Among Amritsar’s many historical shrines, Gurudwara Ramsar Sahib holds a special place. It stands on the banks of the Ramsar Sarovar, northeast of the Golden Temple. Here, Guru Arjun Dev secluded himself for over a year, working with his scribe, the renowned scholar Bhai Gurdas, to compile the holy Adi Granth.

By 1604, Guru Arjun Dev completed this sacred scripture and installed it with great honor in the Harmandir Sahib. He carefully selected hymns from the first four Gurus—Guru Nanak, Guru Angad, Guru Amar Das, and Guru Ram Das—while also adding his own compositions. Additionally, he included verses from Hindu and Muslim mystic saints, emphasizing the unity of God and the brotherhood of humanity.

Guru Arjun Dev arranged the Adi Granth according to musical measures, ensuring that each hymn could be sung as intended. Later, Guru Gobind Singh elevated the Adi Granth to the status of the Guru. Before departing from this world on October 7, 1708, he proclaimed, “Accept Guru Granth Sahib as the visible image of the Guru. Those whose hearts are pure can find the truth in the shabad.” With this declaration, he ended the lineage of human Gurus and instructed Sikhs to revere the Guru Granth Sahib as their eternal guide.

The significance of Gurudwara Ramsar Sahib stems from its role as the birthplace of the Adi Granth. For Sikhs, this sacred site remains a place of deep reverence and spiritual inspiration.