in the Punjab region of India in the 15th century, emphasizing equality, community service, and devotion to one God.

Kirtan:

A form of devotional singing in Sikhism where hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib are sung, often led by granthis to facilitate worship.